Friday, January 4, 2008

P.S. - I love cardigan sweaters!

Over the holiday break, I had access to my family car, which resulted in numerous long trips to Toronto and unnecessary shopping. Fortunately, it also allowed me more time to listen to CBC radio. Although I often listen to CBC radio at home, it is never for a substantial length of time. This break, I was pleased to notice that the CBC was making great use of its archival holdings, often incorporating sound clips from the past into relevant and interesting topics for the present. From New Year’s Eve predictions since the late-50s, to the top Christmas toys from the mid-80s, CBC radio used sound clips to connect the audience to the past and harked back to different, rare moments in time.

Since returning from my break, one audio clip has remained on my mind from CBC's segment 'Flipback' on December 27th. Unfortunately, when I went to find the clip at CBC Radio online, I was unable to locate it. Luckily, YouTube had the clip that I was so desperate to share: 'Mr. Rogers talks to US Senate'. When my sister and I first heard Fred Roger’s voice, it immediately gave us chills and we became reminiscent of our childhoods. It also happened to send us into a discussion about our generation’s supposed sense of entitlement and the lasting effects of songs such as, 'You are Special' and 'I'm Still Myself Inside'.

Now, listening to the clip again, it helps me comprehend how powerful and massive a collective childhood memory can be. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood ran continuously from February 1968 to August 2001, daily entering homes and engaging children throughout North America. With his straightforward, thoughtful and calming style of entertainment, Mister Rogers was able to directly speak to several generations of youth. For thousands, possibly millions, Mister Rogers was a childhood staple and arguably an immensely influential figure for countless individuals. Thanks to CBC radio's 'Flipback' I was prompted to reflect on this important and strangely impressive childhood legend. Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood takes me back in time and opens the flood gates on thoughts about the collective memory thousands share with me and Fred Rogers.

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" So, let's make the most of this beautiful day. Since we're together we might as well say: Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won't you be my neighbor? Won't you please, Won't you please? Please won't you be my neighbor?" - Mister Rogers