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Fred Rogers: "We Have Such Wonderful Neighbors Out There"It is almost a universal feeling in this country that when you see the kind face or hear the soft, gentle voice of Mister Rogers you feel safe, happy, and as if you’re four years old again. Several generations have grown up watching this beloved man, who could convey a sense of security simply by taking off his sweater and putting on his sneakers every afternoon. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood provides children with a place to learn, explore, play, and have meaningful dialogue. Although the program stopped filming new episodes in 2001, it still airs today on over 300 PBS stations and has remained a favorite among children throughout the nation. However Fred Rogers’ influence on children and how we think about and treat them, stretched far beyond the television screen. His wife, Joanne Rogers, believes that one of his greatest contributions was his knowledge and insight about children’s development, which he used to create Family Communications, Inc. (FCI), the production company of the show. FCI was founded in 1971 and dedicated to communicating with young children in open, nurturing, and supportive ways. The non-profit organization has expanded into almost all forms of media, from print, audio, video, workshops, the Internet, DVD, and exhibitions, to producing a wide range of materials for children and their parents to encourage the healthy emotional growth. Fred Rogers’ books are a favorite resource for parents, with The Mister Rogers Parenting Book receiving AEP’s 2003 Distinguished Achievement Award, as well as being selected by Publishers' Weekly as one of the best books of 2002. Although the television show was what he was most famous for, his other projects supported his message of respect, love, and understanding. Almost everyone who knew him remarked upon how genuine and sincere he was, behaving the same on screen as off. As friend and President of FCI Bill Isler, put it, “What you saw is what you got.” Isler also said that Fred would be very honored to be inducted into the Educational Publishing Hall of Fame, because he was such a huge believer in the power of media. His wife Joanne expressed how he didn’t realize he had such an impact, that he was always a little surprised. “If he could see the reaction to his going to heaven, he would be overwhelmed by the grief and the sense of loss of so many people, who said ‘what are we going to do without him?’” She is confident though that people will carry on with his legacy, and continue to inspire children and adults alike. Fred Rogers appealed to both children and parents because he treated them the same way. Children appreciated how he spoke directly to them, making eye contact, and in a way that they could understand. He taught them to be proud, to accept themselves and others as they are. They also enjoyed his subtle, intelligent wit, demonstrated in clever songs he penned. Isler believes that the reason Fred could relate to children as well as he did was because he kept the qualities of childhood with him forever, and always had that sense of wonder about the world. When he retired from producing the program, Joanne explained that, “he missed playing with his friends” the most. One of his favorite parts of his job was being in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. He loved being the voices of the puppets like Daniel Striped Tiger, X the Owl, and King Friday XIII. She said although all the characters were a part of him, he had a soft spot for shy and sweet Daniel. A reluctant celebrity, Fred could probably identify closely with Daniel. He may not have enjoyed all aspects of becoming famous, but recognized that his fame gave him the opportunity to communicate his message. In his lifetime, he was honored with every major award in television for which he was eligible, including Emmys, Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the TV Critics Association, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1999. He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002, acknowledging his contribution to children and public television. Joanne iterated that she and their two children never felt deprived at having to share him with the nation; rather,they were proud of his work. He may not have always intended to become involved in television and the media; he earned his college degree in music composition and was also ordained as a minister. Yet he accepted and thrived in his position in the limelight, creating an exemplary program that is the longest-running in the history of public television. She spoke of how Fred often dreaded going away on trips and to big parties, due to his shy nature. By the time he came home, he glowed about all the people he met andhow wonderful, competent, and talented they were. He exclaimed, “We have such wonderful neighbors out there!” He was modest and private but still loved his neighbors. And certainly, all of his neighbors loved him. Questions, ideas, or in need of more information? Please contact Stacey Pusey at 302-295-8349. |
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