Mr. Reading Rainbow's Radical Message to Parents

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

24 Sep 2009 11:43 PM

Oh no, he didn't.

Levar Burton, host of the now canceled PBS children's series "Reading Rainbow," didn't just tell legions of parents: "I couldn't care less whether kids learn to read."

Oh yes, he did.

But, that's not all the 26-year veteran of the popular kid's show got off his chest during a recent public statement.

Burton also told his loyal fans (or at least the ones who can read): "May that godforsaken show burn in hell."

That was before the former "Roots" star let this doozy rip: "Look, Reading Rainbow was a television program. That should tell you something right there. What I should have done is hosted a show that taught children how to watch more television. I bet they would have come up with the funding to renew that show."

Now, before you go hating on Levar Burton, I should mention that the actor's rant was shared exclusively with readers of "The Onion," a satirical news organization, which often pokes fun at mainstream America.

Burton lets loose in his hilarious article titled: "My Living Nightmare of Encouraging Kids to Read is Over."

In his tongue-in-cheek piece Burton is an equal opportunity basher, first ripping on his former employer:

"For 26 years, I've told kids they could open a magical door to another world just by reading a book, when the only door it ever opened for me led to a soul-sucking career in the horrifying abyss of public television."

Then taking aim at the authors of the kids' books he pimped out to young viewers for nearly three decades:

"Those humiliating books Maebelle's Suitcase and The Jolly Postman. These were not the classics. Anyone who could glue paper between two pieces of cardboard and hire a publicist could get a book on that show. And there I was, in sheer agony, trying to keep a smile on my face while talking up Germs Make Me Sick!"

I thought Burton's article was a riot.

But don't take my word for it (oh c'mon, who could resist?), you can read Burton's entire tirade here.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Andrea Hermitt (5507) 25 Sep 2009 12:08 PM

Whew... you had me snapping my fingers and loosening my neck hinge for a minute.

Cat-Mom-of-3 (180) 28 Sep 2009 09:37 AM

Very sad when that show was cancelled, we loved it! We also love Levar Burton and his encouragement of children's love of reading for all those years. He is so missed.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 30 Sep 2009 08:54 AM

I was surprised too CatMomof3 I got some great material from that show.