By: Chloe Israel For many around the world, Fred Rogers is a television icon that played an important role in their childhood. On Wednesday night, the students of GSE gathered to watch the icon’s Won’t You Be My Neighbor, a documentary following the details of his life and career. It begins with a clip of young Rogers, playing the piano and expressing his ambition to “help children through the modulations of life”. Throughout the movie, we see how Rogers has dedicated his life to this mission. His show, Mister Rogers Neighborhood, sought to appeal directly to children like no other program had done before. He took children seriously, never shying away from explaining topics such as war, death, or divorce. He accepted their feelings, always telling kids that it was alright to feel angry or sad. Most of all, he created an understanding and caring community, telling every child that they were loved and that they were special. Somehow, Fred Rogers managed to listen to and understand every child that tuned in to his show. The interviews we watched of those closest to him further reinforced how special Fred Rogers was. His whole personality was emblematic of what his show stood for. He loved wholeheartedly, cared deeply, and strived to create an accepting community for all people.
After watching Won’t You Be My Neighbor, the question I and many of my peers were left with was why? Why watch this movie now? To me, the documentary’s purpose was to tell of Fred Rogers’s mission in life, spreading acceptance and creating a loving community. What better time to remember that than right now? As we face a time of struggle and political division, it’s important to remember to be loving and kind to our neighbors. Right now, this is especially important because what better time to reconnect with your community than after a global pandemic? Won’t You Be My Neighbor tells both the heartwarming story of Fred Rogers and reminds us that we need to create a caring, kind, and connected community. Comments are closed.
|
ABOUT THE EAST SIDE STORYThe ESS is the story of us... the story of the GSE. Our goal is provide the Governor's School East with coverage of everything GSE -- events, interest pieces, highlights, and issues. After reading the East Side Story, we hope you're informed, enlightened about the happiest day at Governor's School East. CATEGORIES
All
|