MovieChat Forums > Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? (2007) Discussion > Are People Really This Dumb?

Are People Really This Dumb?

posted 14 years ago by bing-57
22 replies | jump to latest

I think I only watch this show anymore because it is such a train wreck.

But there have been at least ten players lately that miss almost every question they are asked. I mean, okay, I can see having a brain fart and missing one easy question, but not missing eight or nine questions out of ten! These people flounder badly and just blurt out random answers.

And even when they have a big clue they miss. Like the one question, "What metallic element, abbreviated Zn, is found in beef and other meats?" Her immediate answer was, "Iron." I mean, come on! There are only about ten common words that begin with the letter "Z" -- pick one!

--
What Would Jesus Do For A Klondike Bar (WWJDFAKB)?

[–] Frak_it_good 14 years ago

They screen for people who are television friendly more than they do smart people that way they don't have to shell out $1,000,000 every episode.

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] Frak_it_good 14 years ago

Like I said, they screen for people who are photogenic and more often than not in the good ole U.S. of A that turns out to be someone with the IQ of a parsnip.

[–] glpatton 14 years ago

Yes...I saw the one with Zn, as well. Shouted at the person and turned to another station.

[–] CowboyDan44 14 years ago

Are you really such a stuck up little *beep* that you call people who don't have trivial, pointless information memorized "stupid"?

There is literally no reason at all why anyone other than scientists and nerds need to know the abbreviation for anything in the periodic table.

[–] bing-57 14 years ago

> There is literally no reason at all why anyone other than scientists and nerds need to know the abbreviation for anything in the periodic table.

Alright! We finally hear from one of the dumb people. Gosh that took a long time for one of them to figure out how to use a keyboard. Nice going!

I'll bet you also think math and grammar are just for nerds too. Learnin' never done nuthin' for ya, eh?

--
What Would Jesus Do For A Klondike Bar (WWJDFAKB)?

[–] CowboyDan44 14 years ago

Math no, at least anything below algebra.

Grammar no, but being pedantic about grammar when grammar rules are constantly being changed is unnecessary. I acually have a fair grasp on grammar and speling but I don't look down on other people for having poor grammar or spelling, whereas people like you not only do but thrive on doing so because doing so offers a convenient distraction to take your mind off your own faults.

Academic education is important, but it's not the be-all end-all in life. If you think that it is then I feel rather sorry for you.

[–] bob123stopit 14 years ago

yes chemistry is not important that is why dumb people will mix bleach and ammonia and then die from the creation of chlorine gas great job not lets go smoke near containers marked inflammable because they are not flammable righttt?..........

[–] CowboyDan44 14 years ago

Wonderful job taking what I said out of context.

You may want to pull your head out of your butt before your next response, though.

[–] Frak_it_good 14 years ago

CowBOYDan44 So you are pissed off over a (your) lack of scientific knowledge, perhaps you should have paid more attention in school.

[–] Progeny51 14 years ago

It's always the teachers.

[–] aqua1a 14 years ago

Man no one even mentioned that he spelled "spelling" wrong as he was professing his knowledge? Lol.

Anyway I can't say how my family member did when they were on the show, but what I can say is that when they were told they would be on the show, we all studied non stop for 3-4 weeks to prepare. He memorized all the presidents, most of the periodic table, and countless other facts from the 1-5th grade levels.

I agree with the OP that these contestants have NO excuse to miss some of these questions. It seems like they don't even prepare for the show. Although more than anything else, what bothers me the most is when contestants with less than $5000 DONT go for the final question. I think it just shows a complete lack of intellect. You don't have to be a math whiz to know that if you have $5000 and miss the question you leave with 2500 (half of what you've won) but if you get it right, you get 50,000!!! Also for people with less than 2500, if you get it wrong you leave with 250 but have the chance to multiply the winnings by 10x with a right answer!

The other day I saw one that made me sick. This woman ended up with $500 and actually chose NOT to do the final question!! I mean I can't imagine by any form of logic, how someone could have a question that could make them lose $250 (for a wrong answer) or gain $4500 (for a right one) and actually chose not to go for it. I honestly feel people like that should be sterilized.

[–] Jake3988 13 years ago

They use a screening process to try and find the dumbest and most idiotic people on the planet. If they didn't, nearly everyone would win since the questions are so ridiculously easy (there are legitimately tough questions, but it's not that often).

The whole point of the show is that they find an idiot and put him/her behind the podium and let millions of people watch as they make an ass of themselves.

It's entertainment.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] stevenackerman69 13 years ago

People are just stupid, that's all. Why do you think the economy is in the state it is in?

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] BeforeDarknessFalls 13 years ago

About the Zn issue - there are loads of elements in the periodic table that don't begin with the same letter as the name of the element! Like Au = Gold. By the logic of Zn = Zinc, Au could = Aluminium. But it doesn't!

Only people who know the periodic table could answer that question. And some people are just inclined towards things like Literature rather than Chemistry. So that really wasn't a fair assessment of peoples dumbness.

Although there are loads of other instances that showcase some of the contestants' dumbness.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] Redhawkof2008 11 years ago

I really have to question the authenticity of this show. I understand that people will forgot things they learned years ago in grade school, but when PhDs and rocket scientists are missing questions like these, it becomes suspicious.

Son, you got a panty on your head.

[–] bing-57 11 years ago

> when PhDs and rocket scientists are missing questions like these, it becomes suspicious.

Well, if everyone had a PhD and beat the show, they have to rename it, "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Yes. Yes, I am."

I understand the concept that it is funnier to see people miss "easy" questions. So, that's what they give the audience.

--
What Would Jesus Do For A Klondike Bar (WWJDFAKB)?

[–] lunarose 9 years ago

The woman who was on a few weeks ago, Briana, was asked the question about the turncoat from the American Revolution, and said she was torn between Benedict Arnold and...PONCE de LEON. Ponce deLeon?! seriously?!!? I don't remember too much of the American history I was taught, but I did know that PdL had NOTHING to do with the American Revolution. So, yes, people really are this dumb. That woman was a particular ditz. I think she even said that adjectives were action words or something like that equally stupid. God help us...

"Qui conduisait la voiture?"