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Untitled
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Neighborhood Watch
Mister Rogers is on the job
by Arthur Greenwald
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 Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Johnny Carson -- they all made Mister Rogers part of their act. Sure, they poked fun, but they also pay tribute. They know a cultural icon when they see one. Perhaps they also sense that this stubbornly gentle man can withstand the ribbing.
When Fred Rogers swaps suit jacket for sweater, it's the most powerful clothing switch since Clark Kent's. Except that Fred's true identity never changes: he's a real-life grown-up who cares about children. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood is older than PBS. It debuted in 1967 on National Education Television. Ever since it's been one of the most honored shows on television. Fred Rogers just won his 4th Emmy as "Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series" --- the same year he was inducted in the Television Academy's Hall of Fame.
For me, visiting Mister Rogers' Neighborhood in Pittsburgh was a double homecoming. First, it's my hometown, where I grew up watching Rogers' first show, Children's Corner. Moreover, Fred Rogers was my first boss, my professional idol, and still the best writing teacher I ever had. Think about it: If you can explain death to a preschooler, you can write pretty much anything.
I've heard Fred say a hundred times, "Anything mentionable is manageable." And so every day he eloquently demystifies anger, or divorce, or hospitals, even a toddler's terror of being sucked down the bathtub drain. Hey, it could happen!
Like every conversation with Fred Rogers, this one contains warmth, wisdom, and whimsical humor. There are guest appearances by King Friday XIII, X the Owl, and Daniel Striped Tiger, plus the recipe for Fred's favorite dessert. But Rogers' passion may surprise you, especially when he talks about protecting children from emotional abuse.
The sweet and the serious side by side. Exactly.
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On video: Meet Fred Rogers.
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Fred Rogers
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