Today we're going to take things back to when times were simpler, clothes were tackier, and children's television was better (and didn't look like some kind of purposeful seizure-inducer). Yes, my friends, I'd like to talk to you about the legendary Mr. Rogers.Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood is a show that was appreciated by many generations. It began in 1962 as a 15-minute program on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and aired until 2001. The program covered so many important topics for children -- compassion, diversity, philanthropy, how the world works, self-confidence, curiosity, imagination, and community.
To adults, the show may have seemed boring and routinized, but it was like this to ensure that children could follow along and learn to their full potential. Most guests on the show found Fred Rogers to be as patient and amiable in person as he appears on TV. He did not, however, allow ad-libbing on the program, as he felt that children deserved a quality presentation.
What I really wanted to find for this post was the video on "How People Make Crayons," but the video is nowhere online (except in Real Audio format, and who wants that?). However, I did find some fun videos on YouTube:
Mr. Rogers learns about being a B-Boy:
Mr. Rogers plays video games:
I think my favorite thing about his interaction with children is that he always seems genuine-- never belittling or patronizing. What a great guy.
And finally, a touching goodbye from Mr. Rogers:
I hope you all enjoyed this tribute to such an influential dude. Please feel free to share your favorite memories of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.
3 comments:
OMG!! the making the crayon one is, like, the only one i remember!!! i loooooved it!!!!
-allison
I watched the last episode of Mr. Rogers when it aired. It was awesome. He didn't play up the fact that it was his last episode (I'm guessing so as not to traumitize little kids), but I was overwhelmed by the kindness and humanity of this man. Truly a wonderful, wonderful person. I remember that he had some guy demo a glass harmonica during the episode, and that made me think of all the truly amazing stuff I remember watching as a kid.
However, I never liked Lady Elaine. But I'll never forget the cat that would say, "Meow muh-meow meow meow moew." Awesome!
baaaaaaaaah! i sat in front of my monitor, eyes glazed over in amazement, drooling on myself as i watched those videos. just like back in the day.
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