Why We All Should Rewatch Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood
"You’ve made this day a special day, by just your being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you. And I like you just the way you are.”
-Mr. Rogers
Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood first aired in all 50 states on February 19, 1968. The television show would go on to air for 33 more years until 2001. The show set out to entertain and teach preschool age children, and ended up capturing the hearts of thousands of people in America.
Looking back on the show as an adult versus a child is quite interesting. The things you may have missed or see in a new light are all there. Nevertheless, the lessons taught and valued are still the same. In a world filled with greed, despair, hatred, and discrimination it is not only imperative that we seek unity and love but also kindness.
Mr. Rogers embodied kindness. He would be what people would say an angel in human form. From his selfishness to his love of children and people he educated and inspired a whole generation of future leaders. If he were alive today, what might he say about the world’s current events?
Are we as a people practicing what we preach? Are we walking with and helping our neighbors? Are we standing up for what matters or are we cutting corners? Are we as a nation being driven apart or together?
What is going right in our world today? With billions of people living together on this planet something is bound to go wrong. The focus starts with not hating ourselves or other people. It’s showing ourselves and others kindness. In the midst of tragic and traumatizing events, there will always be someone somewhere being a light in the darkness.
It only takes one person’s light to spread and make a difference. Imagine if we all showed our light instead of hiding in fear or being pushed further into darkness. If we all cared just a little more about others and the world, it would change so much so quickly.
Regardless of your stance, worldview, beliefs, thoughts, ideologies, and feelings. Mr. Rogers taught us how to be kind to everyone and everything. It doesn’t matter what shape, size, or color the person or thing is. For kindness was always the intention. No one is perfect, and that’s okay. He didn’t require that we ever were. Whether you enjoyed the show, agreed with his choices or disagreed with them; he was a great example of what you can achieve when you treat others the way you want to be treated.
Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood had a way of speaking to your innerchild, caressing them, and letting them know it was okay. In life, we are often reminded to compare things and hide our trueselves. To always fit in with the status quo and be like everyone else. This wasn’t the case with Mr. Rogers, it was simply be yourself for that is enough.
In 2024, where the world is in an upheaval and slowly unraveling…Mr. Rogers’ philosophy on life and relationships still rang true. So, give it a try, and go now and watch an episode of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. See if you to are also moved, inspired, and beaming with kindness. When you do find this kindness, make sure you pass it on.
