I think one of the hardest things about accepting Trump’s reelection is that it feels like a mortal wound to the idea of the “beloved community” that many of us 70s kids grew up with.
Popularized by Martin Luther King Jr, the “Beloved Community” is a global vision in which racism, poverty, and militarism are eradicated—a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one’s fellow human beings. In King’s words, the Beloved Community was not utopian, but attainable through hard work and commitment to ethical principles and systemic change achieved through nonviolence.
Mr. Rogers brought that vision to life for those of us who were a bit too young to remember MLK when he was alive. Mr. Rogers (and also Sesame Street) taught us there’s a place for everyone in the neighborhood. It’s better to be kind than to win. Bullies were unequivocally bad. Even the cold old Catholic Church got nicer in the seventies when the reforms of Vatican 2 led to a focus on the New Testament—lots of felt banners and folk music.
And raise your hand if you remember Free to Be, You and Me. For those who don’t remember, it was a pioneering children’s album and television special created by Marlo Thomas in the early 1970s that promoted gender equality, individuality, and emotional expression. Featuring stars like Alan Alda and Diana Ross, it encouraged kids to reject traditional stereotypes and embrace who they are, becoming a cultural touchstone for a more inclusive generation. My sister and I listened to that album over and over again.
Someday Trump will be gone.
And on that day, I’m going to listen to Free to Be, You and Me from start to finish.
Full track list:
Free To Be… You And Me – The New Seekers
Boy Meets Girl – Mel Brooks & Marlo Thomas
When We Grow Up – Diana Ross
Don’t Dress Your Cat In An Apron – Billy De Wolfe
Parents Are People – Harry Belafonte & Marlo Thomas
Housework – Carol Channing
Helping – Tom Smothers
Ladies First – Marlo Thomas
Dudley Pippin And The Principal – Billy De Wolfe, Bob Morse & Marlo Thomas
It’s Alright To Cry – Rosey Grier
Sisters And Brothers – Voices of East Harlem
My Dog Is A Plumber – Dick Cavett
William’s Doll – Alan Alda & Marlo Thomas (probably the most memorable and groundbreaking track on the album)
Atalanta – Alan Alda & Marlo Thomas
Grandma – Diana Sands
Girl Land – Jack Cassidy & Shirley Jones
Dudley Pippin And His No-Friend – Bob Morse & Marlo Thomas
Glad To Have A Friend Like You – Marlo Thomas
Free To Be… You And Me (Reprise) – The New Seekers

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