Fred Rogers, the man behind Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, just died. I felt like I should comment on this, as that show meant quite a lot to me as a child.

I would have to say that Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was the best show in its entire genre. If you count reruns, it probably still is. As a child, the only shows I watched were Mister Rogers and Sesame Street, though Mister Rogers was a lot better. And again, if you count reruns, it probably still is.

The difference was in the warm and inviting aura that Mister Rogers had. Sesame Street was a colorful and fun show with its variety of characters and all the kids interacting with the muppets. However, Mister Rogers had a more individual approach. With the exception of the occasional visits to King Friday in the Land of Make-Believe, Mister Rogers didn't rely on a colorful cast so much as he relied on a heartfelt show that felt like it was made just for you. Mister Rogers didn't want some random urban kid to be his neighbor and you to watch; he wanted you to be his neighbor. Sesame Street's cast made it fun, but Mister Rogers was truly from the heart and left you feeling warm inside.

Another difference is the message that the shows sent. Sesame Street tries too hard to focus on specific demographic issues. They always had to have the ethnically diverse set of children that hung around with the muppets, which I always found rather annoying. Also, any children's show that makes it a point to include an HIV-positive muppet has serious issues. Not that I have any problem with HIV awareness, but that just seems like it's getting a little too...I'm not even sure, but something just strikes me as being wrong with that. On the other hand, Mister Rogers never wanted you to take a look at global issues. He just wanted you to be his neighbor, and to just have a warm and pleasant time. His major message was that you are you, there is no one else quite like you, and you are unique and special. It's simple, but positive and empowering. He made you feel good about yourself, in addition to the feel-good nature of his entire show.

Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye. Mister Rogers, you will be missed. The neighborhood just won't be the same without you..

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