This from the YouTube site:
Fred Rogers' induction into the TV Critics' Television Hall of Fame is especially touching when Jeff Erlanger, who had visited on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood as a boy in a wheelchair, surprises Fred by making the presentation on stage. Addressing the audience of television celebrities and producers, Fred speaks of his great respect for and understanding of the power of television—"How do we make goodness attractive?"
Did you see Mr. Roger's face light up when he sees Jeff Erlanger? He did not even hesitate, but recognized him immediately, and climbed up on the stage like a little boy rushing off to play with his pal from next door. That is his "neighbor" from next door.
You know from now I wish that Christians would stop wearing those bracelets that say "WWJD?" (What Would Jesus Do?)and instead wear bracelets that say "WWMRD?" (What Would Mr. Rogers Do?)
Fred Rogers has it right on all accounts.
ReplyDelete"You know from now I wish that Christians would stop wearing those bracelets that say "WWJD?" (What Would Jesus Do?)and instead wear bracelets that say "WWMRD?" "
ReplyDeleteThe difference is that Fred Rogers was an actual Christian, who actually did follow Jesus' example, not someone who claimed the label without the honest effort to follow their claimed Lord.
These bracelet-wearers and their ilk can't even say, in many instances, what Jesus did (yes, I've had many a conversation with many of them; I worked with them for a long time), so they only have the word of some fake-christian-leader (with something to gain, usually power; ever threaten the power of one of these guys? It's quite the lesson.) to follow. They are in for a rude shock if they ever bother themselves to actually find out what kind of life Jesus lead and what he advocated as an upstanding life.
Well now I'm sobbing.. thanks a lot!
ReplyDeleteI have always loved Mr Rogers. A TRUE Christian!
Thank you!
Ditto here as well. Wonderful video, simply wonderful!! Thank you Gryph!
DeleteWWMRD - I like that!
ReplyDeleteFred Rogers is the epitome of a true Christian. What a kind, generous, peaceful, loving person.
ReplyDeleteThen there are far too many who claim to be Christians; however, their words, actions and deeds belie them.
Oh man... ten seconds of silence to those who have helped us become better persons. That man of gentle strength is still an inspiration.
ReplyDeletefromthediagonal
He was a wonderful man. One of the very few authentic Christians in the world.
ReplyDeleteYikes - I'm quite sure dear Fred would not like your suggestion for the bracelets. My guess is that he'd use one of his puppets through which to channel a soft Mister Rogers kind of chiding.
ReplyDeleteWhen you broad brush Christians in your posts, remember that you're including millions of Christians that live a life similar to Mister Rogers way of living. He followed that simple idea of "what would Jesus do" and tried to live a life of unconditional love. There are millions doing the same. Not all Christians are extremist lunatics. Most are really nice people who would stop to help anyone in need , in a heartbeat.
That said, I have to say that some of those puppets freaked me out just a little bit. Brrrrr....
That was incredible.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gryphen.
I loved Mr. Rogers. I think kids are only open to his message when they are really young. Our culture quickly puts a cloak of cynicism over them and it's then too late. I found this quote on his wiki page
ReplyDelete"Mister Rogers went onstage to accept the award — and there, in front of all the soap opera stars and talk show sinceratrons, in front of all the jutting man-tanned jaws and jutting saltwater bosoms, he made his small bow and said into the microphone, "All of us have special ones who have loved us into being. Would you just take, along with me, ten seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are. Ten seconds of silence."
And then he lifted his wrist, looked at the audience, looked at his watch, and said, "I'll watch the time." There was, at first, a small whoop from the crowd, a giddy, strangled hiccup of laughter, as people realized that he wasn't kidding, that Mister Rogers was not some convenient eunuch, but rather a man, an authority figure who actually expected them to do what he asked. And so they did. One second, two seconds, three seconds — and now the jaws clenched, and the bosoms heaved, and the mascara ran, and the tears fell upon the beglittered gathering like rain leaking down a crystal chandelier. And Mister Rogers finally looked up from his watch and said softly "May God be with you," to all his vanquished children."
Off topic but good read
ReplyDeletehttp://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jun/09/did-republicans-deliberately-crash-us-economy
I remember watching this, I bawled! Mr Rogers was the kindest, gentlest man I have ever seen.
ReplyDeleteThanks, again, Gryphen. After watching this video, I noticed another video, Fred Rogers - Archive Interview Part 1 of 9, and I began watching Mr. Rogers giving an interview about his life. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about you, but I was a latchkey kid who got myself on the bus to kindergarten (my mom worked midnights and siblings were in school) and spent many an afternoon in Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. What a truly good man. I am thankful to have known him!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter had me read I'm Proud of You by Tim Madigan about Mr. Rogers. Well, I never knew so many things about him, but I do now and really have great resect for him. I am a Christain, but I am ashamed of so many of the people I once knew with their vitriol and hatred. Mr. Rogers is an example they should follow instead. My daughter loves him so much as an adult she wears an I love Mr. Rogers t shirt all the time. Thanks Gryphen for putting him forward. I left the church because I hated the way the people were, not God. Everyone blames God and Christ when it is the people that are shitheads.
ReplyDeleteSame here. I recognized the utterly fake behavior of church-going people when I was 9. It was a shattering experience and one I will never forget. Mr. Rogers is the closest I have been to a Christian of true faith and well being. I sure miss him. Maybe some day when I have grandchildren I will revisit this wonderful man.
DeleteThank you for posting this, Gryphen.
ReplyDeleteMr. Rodgers' face will come to mind when i think of people who inspire me.
You're on the list too, Jesse :)
(along with my sainted grandmother and a few other people)
As a Pittsburgher I can personally attest to the true spirit of Fred Rogers. He freely walked the streets of this city and was adored by all. What you saw on TV was what you witnessed every day. He often visited the store where I worked and always smiled and talked to everyone, big and small, never displaying any irritation. We lost a real treasure when he passed. A memorial statue was dedicated to him in 2009. For pics go here...http://www.examiner.com/slideshow/fred-rogers-statue
ReplyDeleteSadly,
ReplyDeletethe people who most need to hear his message,
never will.
Fame is a four letter word.... Fred was one of a kind. His humility and realization that Television had the ability to positively affect people in a real way, that those on television were "servants" was so true.
ReplyDeleteRest In Peace, Fred.
You'd be appalled at what's become of your medium.
Must be a lot of dust in the air today or I was chopping up a bag of onions...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great man.