In 1995, Fred Rogers devoted a week of programs to angry feelings. When Fred was angry, he would go to the piano and play out his feelings. During this “Mad Feelings” week of programs, viewers meet special guests and hear how they handle their emotions. Fred wanted to help children find healthy ways to handle and express their negative emotions.
Press releases like this explain Fred’s motives behind the Neighborhood theme weeks. They are helpful to researchers who are interested in how Fred communicated so effectively about issues that can be difficult for children to handle.
The first time Mister Rogers sang this song, he was remembering a time when he was angry with a friend. His negative emotion scared him and he needed to talk about it with a caring adult. This song acknowledges that fear is closely entwined with anger.
The Fred Rogers Institute Archivist is available for requests and inquiries from students and researchers.
