It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

Looking back, it must have been uncomfortable to watch an old man enter his home and change into his sneakers and zippered cardigan sweater, while singing,

“It's a beautiful day in this neighbourhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbour,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?”

Mister Rogers Neighbourhood ranked among the longest- lasting and beloved shows. It was the longest running series in PBS history with the host Fred Rogers, commonly known to us as Mr. Rogers. I always enjoyed those afternoons after school listening to his reassuring voice or taking in his manners directed to us children. He loved taking his viewers on various trips in order to let them see people who were just like them, performing activities. In his home, Mr. Rogers had a toy trolley. This trolley was like no other because it could go through a tunnel to arrive at the Neighbourhood of Make-Believe. This neighbourhood was ruled by King Friday Xlll and his puppet helpers. They often helped play out a scenario with a moral ending. Mr. Rogers definitely had a way of communicating with his audience.

If we take a look back, his topics centered on nearly every issue we faced as children. Things like going to sleep, getting a needle, disappointment about not getting your way, or losing a loved one to death, and physical handicaps. Whatever the case, you could count on Mr. Rogers to teach you in simple song. While doing my research, I came across some videos that had been uploaded of Mister Rogers Neighbourhood. I really had forgotten how serious this show was. Not only was it influential and healthy for children to watch, but it taught children to learn and have fun while doing it. As well, as teaching them to cope with issues in the world around them like divorce, death, or war. Not many shows today teach you to have respect for those people who might be your “neighbour.” But Mr. Rogers definitely did not keep away from touchy subjects just because his audience was young. Instead, he embraced it and taught us we can all, no matter what age, learn something new.

Here is a link to the popular theme song. See if you can sing along!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxO1o6y5ahI