Where is the next Mr. Rogers?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 07:46AM You've probably seen it--if not the video, then still shots. Last week in Chicago, a 16 year old honor student was beaten to death by gang members while others stood and watched--just for walking home from school. The only reason you've heard about this is because a girl took video of the beatings with her camera phone. The truth is, this sort of thing happens in Chicago on a nearly weekly basis.
I had the radio on in the car yesterday and I heard one of our local radio talk show hosts asking the question: How do you stop this? He described the problem of gangs in Chicago--they are generational; they are more powerful than family, government, church; the cops can't infiltrate the neighborhoods because if they enter the neighborhood they are 'hassling' and if they don't prevent violence, they're blamed; NO ONE will tell what they've seen or heard for fear of retribution; families actually raise their children in the gang in order for them to have the protection of the gang; and of course the influence of drugs and crime and lack of education. He bemoaned the fact that kids are being raised with no regard or respect for life. He kept asking, "what is the answer to all this?--how can this be turned around?
I think Fred Rogers had it at least partly right:
If you don't have time to listen to the full 6+ minutes, check in at three minutes, 29 seconds to get to the point of his testimony before Congress.
Teaching children about their feelings right along with and at the same time as teaching them about self control is so important. This is the work of the family. And yet the most important and effectual way to transform a child, a neighborhood, a city, or a nation is with the Gospel. This is the work of the church.
Reader Comments (2)
That was really good, Kim. I loved that poem or song he recited at the end of the video, too. Too bad that "Mr. Rogers" got shouted down by Sesame Street and Electric Company.....
I think Fred Rogers was one of the finest advocates and teacher that this country has ever had. With his passing, our children and grandchildren lost a great blessing.