Rabbi Reminds The World About Mr. Rogers’ “Radical Theology” In Viral Twitter Thread
There’s no doubt about it, Mr. Rogers continues to be a legendary icon in the United States. The trailer for a new movie about him, called ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’, just arrived. In it, acclaimed actor Tom Hanks stars as Fred Rogers, the beloved American TV personality, Presbyterian minister, musician, puppeteer, writer, and producer. Mr. Rogers truly was a man of many talents, the greatest among which was his ability to love his neighbors unquestioningly.
After the trailer’s release, the internet was overcome with a serious case of ‘the feels’. Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, an influential author, lecturer and religious leader, used this occasion to remind the world what personal values Mr. Rogers stood for. His life lessons were all about compassion, inclusiveness and loving others just as you love yourself.
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Tom Hanks (63) will be playing Mr. Rogers in the upcoming movie, ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’, to be released in November, 2019
Image credits: Sony Pictures
In an interview with Bored Panda, Rabbi Ruttenberg explained why Mr. Rogers was, and still is, such an important icon: “He offered unconditional love. He told children that who they were already was good [enough]. That it was OK to be sad or scared or hurt or angry. He took them and their needs seriously. So few people in most children’s lives were doing that. People love him because he offered them something they desperately needed.”
After the movie trailer premiered, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg reminded the Internet what Mr. Rogers’ teachings were all about
Image credits: TheRaDR
She also agreed with the idea that the world would be a better place if everyone followed Mr. Rogers’ kids show teachings. “Our society has long treated people as only valuable if they are useful in some way, and we are trending towards increased polarization, increased us/them rhetoric, increased use of dehumanizing language and policies. If we built a society based on the inherent worth and worthiness of every person, things would be very different.”
Image credits: TheRaDR
Rabbi Ruttenberg further added that the one thing taught by Mr. Rogers that modern society has the most difficulty accepting is “that human beings are valuable inherently; they don’t have to “earn” their value by being useful to capitalism or the ruling powers.”
Mr. Rogers is best known for hosting the preschool TV series ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’, which aired in the United States in 1968 and ran for a stunning 895 episodes. On the show, Mr. Rogers openly spoke about various important social problems and issues, and interviewed people from the neighborhood about what they do.
Image credits: TheRaDR
Mr. Rogers cooling his feet in a kiddie pool with François Clemmons sent out a powerful message about inclusiveness
Image credits: TheRaDR
One of the episodes featured Mr. Rogers cooling his feet in a kiddie pool, alongside those of François Clemmons, the African-American who played Officer Clemmons on the show. Mr. Rogers then dried off Clemmons’ feet. The message, with clear religious undertones, was powerful, and one that’s raising public awareness on inclusion during an era of racial segregation. The episode aired in 1969, when many community pools in the US prevented African-Americans from sharing the water with white people.
Image credits: TheRaDR
Image credits: TheRaDR
On Twitter, Rabbi Ruttenberg drew attention to the fact that Mr. Rogers had a strong friendship with Clemmons and tried to protect him. She noted that “Clemmons was gay. Rev. Rogers told him to stay away from gay bars at the time (late 60s/early 70s) because he knew that if that got out, he wouldn’t be able to stay on a children’s TV show.”
“I see this as a gesture of love and trying to protect Clemmons and his livelihood, and role on the show. And of course that came with a price. But he didn’t ask Clemmons to deny his gayness, just not to get “caught” publicly, as that ruined many a career (outside kids’ TV!) then,” Rabbi Ruttenberg explained.
Image credits: TheRaDR
Furthermore, she also wondered about Mr. Rogers’ sexuality: “Rev. Rogers has been quoted as saying, “Well, you know, I must be right smack in the middle. Because I have found women attractive, and I have found men attractive.” Bisexual icon? Just a believer in radical truth? I don’t know.”
There are still rumors that Mr. Rogers may have been bisexual or homosexual, even though his wife of 50 years denied this
Image credits: TheRaDR
Image credits: TheRaDR
Rumors still abound that Mr. Rogers may have been bisexual or homosexual. However, his wife of 50 years, Joanne Byrd Rogers, told the Los Angeles Times that this wasn’t the case. “It was really a very, very good friendship,” she spoke about the relationship between them. “I’ve heard people say that men and women can’t be friends and lovers. We really were friends, and I know we were lovers. I think Fred had that feminine sensibility. I think it’s a wonderful quality if you can find that in the person you’re going to live with.”
Image credits: TheRaDR
Image credits: TheRaDR
A documentary about Mr. Rogers — ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ — came out just last year, and was a surprise hit, raking in 22 million dollars and getting a rating of 8.4 on IMDb. The hotly anticipated new movie ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’, starring Hanks, is coming out November 22, 2019.
Mr. Rogers’ philosophy of love, inclusiveness, compassion, and helping others was meant for kids and adults alike
Image credits: TheRaDR
Image credits: TheRaDR
Image credits: TheRaDR
Image credits: TheRaDR
Image credits: TheRaDR
Twitter users enthusiastically agreed with Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg’s ideas and conveyed their honest opinions about Mr. Rogers
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I remember a news story from the mid-90's where Mr. Rogers car was stolen from his driveway. When the thieves found out whose car it was, the returned the car with a note of apology!
I watched the documentary on Mr. Rogers on an airplane, and I was crying because of what a beautiful person he truly was. There wasn't a person on Earth that he didn't try to love, even when it was difficult to. When it came to major world events he was the first person to realize "kids see what is going on around them, and they need someone to talk to them on their level to tell them what is happening and to make them feel safe." He taught my generation how to love. And honestly, who can't watch the crayon episode and not smell a new box of Crayolas at the same time?
I know the episode you talk about... and yes, I too smell the Crayolas - and smile. (FYI the Trailer for the movie must have had onion cutting ninjas in it... I was definitely teary).
Load More Replies... 
The word "love" appears ten times in this article. Most people have no clear idea what love is. The word is defined in the bible, Luke 10:25-37, but almost everybody misses the point. Love is when you are aware of a need and you take care of it.
That's the parable of the good Samaritan, nowhere does it define love.
Load More Replies...
Grew up on Mr. Rogers. His neighborhood was the safest place I had. He made the world better. I honestly can't watch Tom Hanks play him. Nobody can do it. He was himself, and that was the lesson he taught us. Be yourself. It's okay. You're loved. Your voice is heard and your questions and emotions are okay. Let's just sit and talk and learn...
He was the only father figure I had. His attitude towards others was so compassionate and respectful, it influences my own attitude to this day. Even when someone is doing things I cannot approve or condone, I always remember they are a human being worthy of dignity, respect and love
At least gay people can go to gay bars and keep their jobs.
Load More Replies...
Fred Rogers wrote all the songs for the show. When both Clemmons and Rogers were older, in the 80s, there was an episode where Clemmons comes to visit him and they cool their feet again in the kiddie pool, and Clemmons sings a song called "There Are Many Ways to Say I Love You" (https://youtu.be/U5YXNLvQlOA?t=355), and now I'm sure there was a reason that Rogers had Clemmons come on—and not someone else—to sing that song.
I would like to make note that there is an animated children's show called Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood based on Mr. Rogers (and the character Daniel Tiger) and it is wonderful and my 2 year old loves it and it's the sweetest show ever.
In the documentary last year, Mrs. Rogers said that of all the puppets in the Neighborhood of Make Believe, the one closest to Fred's basic personality was Daniel Striped Tiger.
Load More Replies...
I still believe the world started to fall apart the day we lost Mr. Rogers
Mr. Rogers. A true man. A true humanitarian. A great example of a human being.
To this day, I still come home and change my shoes and coat. My ex-wife & her family didn't understand my admiration for Fred Rogers. I went home and just played with the kids, even while I cooked dinner for them. Although I taught children for a only few years, my years working with children in the library and as a volunteer in community groups, owe a debt to Rogers' simple vision. My children are at University, and I live alone, but I still show the greatest kindness to strangers around me. Thank you, Mr. Rogers, you are always welcome in my neighbourhood. -Rev Dr M, former professor & librarian
All I have to offer is this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFzXaFbxDcM
Figuratively speaking, Fred Rogers is my neighbor. Even as a kid, though, I wondered where he was going at the end of the show. I mean, at the beginning he comes through the door and gets comfortable at home, presumably after working all day, but then half an hour later, he's changing his slippers and cardigan for his shoes and coat, and walks out the door. To go where??
I remember a news story from the mid-90's where Mr. Rogers car was stolen from his driveway. When the thieves found out whose car it was, the returned the car with a note of apology!
I watched the documentary on Mr. Rogers on an airplane, and I was crying because of what a beautiful person he truly was. There wasn't a person on Earth that he didn't try to love, even when it was difficult to. When it came to major world events he was the first person to realize "kids see what is going on around them, and they need someone to talk to them on their level to tell them what is happening and to make them feel safe." He taught my generation how to love. And honestly, who can't watch the crayon episode and not smell a new box of Crayolas at the same time?
I know the episode you talk about... and yes, I too smell the Crayolas - and smile. (FYI the Trailer for the movie must have had onion cutting ninjas in it... I was definitely teary).
Load More Replies... The word "love" appears ten times in this article. Most people have no clear idea what love is. The word is defined in the bible, Luke 10:25-37, but almost everybody misses the point. Love is when you are aware of a need and you take care of it.
That's the parable of the good Samaritan, nowhere does it define love.
Load More Replies... Grew up on Mr. Rogers. His neighborhood was the safest place I had. He made the world better. I honestly can't watch Tom Hanks play him. Nobody can do it. He was himself, and that was the lesson he taught us. Be yourself. It's okay. You're loved. Your voice is heard and your questions and emotions are okay. Let's just sit and talk and learn...
He was the only father figure I had. His attitude towards others was so compassionate and respectful, it influences my own attitude to this day. Even when someone is doing things I cannot approve or condone, I always remember they are a human being worthy of dignity, respect and love
At least gay people can go to gay bars and keep their jobs.
Load More Replies... Fred Rogers wrote all the songs for the show. When both Clemmons and Rogers were older, in the 80s, there was an episode where Clemmons comes to visit him and they cool their feet again in the kiddie pool, and Clemmons sings a song called "There Are Many Ways to Say I Love You" (https://youtu.be/U5YXNLvQlOA?t=355), and now I'm sure there was a reason that Rogers had Clemmons come on—and not someone else—to sing that song.
I would like to make note that there is an animated children's show called Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood based on Mr. Rogers (and the character Daniel Tiger) and it is wonderful and my 2 year old loves it and it's the sweetest show ever.
In the documentary last year, Mrs. Rogers said that of all the puppets in the Neighborhood of Make Believe, the one closest to Fred's basic personality was Daniel Striped Tiger.
Load More Replies... I still believe the world started to fall apart the day we lost Mr. Rogers
Mr. Rogers. A true man. A true humanitarian. A great example of a human being.
To this day, I still come home and change my shoes and coat. My ex-wife & her family didn't understand my admiration for Fred Rogers. I went home and just played with the kids, even while I cooked dinner for them. Although I taught children for a only few years, my years working with children in the library and as a volunteer in community groups, owe a debt to Rogers' simple vision. My children are at University, and I live alone, but I still show the greatest kindness to strangers around me. Thank you, Mr. Rogers, you are always welcome in my neighbourhood. -Rev Dr M, former professor & librarian
All I have to offer is this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFzXaFbxDcM
Figuratively speaking, Fred Rogers is my neighbor. Even as a kid, though, I wondered where he was going at the end of the show. I mean, at the beginning he comes through the door and gets comfortable at home, presumably after working all day, but then half an hour later, he's changing his slippers and cardigan for his shoes and coat, and walks out the door. To go where??
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