the journal of literature and the arts at saint david ’ s school
During Roger ’ s time as host of the show , he consistently preached the value of self-worth , healthy emotional expression , and consideration for others . At the end of each episode , Rogers told his young viewers , “ You ’ ve made this day a special day by just being you . There ’ s only one person in the world like you and people can like you exactly as you are ” (“ Fred Rogers ,” Biography Today ). Just as his grandfather had told him years ago , he taught his audience to be proud of who they are . Another lesson Rogers taught was how to manage and express emotions . He explained in his gentle manner , “ When we can talk about our feelings , they become less overwhelming , less upsetting , and less scary ” (“ The Messages ”). These words provided a way for children to understand their feelings and to resolve them . Rogers also taught the importance of loving each other . To show how everyone should love each other , he shared a wading pool with a black man . The man ’ s name was François Clemmons , a singer who acted as a policeman in the show . At the time , many white people discriminated against people of color and Rogers ’ decision to have a black man in his show was controversial , yet he did it to prove that everyone deserves love , no matter the color of their skin (“ Fred Rogers Took a Stand ”). He didn ’ t do this alone , though . He had a mentor with whom he would discuss the themes of the shows and if they would be appropriate for the audience . His mentor was a professor in psychiatry and director of the Children ’ s Center in Pittsburgh (“ The Messages ”). Rogers ’ thoughtfulness when it comes to teaching important life lessons to his viewers shows compassion and care for children .
Rogers left a legacy of benevolence that would change generations to come . Sadly , he passed away on February 27 , 2003 , in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania (“ Fred Rogers ,” Britannica ). The response to his death was immediate and overwhelming , and deservedly so as Rogers had changed the lives of millions of people . By the time of his death , he had been awarded the
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