I learned 2 great things that happened 50 years ago

I learned about 2 great things that happened 50 years ago. It’s strange how both of these anniversaries popped up on my radar in 24 hours from each other. It was completely random honestly. We ran across a documentary on Hulu about Seasame Street and on my podcast, the other one was a podcast about NPR just sitting there waiting for me. It made me think of a 3rd unlikely show, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, that aimed to teach people something beyond their normal home education.

Sesame Street

Sesame Street was created in 1971. It was all part of our countries efforts to do better. This show was groundbreaking because it not only taught children the basics of spelling, reading, and math but it also taught them cultural topics. It taught children that not everyone was the same. We didn’t all look alike and we didn’t all act alike.

For many American children, Sesame Street was an integral part of their education. Teaching children lessons regarding how to read, spell, count, and the difference between right and wrong. The show created a fictional street in which a group of people and characters lived in a city. This is where Americans were introduced to the Muppets. The Muppets were used to help relate life to children. Some Muppets were adults but others were children themselves. The combination of actors and Muppets lead to a show that could discuss and educate children and a multitude of topics.

NPR

Then you have NPR started in 1971. It too started from the call to do better when it came to our media. It’s really interesting how this powerhouse started as a ragtag group of reports all driven by the vision of Bill Siemering. He made some uncommon choices. They are now just a standard of NPR. He didn’t want it to be like other new organizations. Bill Siemering saw how America was changing and based on his choices he felt something new was needed.

In a now-famous speech before the National Association of Broadcasters, FCC Chair Newt Minow challenged broadcasters to do better: “I invite you to sit down at your television set when your station goes on the air, and stay there for a day,” he says. “Keep your eyes glued to that set until the station signs off. I can assure you that what you will observe is a vast wasteland.” Minow and others felt that the public was not receiving the benefits that the airways owned.

NPR Turns 50 Amid Reckoning In Journalism Over Who Tells Stories – and how

Pretty crazy to think 50 years later that NPR has developed and grown but has kept its mission. Through all the changes in media and our country, it’s held fast to its mission and brings unbiased reporting to the public. There are those that would challenge that statement but couldn’t come up with specifics other than it didn’t further their point of view.

Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood

The last show that came to mind was Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. It started in 1966 on PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) station WQED. This show also focused on the education of preschool children. Fred Rogers is someone that many children grew up within America. Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood ran for 31 seasons, which equated to 912 episodes (including specials). That is a serious run for a television show.

Again Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood didn’t just teach children about letters, numbers, reading, or counting. The show taught children how was right and wrong in a world that maybe wasn’t always clear. There were regular guests as well as special guests and like Sesame Street he used puppets in his show. This allows for some make-believe and creative storytelling. I now I was engrossed in the shows. It allowed for an escape from the norm.

Sadly people attacked Fred Rogers for his role in the show. People couldn’t believe someone would want to educate children without some nefarious purposes. That goes to show what some people in our society think. These people assume the worst from other people. Fred Rogers was able to overcome all that and provide quality programming.

I’d like to be remembered for being a compassionate human being who happened to be fortunate enough to be born at a time when there was a fabulous thing called television that could allow me to use all the talents that I had been given.

Fred Rogers

If you’ve not seen the documentary about Fred Rogers it’s well worth the watch. It’s an amazing show and tells such a great story. Check out the trailer below.

Where do we stand today?

Today we still have Sesame Street and NPR helping educate the public. There does seem to be a push by some to hold back these quality organizations. People who fear the advancements of the American public. They of course would refute this but just looks at how many people are constantly saying new organizations are publishing ‘fake news’ or how some segments of the American public wouldn’t want children to learn about divorce or racial equality.

Education is one of the most important things we can promote in our country. We can ask our fellow Americans to think and question the choices being made around us. We won’t always agree but I think healthy discourse will help us grow. Today we see what’s being called cancel culture and it’s pushing groups further apart. People don’t want to listen and debate the perspectives of others. Some just want to shut it down and push people to the side.

Gratitude

So I’ve been trying to keep gratitude at the forefront of my mind. So here are some things I’m grateful for today. 1) I’m grateful that I’ve continued to learn and grow as an individual. It’s helped me progress in my life and at work. 2) I’m grateful for the beauty in nature. Yesterday I went to an Iris farm. The family-owned company has created stunning gardens to display their irises as well as other flowers. 3) Third and lastly I’m grateful for choices. Sometimes we don’t feel like we have choices or options but the fact is that we always have choices. We may not like them but if you can get past today there will be more choices to be made tomorrow.

If you liked this article check out some of my other posts at JustCallMeTuba.com. Also, leave a comment. Let me know what you thought of the post.

#npr, #sesamestreet, #mrrogers, #pbs, #gratitude, #iris