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Those who are not initiated, Fred Rogers was an American children’s TV icon. He started a children’s program called “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” in 1968. The show ran on national public television (non-profit) for three decades, longer than any other show in history.
It is a gold standard for goodness in an educational TV program. Despite his priestly value, Rogers has emerged as a pop culture rock star. The world is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his program. It reminds us the healthy, kind, supportive role of empathy TV can play in children’s lives. Rogers died in 2003.
His greatest strength lied in communication with children. One of his greatest themes was, “it is ok to make mistakes”. He was so gently instructive in his messages for generations of children.
One of the greatest highlights of his decades on TV was a series when Rogers met Koko, the gorilla in 1998, called “You and I together”.
Koko the famous gorilla was known for her ability to communicate with sign language. Koko was raised by US Gorilla Foundation in San Francisco and watched Rogers program regularly. Foundation President Penny Patterson proposed to Mister Rogers to invite koko to the show. Koko’s ability to communicate with Rogers was a global TV sensation, as seen in above image.
Rogers presented social harmony as important concept for 5 to 7 year old young brains in scientific but simple way to make sense. He talked of family fights when husband and wife argue. Children feel guilty that it’s their fault but its not. Love and kindness to others will also make us happy. Fred Rogers was always a convincing kind Father figure, who has a strong presence globally, not just America.
The tech advancement has brought Indian children closer to Rogers that American children feel nourished with. Let us celebrate the Fred Rogers mission today. Just google some of his programs for your children’s sake.
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