Professor Blames Mister Rogers For Generation Of Bad Attitudes

Mister Rogers was a Pittsburgh educational TV icon -- but now his teachings are coming under attack.

In a Wall Street Journal article this week, Don Chance, a professor at Louisiana State University, sees a problem with students who feel entitled and decided, "We can blame Mister Rogers ... he's representative of a culture of excessive doting."

Standing in front of part of the original set, former show cast member David Newell, also known as Mister McFeely, says Mister Rogers didn't just tell kids they were special, he also taught hard work and discipline.

"I guess it's a little frustrating because it shows not everybody knows what Fred is doing on television," said Newell. "I think it's an easy way to draw attention to the subject. It's easy to blame Fred and it gets your attention."

The newspaper article cited a San Diego State University study which found signs of narcissism in college students has risen for 25 years.

But psychologist Hedda Sharapan who works in Fred Rogers Production Company, said Mister Rogers' words of support were just a basis for kids to learn other lessons.

"I think this is a very complicated question. That’s why blaming it on Mister Rogers is just absurd," said Sharapan.

Previous Stories: January 20, 2004: Local College Plans Mister Rogers Memorial November 7, 2003: Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Sweater Drive Begins Friday May 3, 2003: Thousands Gather To Pay Tribute To Mister Rogers March 21, 2003: Public Memorial Service Scheduled For Mister Rogers March 20, 2003: Thursday Declared "Mister Rogers Day" March 5, 2003: Lawmakers Unanimously Pass Mister Rogers Resolution March 3, 2003: State Representative Introduces Resolution For Mister Rogers February 28, 2003: Pastor Says Mister Rogers Handled Impending Death With Class February 27, 2003: Pittsburgh's Favorite 'Neighbor' Passes Away February 27, 2003: Tips For Parents On Dealing With Mister Rogers' Death