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Magic, Mentalism, and Mind Games
The Ethics of Deception in Entertainment
Back in the late 1970s, I got a magic set for Christmas. I don’t remember all the tricks in the set, but I do remember a cool “magic box” with a mirror that allowed me to “disappear” objects.
I was quite young, so I found the contraption a little confusing. My dad had to explain it to me. Once he did, I thought it was the coolest thing ever — until the next cool thing came along, of course.
Since that time, I’ve had an on-again-off-again interest in magic. Not real magic, mind you. I’m talking magic tricks and illusions — the kind of “magic” employed by entertainers.
Over the years, I’ve purchased some magic tricks, watched some YouTube videos about magic tricks, and even read a couple of magic books. I think it’s a fascinating field. And I hope to someday do some performing — even if it’s just for children’s birthday parties.
There are several subgenres or subsets of magic. They include close-up magic, stage magic, mentalism, escapology, and more. But regardless of the type of magic, the goal is always the same: to captivate and entertain audiences with the art of deception.
That’s right… Deception!
