These days it’s difficult not to feel down and discouraged. This is true of adults as well as young people. Dad, how do you cope with the stormy social climate today, and how do you help your teenagers navigate the prevailing winds of hostility? The ever-depressing news, the incivility among people, the violence around the globe – all are disturbing.
A man of peace
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” is a 2018 American documentary film directed by Morgan Neville about the life and guiding philosophy of Fred Rogers, the host and creator of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” on television. Mr. Rogers was like a soft pillow to many youngsters. We daresay he provided solace to grown-ups as well. He was a man of peace. Through his TV program, he taught the virtues of kindness, generosity and fair play. He broached subjects like bullying, bigotry, love and divorce. Mr. Rogers always had an appropriate response to tragedy.
After 9/11, however, the degree of hatred toward complete strangers caused even Fred Rogers to fall into the doldrums. He became quiet. His face reflected disbelief. For a time, Mr. Rogers was at a loss for words.
Yet, people expected him to respond, to make it all make sense, especially to children and adolescents. When they asked him to help his young audience understand why such a horrible thing had happened – a disaster that killed nearly 3,000 innocent people – his eventual response was calm and deliberate.