How the 'My Neighborhood' children's host used love to influence a generation

Marcos 2022-10-29 17:42:36

Forget if this was the first A I gave this year. Maybe you don't know who the protagonist of this film is, Fred Rogers, but what is certain is that as long as you watch this film with your heart, you will surely burst into tears at the end, not because of misery, but because of deep moving.

I didn't know who Fred Rogers was at first, so I didn't watch the movie when it first came out. Later, I found out that the rave reviews have been well received and I went to make up the class. I am very fortunate to know such a positive life of this excellent children's show host. Why do most of us have no idea who he is? Because we didn't grow up in the United States, we didn't watch his shows, especially if you don't have kids, you probably don't care about children's shows. Most of the people who watched in the theater were 50-80 year olds, and I believe they were all the generation that was touched and influenced by him. Many elderly people came with wheelchairs, crutches, and their wives to support each other. It really made me think for a time that I had bought tickets for the "Senior Cadres Special". And everyone was wiping tears at the end. For the first time, I felt the positive impact of a public image deeply embedded in the hearts of the American people.

In the process of watching the movie, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, a puppet character created by Fred Rogers, appeared. See the character of Daniel the Tiger on TV or in books.

Fred Rogers wanted to be a pastor earlier, but he attached great importance to children's education and believed that the correct guidance of children is very important to their growth, so he started his own children's program on PBS. Through the puppet character Daniel the tiger, he tells the children the truth of being a human being, how to deal with setbacks in life, and how to look at themselves in a simple and easy-to-understand way. The show is even used to teach children to understand real events that happen in adult reality, such as 9/11, the assassination of the president, the war, etc. He also teaches children not to be racist by soaking their feet with black people. His approach was very gentle and patient, and he eventually became an example to influence the people of the age.

Before him, I really didn't know of any adult public figure who had such a big impact on children and parents. But some of his assertions were also disagreed with. For example, he told the children to realize that they are different, everyone is unique by nature, and some people appreciate it. This gives children confidence, but is also seen as an excuse for laziness. Some parents feel that their children don't work hard. That is to say, Fred Rogers' positive and encouraging education contradicts some parents' demeaning, comparing and spurring education methods. But to be honest, I grew up under a demeaning education. I don’t think this method is beneficial to children. Instead, it is more praise, more positive guidance and encouragement, which can really make children have a more positive and healthy attitude.

Of course, every parent’s education style is different, and it’s really hard to say right or wrong. But aside from these different opinions, Fred Rogers's way of dealing with contradictions and disputes is also worth learning from everyone, that is, he always thinks of more positive things and sticks to his own principles. When he was criticized, he did not fight back, nor did he change himself because of it. Instead, he continued to encourage everyone to always remember the people who helped him and have kindness, and thank them for their kindness. This will really make people feel from the bottom of their hearts. Feel more love in it than hatred.

The most unique aspect of this documentary is the interviews with many colleagues and family members he has worked with, but he mainly talks about his career and person rather than digging into his privacy. The entire film's shooting techniques, editing and soundtrack are very in line with Fred Rogers' optimistic attitude, and many scenes are very moving. Recommended for writers or viewers interested in American cultural history

In addition, Tom Hanks will also play him in an upcoming film, telling his life in a biopic way. Tom Hanks has played Mr. Disney before, and he has a really amiable voice and appearance.

The film has a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is expected to compete for the best documentary at the Oscars next year.

View more about Won't You Be My Neighbor? reviews

Extended Reading

Won't You Be My Neighbor? quotes

  • Fred Rogers: Love is at the root of everything - all learning, all parenting, all relationships. Love or the lack of it. And what we see and hear on the screen is part of who we become.

  • Fred Rogers: Well, I suppose it's an invitation, "Won't you be my neighbor?" It's an invitation for somebody to be close to you.