CHRISTIAN TOTO: Could Mr. Rogers exist today?

There’s something else that’s changed today, and it’s where Rogers would struggle the most had he come of age in 2019.

Imagine a children’s show where a straight white male, a Presbyterian minister no less, told children and their parents how to best lead their lives. This character served up old-school advice about loving one another and processing difficult moments, like the death of a loved one.

His skin color alone might cause outrage among the usual suspects. His faith may similarly be targeted. Presbyterians are far more open, and inclusive, than other Christian belief systems. The modern Presbyterian church supports gay marriage. What if Rogers had different views 10 years ago? Twenty years ago?

The woke mob perpetually hounds Chik-Fil-A restaurants because they disagree with the founder’s Biblical beliefs. In today’s climate, anything is possible.

“Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” famously tackled racism, nuclear war and divorce. You could imagine him exploring gay rights in modern times. But what about trans rights? Drag queens? Islamophobia?

Social pressure would mount until his show’s producers delivered storylines tied to those specific themes. Heaven help Team Mr. Rogers if they made a misstep, real or imagined, in the eyes of select critics.

They’ll probably nominate Tom Hanks for an Oscar for playing him, but they’d drive him off the air today if they could.