My Childhood is Ruined: Mr. Wizard
I often reminisce about old TV programs and wonder if I should go digging them up online. That’s the beauty (and horror) of this mile-wide and inch deep place.
There were so many great children’s shows that made me the man I am today. One such show, a favorite of mine, was Mr. Wizard’s World. The guy somehow managed to be a wizard and a scientist at the same time, a feat that will probably never to be repeated. Go figure.
Unfortunately, I found this…
“Keep out of reach of children… that includes you.” – Mr. Wizard
It’s like my whole childhood was a lie.
Oh, that’s great, Mr. Wizard. Or should I call you Richard Face? You know more than 10 year-olds. Good for you. Why don’t you lord it over them in a crotchety old-man way?
If you’re a child of the 1970′s or 80′s, this probably ruined your day. I’m very sorry for that. And though Mr. Wizard was a total dick, we can probably agree that Mr. Wizard’s World is schools of igloo-dwelling octopus-jellyfish-sharktopus better than the ridiculous, digital crap on TV today.
Weren’t convinced by that first video? Let me show you another piece of video evidence…
I feel like somewhere all of my science teachers I’ve ever had are laughing together, watching these, and remarking what an idiot I was.
I am was such an idiot.
Yeah, this didn’t scare me at all as a kid.
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19 Comments
19 Responses to “My Childhood is Ruined: Mr. Wizard”
I used to love Mr Wizard. Until just now, when I started hating him.
You know who else turned out to be a giant ass?? SANTA! The santa on the old school Rudolph- such a dick.
In my life I have spent 4 years as a science teacher, 6 years as a father, and countless hours watching science-themed television.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
If Mr. Wizard were around today I would hope that Bill Nye, Jamie Hyneman, Adam Savage, Chris and Martin Kratt and Slim Goodbody would kick his ass.
-Dork Dad
Nope, doesn’t ruin my childhood. Mr. Wizard still rocks. Don’t be such a wuss Charlie!
I dunno, I kind of have renewed respect for Mr. Wizard (after not having so much as thought of him in over a decade). Telling it like it is isn’t being a dick (or telling someone they’re wrong).
Now Santa…he really was a dick.
Geez is it bad that I have never heard of Mr. Wizard?? I am in my early 30′s too..Hmmm
Do not feel bad, Laurie. I have never heard of him either.
I’m in my 30′s as well and I admit I am kind of glad I haven’t heard of him. He is quite the asshole.
See, I don’t think he’s being a Richard, or if he is, the world needs _more_ Richards in it. These kids are capable of being told they’re wrong, and instead of whining and sueing him for emotional trauma, they’re intreged, they listen up, and better themselves. There’s no apology, or wishy-washy feelings, it’s science, man, and it’s good! I learned how to use flour, a coffee can, and a straw to blow things up! He taught how to think outside of the box, how to look at things in non conventional means, and showed, not just droned on, about science and the world.
” and instead of whining and [suing] him for emotional trauma,”
That would be their overprotective parents’ influence.
I’m not convinced. A lot of adults talked like that when I was a kid, including some of my favorite teachers, and I actually find it more respectful than the patronizing tone that kid shows use today. I speak that way sometimes with kids and other adults too and I think it’s a perfectly reasonable dialogue method of teaching. And (I don’t think coincidentally) I don’t melt down when someone criticizes my work or tells me I’m wrong.
He’s a dream killer. Think how advanced our society would be if Mr. “Richard Face” Wizard didn’t exist.
I still like him. So what if he tells you if you are wrong. If you are wrong, you’re wrong. What did you want him to do? Give every kid a medal for participating? He taught kids how to think and be okay and deal with failing if they didn’t get it right the first time. Think outside the box, keep trying, and suck it up. Terrible things to teach a kid.
I’m 32 and I have no idea who that guy is, but while he comes off as a total a-hole, I like that he doesn’t sugar-coat things. My Grandfather was like that. There’s a difference between being honest, and just being a dick.
I turned 41 this month and never saw an episode of Mr. Wizard. Looking at these clips though, he sounds like a total d-bag.
Now…I’m in the “Not a Dick” camp…. I think he’s just talking true…its not mean…just real. That is how my parents would talk to us….and how I talk to my kids sometimes ….
*Hmmmm…… (wanders off to ponder that for a moment…..)
Hey, I got NEWS for you! That’s the wrong reality. Kids have the ability to Learn WITHOUT being made wrong. Not enough teachers, however know how to teach (that way). This Dick is not a teacher in my book.
And yes. He IS a Dick.
If you’re taking this seriously, you’re doing it wrong.