Summary

Chapter 25, “Mister Rogers Lives On.” In this chapter, author King describes how the various perspectives and practices of Fred Rogers live on – in award-winning television programming, and in comforting and inspiring manifestations in times of difficulty. There is particular reference to the mass shooting at Parkland Elementary School in February of 2018. “With fascinating frequency,” King comments, “[Fred’s] written messages and video clips surge across the internet … messages of quiet contemplation, of simplicity, of active listening and the practice of human kindness” (357), suggesting that “… he is a powerful cultural avatar in an age that seems sick with rage and conflict” (358). There are, he adds, continued attacks on what is perceived as his softness and his being undemanding, with programs like “Fox and Friends” commenting that he “taught kids that they are special, thereby sapping their will to work hard in school or...