Magoo's appeal lies in our hostility toward an older generation. But he's not only nearsighted physically. His mind is selective of what it sees, too. That is where the humor, the satire lies, in the difference between what he thinks he sees and reality as we see it.

The quote, "Magoo's appeal lies in our hostility toward an older generation. But he's not only nearsighted physically. His mind is selective of what it sees, too. That is where the humor, the satire lies, in the difference between what he thinks he sees and reality as we see it," comes from Jim Backus, the actor famous for voicing Mr. Magoo, a nearsighted and often clueless character. Backus explains that the humor in Magoo is not just about his physical nearsightedness, but also about his selective perception—he chooses to see only what fits his understanding or desires, rather than reality. This creates a humorous gap between what Magoo perceives and what the audience can clearly see.

Backus suggests that the appeal of Magoo lies in the satire of generational differences, particularly the way an older generation may selectively ignore or misunderstand the world around them. The humor comes from the contrast between what Magoo believes is happening and the reality that the audience sees. This misunderstanding reflects a broader societal hostility toward older generations who may be seen as disconnected or out of touch, creating both humor and social commentary.

The origin of this perspective likely comes from Backus’ portrayal of Magoo, where he recognized the potential for using the character's physical condition as a symbol for deeper issues of miscommunication and generational disconnect. By making Magoo's mind just as selective as his vision, Backus added layers to the character's humor, allowing for more sophisticated satire that resonates with both younger and older audiences.

Ultimately, Backus’ quote underscores the idea that the humor in Mr. Magoo goes beyond simple slapstick and taps into a more nuanced and satirical commentary on generational differences and misperceptions. The gap between Magoo’s perceived reality and the truth provides both comedy and a reflection on how people of different generations often struggle to understand one another’s views of the world.