Mr. Rogers vs. Racism

Presbyterian minister Fred Rogers, one of the most beloved Americans of the 20th century, hosted the PBS TV series “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” for 33 years, modeling kindness, compassion, and love for children nationwide. On May 9, 1969, during a troubling and uncertain time in our history, Mr. Rogers took a bold yet gentle step for racial understanding by washing the feet of an African-American policeman, played by actor François Clemmons.

Mr. Rogers Vs. Racism

While this simple act may not seem radical, it must be understood in the context of its time. “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” premiered on February 19, 1968, amid a backdrop of turmoil, including the murders of Medgar Evers and Malcolm X, the Mississippi Burning murders, freedom rides, and the integration of the Universities of Mississippi and Alabama at gunpoint. Deadly riots fueled by racial hatred and discrimination sent America reeling during the spring and summer of 1968.

Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood provided a calm and safe space for children to learn about the world. Fred Rogers, a deeply compassionate man, aimed to inspire children to create a world where imagination, kindness, and friendliness would dominate. Despite being a minister, Mr. Rogers never preached; instead, he taught by example. The moment when he washed Officer Clemmons’ feet was a subtle, powerful message to children about the need to be humble and welcoming.

The Significance Of The Gesture

The episode took place on a hot day. Mr. Rogers had removed his shoes and socks, resting his feet in a small plastic wading pool. When Officer Clemmons, a local police officer who also taught singing, passed by, Mr. Rogers invited him to cool his feet as well.

This moment was significant for three reasons. First, amid the racial issues dividing America, Mr. Rogers demonstrated simple consideration and equality by sharing his pool without hesitation, addressing the question of whether African Americans could share public swimming pools with white people.

Second, by shaking Officer Clemmons’ hand and welcoming him into his home, Mr. Rogers modeled friendship with a person of color, an image many white children had likely never seen before.

These gestures have long been remembered. In real life, Fred Rogers, a man of tremendous goodwill and love for the world, was never associated with racism or racial animosity. Instead, he approached strangers, including people of color, as friends. The third significance lies in Mr. Rogers’ sharing of the pool, a gesture deeply rooted in his ministerial background. To those grounded in the New Testament, his actions had profound meaning.

A Biblical Interpretation

In addition to sharing the pool’s cool water, Mr. Rogers shared his towel and helped clean Officer Clemmons’ feet, mirroring the biblical narrative of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet in John 13. In taking on this humble task, Mr. Rogers echoed Jesus, challenging societal norms and demonstrating that true greatness lies in serving others, regardless of their social standing.

While this biblical connection might not be apparent to everyone, it underscores Mr. Rogers’ message that not only should white people treat African-Americans as equals and friends, but they should also serve people of color with humility.

Like Betty White,  who also took a stand against racism, Mr. Rogers was an extraordinary soul, reminding us to live our lives with civility, humility, and kindness. More than that, we must teach those lessons to our children if we want the world to become a neighborhood.

BONUS!

To hear the wonderfully talented and thoughtful François Clemmons remember that moment and his friend, Mr. Rogers, click here.