Something That Happened.

I consider myself a sceptic (or skeptic), though I seriously disagree with the American Heritage Dictionary's first definition of the term (which you can find on Dictionary.com):

1. One who instinctively or habitually doubts, questions, or disagrees with assertions or generally accepted conclusions.

Habitually? Come on, dictionary, that's just rude -- and simply not true. Sceptics don't habitually disagree; sceptics disagree when the occasion calls for it, such as when the conclusion is bullshit. Particularly when it's harmful bullshit.



Seems to me that scepticism isn't much appreciated by the Heritage.



But fuck the dictionary. I've been watching this television program, Phenomenon, which is more or less an American Idol for magicians (or more specifically, mentalists). Now, I believe most magicians are sceptics, at least in the sense that they know magic isn't truly paranormal or anything ridiculous like that. Magicians know better than anyone that they're practicing the art of illusion, not sorcery. Houdini himself was a debunker of the paranormal, and artists like Penn & Teller continue the tradition with shows like Bullshit!



Most stage magicians aren't harming anyone; they're simply entertaining. (Unless you consider a "healer" a magician, in which case they could be causing direct financial and emotional harm.) And I enjoy a good magic performance from time to time. I especially admire when a magician really gets me scratching my head wondering How did she do that? Magic is great entertainment, and there's no need to debunk it during its performance. (Though I appreciate disproving a performance that is truly harming people, such as when "psychics" or "healers" put the squeeze on people). It's simply not necessary to spoil magic performances, even the psychic ones; it's harmless fun for someone who goes to a psychic for the kick of it. (Unless they begin relying on the psychic to foretell they're future every week.)



With stage performances of magic clearly designed for entertainment, most folks know it's all illusion but still find it fun to be duped. People appreciate a good trick, and some find it equally enjoyable to find out how the stunt was pulled off. The show Phenomenon is entertaining when you keep in mind its premise: discovering and critiquing new talent. In that sense, it somewhat satisfies both those who appreciate magic shows as entertainment and those who enjoy disproving the paranormal. This is because Phenomenon is a combination of American Idol-like auditions and guest judge Criss Angel's Houdini-like debunking of some of the magician's paranormal claims. It's a rare show in that it may be equally enjoyable to both believers and sceptics.



Still, something bothers, leaves me feeling unsatisfied. Maybe it's just that I'm not used to seeing sceptics and believers finding common ground. There's something disconcerting about this. It's somewhat like watching a Penn & Teller magic show, and after each trick the guys explain how the illusion worked. Kind of spoils the fun, doesn't it? Then again, maybe I'm just not used to it yet, and maybe it just depends on the mood you're in. Sometimes you're in the mood to believe in magic, other times you're in the mood for more critically-minded entertainment. Is there room for both at the same party? I guess we'll find out.

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