If you look up “genuine” in the dictionary, the definition runs like this: truly what something is said to be, authentic. Fred Rodgers was genuine.
Most television personalities apply a persona to their presentation-an outer layer of flash and dazzle, just in case their personality doesn’t ring true. Rodgers didn’t need anything extra. He was the real deal, an honestly good man who had a simple idea: if you can connect with a child, you can help them. If you can help one, you can help many.
Director Morgan Neville’s plan with the new documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor, is also simple, and that’s shining a light on one of the nicest guys in the history of show business, perhaps the world. He doesn’t draw up controversy or try to dig up dirt. Let’s be honest. There isn’t much when it comes to Rodgers, someone who didn’t like what he saw on television once upon a time and wanted to change the game. Continue reading “‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ shows you the decency of Mr. Rodgers”
