He was a Presbyterian minister and considered this his ministry. He was able to do it without even mentioning his fath. If only other Christians followed his path and understood that deeds are more important than words.

I grew up in an abusive household and I was terrified of Mr. Rogers for years because when adults acted like him it was usually a trick or a ploy to do violence to me. He didn't win me over until I was much too old for his show, and I always feel that something very important was stolen from me by making me afraid of someone with such a powerful message of love and care.

As a Black man in America I spend so much time and energy fighting oppression and exploitation that I get cold inside. I'm glad people like him exist to balance me out.

Fred Rogers was, in this comrade's opinion, a living example of detox'd masculinity.

Comrade Rogers, a true hero of the proletariat!

It's true, most modern children's shows are competitive and or outright obnoxious. PBS was a big part of my childhood and had a positive effect on me becoming an adult. Without compassion there is no Humanitarian values for society.

I remember a huge backlash "we kept telling everyone was special, when they weren't" and some nonsense about participation trophies. I think there could be some good essay fodder in the difference between Rogers use of we are special and how advertising uses it.

Both as a Romanian and from a different generation I didn't grow up with Mr. Rogers, but this video got me teary eyed.

I’m not crying you’re crying

I hope you, NonCompete, realise just how special and wonderful, and courageous, you are. You are a breath of fresh air online and I look forward to your videos, no matter how old they are or on what topic.

This video made me tear up, mate. Used to watch Mr Rogers all the time.

I love seeing more left wing channels pop up. Channels like yours provide a great perspective, and helps me make sense of this upside down; hateful time. KZfaq was starting to make me genuinely depressed with all the hate, and vitriol that is constantly spayed out.

You're totally right Non Compete. Mr Rogers was a revolutionary. After all, what is socialism if not the message of love and compassion politicized?

there is no phrase more humanizing than "i like you just the way you are", and i want to remember to use it more often.

I agree with Topdamagewizard. I'm a African American woman also who is very passionate about social justice and fighting oppression. There are times where I do get weary, and sometimes I too begin to feel cold and resentful (specifically towards white people). I felt like I have to be in full battle warrior mode 24/7. I grew up on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and seeing some of the episodes and hearing him speak is a very comforting sobering reminder that there are people who will view and treat me with the humanity that me and other POC fight so hard to prove. I can let down my guard and let people in. To recieve such kindness and to give it just as much is such a necessity and a joy. I am special just the way I am... and so are you. All of you.

Cooperation > Competition

Whenever I hear Mr. Rogers speak I almost always start crying. I never watched him growing up, but his honesty just comes right through.

He was radical. I wish he had affected more people. In a way, I'm glad he's not here to see where this country has gone. He tackled issues of nationalism, racism,divorce and even a show dedicated to talking about building a wall. Oddly enough, he was a life long republican. His party would be unrecognizable to him. Even his wife said that he would probably have come out of retirement to speak against Trump. I feel like the only reason he was conservative was because of theology. His beliefs didn't seem to match up with the party. He was always cognizant of conservative parents "taking his kids away from him",which was all of us. Which may have been another reason for him being conservative. Complex man. He was definitely an anomaly. He came from a time when Republican didn't always mean what it means today.

I live in the UK, so Mr Rogers wasn't on my TV. I'd never heard of him until adulthood. I'm fascinated by his warmth and kindness. It's something that I feel a lot of us could learn something from.

You bring up a really good point about internalized self-hatred. There have been a handful of times in my life where I've lashed out about everyone thinking that they're so special; even though I didn't realize it, it's always been at low points in my life where I feel like a failure and a loser, and the person I'm actually aiming that vitriol at is myself.

I'm about to become an elementary school teacher and have been obsessively watching all I can of Mr. Rogers to learn from. Hes exactly who I want to be

A+ video. Mr. Rogers may not have been vocal about his political choices but the values he imparted spoke for him. Kindness is radical, in every sense of the word- and it is revolutionary to choose to be kind.

It was so sweet of Mr. Rogers to sign 'I love you' in ASL at 6:50

You speak so beautifully about him, just lovely. And it's absolutely crazy how he makes everyone emotional. We humans are a real piece of work, so controversial. Have a lovely weekend - greetings from Finland*

Its kind of sad that things like self-esteem, valuing taking care of yourself and being a decent human being to other people are seen as weakness these days. We have a very strange, constricted idea of what it means to be a man in 21st century America. Mr Rogers is one of my all time favorite human beings and it makes me so very happy to see him being held up as an exaample of what we should be aiming for. New subscriber by the way, and really enjoying your channel. Keep up the great work!

I have always loved Mr. Rogers message. I saw the documentry recently made about him. In there it was said he was always a Republican. In a way that didn't surprise me. Fred grew up wealthy and had sort of a Norman Rockwell conservative idea of the the American dream. However as compared to the actuale reality of America his message did seem radical. Somehow although a bit contradictery Fred knew this to be true. I think he wanted us to hold true too our ideals. As others have pointed out he was a Minister and considered his work to be ministry. I also find it amazing that when he died he asked his wife if he was one of the sheep or the goats. In other words if he was worthy of heaven. Obviously he must have held himself to a high standard. How ever it begs the question if it was a question for him what about the rest of us. Personally I don't think he thought about it that way. I think he belived in a loving God that would be forgiving. I also can't help but be sad that that Mr. Rodgers believed that the Loving God that he modeled himself after might send him to hell.

We need more people like him

I absolutely bawled while watching this video. Mr. Rogers was such an important influence on my life. I met him once in an airport when I was travelling with my family when I was around 4 years old. He was wearing his glasses then and I had never seen him with them on on the show so I was scared and hid behind my mom. I'll never forget his kindness and compassion. Thank you for making this video and reminding me of this incredible human being and his immeasurable influence on my life and so many others.

I hope this video isn't taken down, like earlier today.

I had tears streaming down my face when you started playing his song. He really touched so many souls with that show. I hope we find someone like him soon. We need more of that kind of light in this world.

He was before my time but every time I hear about Mr. Rogers I feel grateful for everything he did. It often feels like there are so few genuinely kind people, especially in the media, and Mr. Rogers is a great beam of hope.

Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood was one of two shows I grew up with as a kid that most affected my worldview. Of course, you go exactly into why here. The other show is Star Trek: The Next Generation. While Mr. Rogers taught us to respect and love one another, TNG taught that we can all become more than what we already are through learning to understand ourselves, the people around us, and the universe we live in. Between the two, I learned that we are all special, deserving of love, and through bringing everyone's special traits together and respecting those traits, understanding them, and putting them together, we will all become even better. We should not fight each other, but help each other.

I was lucky I was able to grow up with Mister Rogers in the early '80s. It was always a joy to watch. It taught so many wonderful values. Between this and Sesame Street, children could get a beautiful start in life, even if their home life wasn't ideal. I hope SS is still being produced today. I also fondly remember other old-style children's programs like The Electric Company and 123 Contact!. Wonderful memories and special times.

"I was a freshman in college" JESUS CHRIST REALLY? You look like you are in your mid 20's... 0_0

I’ve never watched mr Rodgers, I’m only 21, so I got Sesame Street. But I did cry during that clip of him talking to congress about funding. His purity was so real that it makes me get a little teary eyed just thinking about it again.

Previously gave a comment about Sesame Street....now one about Fred. I grew up on both and lived both...one of my favorite bits from Fred Rogers was when he shared his kiddie pool with a black man, dipping their feet for a few minutes to cool off from the warm summer heat, and having a little conversation. This episode released at a time when black kids were being denied access to publicly funded community pools because of the color of their skin.... love Fred Rogers!

This is by far my favourite NonCompete video and what made me start watching your channel regularly. It is a very touching video especially since Mister Rogers is was a big part of my childhood. I even showed the video to most of my family members and friends and they all loved it. I really think stuff like this is what can normalize socialist ideas to people and to show that it is already espoused by many of the kindest people in history

I've been through a long, lonely year of reversals and upheavals. I'm trying to crowdfund back rent, look for work, and stay afloat. It's been so discouraging. I had to come back and watch this video again. Thank you. I needed to hear and see something to hearten me.

God why'd you have have to go and make me cry! I'll never stop morning for Mr Rogers

This is not an argument I would make in quite the same spirit today, but I once tried to argue with a person over the internet about the importance of connecting with people in real life. I said "But do you even know your neighbours?" and his response was "I don't want to know them, we have nothing in common." I replied, "how do you know that?" The argument ended up going in circles and, while I don't necessarily hate the internet as much as I used to, I still think my point was kind of valid. If you don't know your neighbours, how do you know you have nothing in common? It doesn't have to be either-or. I wish I lived in a society that allowed me to approach my actual, physical neighbours without looking like a creep.

Thanks for the video! I've never seen Mr. Rogers, but maybe I should.

this made me tear-up and feel warm-hearted and hope-full. what a lovely tv program that must have been. i'm so glad it was a part of your and many other children's lives.

This was truly beautiful. Thank you so much for posting such a thoughtful video that speaks right to my heart. ❤️❤️❤️

I remember being a kid in an abusive home that taught me that really caring about anything was something to be mocked and having a vicious knee-jerk reaction to Mr. Rogers. I insulted him, called him creepy, did everything I could to show my disgust for someone that really seemed to care deeply for others. I was one of the lucky kids that eventually realized how miserable I was and really tried to learn to care about myself and others. Now that I have a baseline of kindness and empathy, I can finally appreciate the sincerity Mr. Rogers had for humanity on a large scale, and for each of us as individuals. I'd like to think he would be proud of me today.

I just started watching the first one right before PBS took it down.

This video made me cry lol, sucha wonderful video thank you. You put out both our love for Mr. Rogers and his profoundness so eloquently.

We never did anything to deserve Mr. Rogers. He was so much better than anything we ever could have asked for. Many people have one face on the show, and when they got off they're totally different. Not Mr. Rogers. He, for everything he did, remembered love, and kindness, and to always do what you can to make people happy.

This video should have 3.8 *billion* views, not 3.8 thousand...

You brought a tear to my eye my dear friend.

I didn't have Mr Rogers growing up as a kid, but my dad taught me something much in the same vein : "Everyone you meet in the street will be better than you at something, and you'll be better than they are at something else. We can all learn from each other. We all have something of value to contribute." I will take those words to my grave having repeated or paraphrased them to as many people as I possibly can.

As a Finnish person I didn't know mr Rogers before stumbling upon your and ThoughtSlime's videos on him. I hope I can keep this inspiration with me and connect back to Buddhist meditation practice as well as lived practise of compassion. It's so easy to be angry at how the world is and forget to really deeply touch in with the goodness of humanity. Thank you! 🙏💕

This made me cry several times during the viewing. I just love this so much, thanks for making this video. Mister Rogers was great.

Mister Rogers was a beautiful soul >.>

I needed this video today. Thank you, comrade.

Comrade Rogers was the very very rare example of an actual Christian that legitimately follows the teachings of love, equity and acceptance of Jesus.

I grew up watching Mr. Rogers and I was gonna unsubscribe if you were going to talk shit about him but you had nothing but respect for him. Now I love this channel even more.

Mr Rogers hugging Big Bird might the most wholesome image in the history of recorded imagery. Thanks, homie OP, for this essay. Well done. You’re a mighty fine neighbor.

wonderful video. Thanks brother

Humanity didn't deserve Fred Rogers. People like him are usually too good to be true. So it is always nice when you have someone that genuinely was that good.

One of the greatest men that have ever lived.

Living in England, I never got to watch this show when I was younger, but even I got a little emotional at the song, truly it can be said that such sentiment is paramount to anarchist thought, or at least has to be, that everyone is indeed special.

That was beautiful. Let us hope for gentle change. R.I.P. Mr. Rogers. :'(

This YT channel really is making the world a better place. Thanks Emerican!

In Canada, we had Mr Dressup, aka Ernie Coombs- who would have thought compassion would become a radical idea?

Thank you for making this video I love Fred Rogers he truly was one of a kind. I saw your other video on Stephen Hawking 🙌💯 keep up the great work I also subscribed to ur channel already👍

You might say his show wasn’t about pitching plastic or consumerism, but I always wanted that flatscreen picture frame with the flush vcr built in the wall. One day. Rise and grind.

Mr. Rogers and Jesus were my role models a child. Both men were outspoken activists and championed radical compassion for our neighbors and ourselves. That message was pivotal to surviving an abusive childhood. I felt empowered because I could *decide* to be a “good neighbor” by demonstrating kindness even when it’s difficult and unreciprocated.

I never got to watch him when I was little, I wish I did though. This video made me cry and watch Mr Rodgers and its an amazing feeling to be told you're special in a world that doesn't say it so often and perpetuates the idea were not unless we have "special skills" for profit or something. It's comforting to be valued as a human and not a commodity, you still have worth, there's other qualities that matter more than your ability to profit.

What a hero. There are few people I want to be like than Fred Rogers. Rest in Power, my neighbor.

Jesus would approve of Mr Rogers.

Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful person!

A TRUE RADICAL. A superb person.

Mr. Rogers always makes me want to cry, realizing just how awful the world is and how strongly he contrasts it. He's so wholesome, kind, warm. It's great.

The next step from learning to let others love you and consider you unique is to be able to do it for yourself. Tell yourself that you’re special sometimes. It is hard to mean it, but I promise, it’s true!

this made me cry even though I've watched maybe a minute total of mister rogers

I watched his show into highschool. I used to get stoned with my friends before we all watched Mr. Rogers. I also have a deep respect for the man that only grows with time/more info about him and his life. He truly is an inspirational human being and we're kind of short on those nowadays imo.

He was such a walking sermon of love, kindness and simplicity.

I think Emerica and I were separated at birth! I became an Anarcho-Communist because I care just as much (sometimes more) about OTHER people than about myself! Kindness and empathy in my opinion are central tenets of the whole concept of solidarity. Mr Rogers was truly a great person and such a simple concept as you are special and I like you just the way you are is really powerful. Unconditional kindness, empathy, and validation are all things lacking in hierarchical and especially capitalist societies. Another amazing video!

This was incredibly beautiful. I'm not sure the words in this video could have been said any better. I remember when my parents first showed me Mr. Rogers and at first I found his kindness and understanding a bit uncommon and odd. My parents told me kindness, understanding and the ability to listen to each other should never feel odd or foreign. Just watch the episodes and listen. I did and after a few episodes I wanted to have this large amount of compassion and understanding for my fellow human beings like he did.

Fred Rogers was the model of a human being we all should seek to emulate 🙂👍

This is so wholesome and based

I just subscribed. I managed 15 community associations in Florida. I like it because they are not for profit. But, 15 is already too many, add in Trump supporters and I ended up in the hospital with high blood pressure and chest pains. I’m out and ok but have no job now. I have to get back in, where Florida is the most divisive state and most people on the boards are retired. I will have to channel my inner Mr. Rogers. I always listen to everyone. I spend too much time listening to their problems and trying to help that I fall behind. But, I can’t help that I care. To my own detriment and then I’m on my own.

Thank you!

I love this and I'm teary eyed watching it. I think your words were well chosen in avoiding the word fight. Our power as leftists is empathy and care and we forgot that sometimes. We want to be the great philosophers or the badasses running down the cops in the revolution but who if going to make sure we don't love ourselves who is going make sure the elderly lady next door had food to eat and a friend to talk to? There is so much power in the earnest soft mushy kindness and it's so easy to forget. It's so easy to measure ourselves with the metrics that capitalism uses for us. Thanks for making this!

I only watched a little of his show when I was young, and now as an adult, I have yet to shake the teenager's lack of interest in child-directed programming, so I've never given it a proper revisit. That said, I feel like many of the people I draw inspiration from, were in turn inspired by Mr. Rogers, and so he means a great deal to me second-hand, as it were, as his teachings and philosophy have been passed on to me by others I respect. There was an episode of the "Revolutionary Left Radio" podcast that took the same "Look for the helpers" quote you shared for its title, which was probably one of the most meaningful episodes for me. I played that episode for my mother a few months ago, which is very unusual for us, but it resonated that deeply. On a more personal note, I remember several years ago when the documentary about Mr. Rogers came out. I didn't end up seeing it, but I was discussing it with a dear friend and comrade, and she remarked, in relation to Mr. Rogers, "Now that is how to do masculinity right." High praise, indeed.

A very radical message in this present time. Thank you @NonCompete

Just sat here staring at the empty "add a public comment" box after watching this. Never grew up with Mr Rogers myself, but his brand of kindness has been something I'd been taught regardless thanks to my wonderful mum! Definitely shed a few tears to this video, thanks for that Emerican :D Always I strive to bring such kindness and compassion to my friends and random people alike. There was always something fascinating about just listening to the many varied stories and experiences of people! As if they never had anyone listen to them before. So many people's stories go unheard and that's the saddest thing in the world to me! (I mean objectively there's worse going on in the world of course but y'know...) If we can all just be a bit better to one another, so much can change. There are those who can try to take advantage of that in cruel ways, but enough people standing together can make a difference. Thanks again for this video in particular, and all the best to anybody out there who reads this!

I was born in 2003. Mr. Rodgers made a big impact in my traumatic childhood. I love him.

He was the person who influenced my life towards the positive more than anyone else. I cried more when he died than all of my grandparents combined. Thank you Emerican for making this video!

I like your username: NonCompete. We don't need to compete, no one is a failure and there is no way to fail in life. There is no victory or win-state to achieve, just us here to be with each other. Do with that what you will everyone.

fighting back tears from the mr Rodgers line about being you. Jesus Christ, that’s a message not found in society much. I needed to hear that.

Mr Rogers was a divine light in a deeply evil and vicious world. In the future his way will be the only way and we will all be able to walk in the light without fear. For now, we got a lot of fights and battles ahead of us of all kinds. In the end I know we'll win, but I don't know how long it will take and I'm sure the losses will be steep on both sides.

This legit made me cry. Loved Mr. Rogers since I was a kid.

I can hear mr roger's voice in my head saying "Well I don't know that I'd call myself a comrade but I'm certainly in support of every laborer being treated and compensated fairly according his or her own need and ability"

he was a great man. mr. Rogers.

That. A community of love.

Fred Rogers is what a real super hero is. I rarely watched his show growing up, I got caught up in all the violent cartoons as a child, but as an adult I realized what an amazing man he was.

Not gonna lie ,Emerican when I feel down and I feel sad when I see the struggles and pain of humanity ,knowing it stems from all the things children face and how important it is to embrace them and let them all feel loved ,I come here and always rewatch this ,it makes me feel emotional because I feel like theres a child crying and scared in all of us ,thank you for this comrade ,love to you ,long live the Revolution of peace and kindness

This video actually made me cry, but in a good way. Thank you : ))

The man embodied love. His superpower was listening and caring.