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COMMUNITY HERO:
MISTER ROGERS
by Desiree from Fredericksburg

(www.wpt.org/kids/whats_new/images/mister.jpg)

Today, there are many definitions of a hero. People want a hero who is strong (physically or internally), who can change the world, and who can be a role model. My definition of a hero is a simple one. To me, a hero should change the world, have a kind disposition (in public and in private), and to have touched my heart in some way. Even though I have many heroes, there is just one that stands out from the rest. Fred McFeely Rogers. You know, the man who had a children's show called Mister Rogers' Neighborhood? That wonderful show where when he came into the house he would change from his suit jacket and put on a cardigan. Then, take off his dress shoes and slip on a pair of sneakers, all the while singing, "Won't you please be my neighbor?" That's the man I like to call my hero.

Mister Rogers, otherwise known as Fred McFeely Rogers, was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania on March 20, 1928. He attended Dartmouth College in 1946 and earned a B.A. in music composition from Rollins College in 1951. What many people do not know about Mr. Rogers is that, in 1962, he was an ordained Presbyterian minister. One day, while watching a children's television program, he felt that it was horrible and he wanted to offer children something better. He went through many different children television shows, but none of them worked for very long.

Re-creation of the neighborhood
Finally on February 19, 1968, the first broadcast of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood aired on PBS. "Mr. Rogers," as said by Peggy Charren, founder of Children's Action Television. "wasn't just the soft voice in a world where everything is always getting louder. It was also a voice that cared about you, the individual, watching the screen." Many kids felt, that when they were watching his show, he was talking only to them. It wasn't just children who felt that intimate relationship with him, but it was parents as well. He taught parents how to talk to their children and how to make them (the child) feel unique.

His TV show, while being for children, dealt with everyday issues. Some programs he had, taught about divorce, adoption, and death. These, he felt, are things that children go through and they shouldn't feel like they are the only ones who go through these things. His shows were half an hour long, but he didn't try and cram everything into that small bit of time. He divided each of his shows into 5 segments. This, I believe, was perfect because it wouldn't rush the child to understand what he was saying. It gave them time to think about it and discuss it with their parents.

A comic strip

Today, we hear of celebrities being snobby, spoilt, and uncaring off the set. Luckily, my hero was not like that. He was every bit of his character on TV as in person. He was kind, gentle, compassionate, and understanding. Sadly to say, my hero died February 7th, 2003 due to stomach cancer. This man is my hero because for the longest time he was my friend on TV. He showed me the way I should treat others, what truly happens in this world, and how to love. Even though the world may forget, I will never forget Mr. Rogers.


Written by Desiree from Fredericksburg
Last changed on: 9/15/2010 5:23:03 PM

Mr. Rogers on PBS

Post-Gazette Farewell, Neighbor

Post-Gazette Arts & Entertainment

Family Communications Mister Rogers Neighborhood

 

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