When I was young, my daily routine consisted of three things: wake up, eat breakfast and watch “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
My parents watched the children’s television show when they were young. I watched until it ended in 2001.
Although children’s television later turned into “The Wiggles” and “SpongeBob SquarePants,” my younger sister watched the occasional “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” reruns in the morning.
However, until this summer, when I saw “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” in theaters, I hadn’t necessarily thought of good, ole’ Mr. Rogers in years.
The film, which is actually a 90-minute documentary, is on the life of Fred McFeely Rogers before, during and after the 25-year run of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
This documentary wasn’t just about the man wearing a notable red sweater and off-brand sneakers. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” showcased all of Rogers’ neighbors, from his family and friends, to fellow actors and film crew.
The film, directed by Morgan Neville, brings up the best and worst of Rogers’ years on the air. Rogers championed public funding for children’s television education and made sure children across America, from 1986 to 2001, were given the truth about life rather than a thinly veiled lie of animation and comedy.
Still, the documentary shows how Rogers’ beliefs changed throughout his years with the show.
A staunch conservative and Presbyterian minister, Rogers’ views and beliefs of his religion often intersected with what he attempted to teach young people: be kind and value those around you.
The live character, police officer Francois Clemmons, was a pivotal aspect of the show. The character was the show’s first black presence.
In reality, the character was also gay — something the documentary shows Rogers grappling with as society also tries to become more accepting.
Many of Rogers’ characters for the show were ahead of his time. The film depicts when Rogers created a malicious puppet king in the show’s make-believe land. This puppet king wants to build a wall to keep all the other undesirable characters out of his kingdom. It sounds oddly familiar.
When the show began, much of the U.S. still felt the hurt of past segregation.
However, with each opening song, Rogers sang, “I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you” — a testament to asking that everyone, regardless of color, be his neighbor.
Rogers tackled subjects like war, death and depression. His teachings resonated with adults just as well as they did with children.
Rogers’ ability to reach outside the screen and connect with viewers of all ages was truly my first introduction to good journalism — sincere storytelling.
Before seeing the film, I was weary of seeing a documentary about Rogers in a theater. Why not just wait until the film came out on Netflix? I’d already waited more than 15 years to think about Rogers again anyway.
When I do watch the film again, it will be much easier to shed a tear by myself. Fair warning, if I shed a tear in a packed theater, you will cry even more alone. Mr. Rogers will do that to you.
Nearly 15 years after Rogers’ death, his endeavors in bringing joy and education to television, to the nation, are finally being told as they should be.
Hailey Stewart can be reached at [email protected]