Won't You Be My Neighbor (2018)

This movie presents the history of Fred McFeely Rogers, Presbyterian minister, children’s advocate and one of the most beloved Republican. Mr. Rogers was known for wearing a specific article of clothing (his grandpa sweater) and for his inclusiveness of all children regardless of race or religion. From 1968 to 2001, Mr. Rogers kept millions of children out of their parents’ hair by offering a half hour program designed to counter the cartoon violence and frenetic pacing of practically every other kids’ show on the air.
I really never watched this show when it was on in my childhood, or in my children's childhoods, and there was a lot I didn't get about the show or the man.
Looking at “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” with adult eyes is rather fascinating. Here he was putting his feet into a wading pool with a black man to counter the racist notion of not sharing public pools with African-Americans.  He told everyone that he wanted them in his neighborhood.  He espoused love and respect for all.  You also notice that there’s a clear distinction between imagination and reality—we’re never lead to believe that the puppet segments are anything but pretend, for example. Mr. Rogers never talks down to his viewers, nor does he really sugarcoat uncomfortable things like anger or death. He’s very matter of fact, and his manner was deliberate, constant and repetitive. He was strangely subversive in an understated and non-threatening way. Bravo!