Monday, May 07, 2018

Too much, too soon...

Today I was having a conversation about magic and why there is so much turmoil and infighting in the magic community at large. Be it the internet, conventions, or even your local magic club there is always people butting heads over this or that. The reason is an interesting one.

You see, the best thing about magic might also be the worst thing about magic... it's diversity.

There are so many options, so many ways to look at and perform magic. There are so many  branches magic can take and that means that many more opinions about it. Couple that with the damaged personalities that magic attracts and you end up with a lot of beef.


It's usually on the Magic Cafe

Vernon vs. Marlo, gimmicks vs. pure sleight of hand, stage vs parlour... it never ends. Add to that the fact that humans feel the need to have a winner in an argument and you get turmoil. Sometimes everyone just has an opinion and there is no winner. The problem is there are a lot of "experts" who would gladly tell you otherwise.

In the end we should celebrate our differences and diversity not punch down on it. Will it happen? Hell no. However, you can try to help not fan the flames if you can help it. Help others where you can but leave your bias and agenda at the door.

Good luck.