Mister Rogers' Positive Influence on Children

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Mister Rogers' Positive Influence on Children

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,

A beautiful day for a neighbor

Would you be mine?

Could you be mine?

I’ve always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.

I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

The comforting words of this familiar childhood jingle bring memories flooding back and invite us to join the loving and patient man who once taught us that everyone is special and unique. Over several decades, strong morals and values have filled each 30-minute segment of the popular children’s television show. The skills of Fred Rogers as a loving creator and host, combined with the activities and educational settings of the show and the content of his messages -- are all evidence that “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” is a positive influence on children.

“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” has been a success throughout its airing of over 45 years. In its long success, few contradictions surface when discussing the positive influences of the famous children’s television show. However, many spoofs have been created about “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and general complaints about the show and Rogers’ personality have been created also.

Some television critics have abused “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Several statements declare he is a wimp because of his general caring approach on the show. Not only have television critics made negative remarks, but the children’s show has also been made fun of on late night television shows such as “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson as well as Eddie Murphy on Saturday Night Live (Bianculli 43). On a different level of criticism, the older siblings of those who watch the show develop negative opinions of “Mister ...

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...te.com/tv/20001112rogers2.asp

Rogers, Fred. You Are Special: Words of Wisdom from America’s Most Beloved Neighbor. New York: Penguin Books, 1994.

Rowe, Claudia. “Some Things Never Change, and Thank Heavens Mister Rogers is One of Them.” Biography 4:3 (Mar 2000), 102-107. Academic Search Elite. Palni Site Search. Goshen Public Library. 6 November 2001.

Trotter, Andrew. “Media.” Education Week 22 Nov. 2000: 5.

Valkenburg, P.M. and S.C. Janssen. “What do Children Value in Entertainment Programs?: A Cross Cultural Investigation.” Journal of Communication 49:2 (Spr 1999), 4-25.

Zoba, Wendy Murray. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” Christianity Today. 6 Mar 2000: 38-47.

NOTE: Citations for Family Communication website are as follows: (“Mister” What Is)

“Mister” = Reference source What Is = Link where information is found located on left bar of website.

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