What Would Mr. Rogers Say?
Like a lot of people, I feel the anxiety, and I would probably say “fear” of the fissures that are growing in America, and for that matter the world. WE have the largest refugee crisis the world has ever seen, yet are doing nothing to address its root causes. WE are all too quick to label others without listening to what one another is saying. WE spend resources that don’t exist without planning (and preparing) for the future. WE would rather not serve others who don’t look, act, believe, vote, or are different from us, than interact with them, or engage them in an increasingly rare artform called, “conversation.” WE find it easier to rant than to respect.
Of late I’ve found myself watching various clips and interviews of Fred Rogers (“Mr. Rogers”) and wondering what he would say to America (and the world) in its current state. I have no doubt he would echo his oft-quoted refrain of “look to the helpers,” and well as remind us of who are neighbors are and how we should treat them. In his measured and calm voice, he would and could bring the world’s temperature down to safer and saner levels. Boy we could really use that voice and example today.
I learned a long time ago from my family, some sterling educators and even more amazing mentors and experiences about what works in life and what doesn’t. Speaking with an informed voice, with an open mind and even wider heart will always make more impact, than a shriek, a clenched fist or a rock throw.
Listening is also often more important than speaking. And when you do speak, speak “with” people, not “at” them. There’s a difference between those actions and if you can’t tell the difference between speaking “with” someone, or “at” someone, I’m pretty confident that you’re doing it wrong and should try listening again.
As much as I would like to say I have answers to any of the world’s many problems, I don’t. I wish I did but like that full head of wavy hair and smaller waistline, they are elusive to me. But what I do have is a voice, a conscience and life that can bring purpose to others in some small way. Like any of you, I can be the change for my family, friends, co-workers and country in some small way. But it’s up to me to offer that change. But I won’t offer to any of you is hate. Hate is the worst of things and forgive me for paraphrasing Yoda, but it, “leads to the Dark Side.” The world has enough darkness in it – it’s time to be the light. So I ask you to take a moment and think about what your say, post and share and whether or not it yields light, or yields darkness into your life and others.
While I have none of the talents of Mr. Rogers to coach us out of the angst and antagonism that has gripped our country and planet, I want to say to all of you something that I think Mr. Rogers would say to all of us if he were here today, “Hi neighbor. I just wanted to say WE need one another. How can I be helpful to you today?”
I want to challenge you to say that to someone today. And say it to someone who is completely different from you in some shape or fashion. Maybe that’s a conversation in the elevator; a chat at the grocery store; or to the person seated next to you on the bus or at a ballgame. I have no idea of where that conversation will lead but I know it’s got to be a start to better understanding and problem-solving actions than we are displaying today.
Maybe asking that question to someone today will help my own anxiety about the state of things but I do know this – WE are better people than we’ve shown of late.
And neighbor – WE need one another.