|
|
Go to page 1~2 [Next] | ||||||||||
Craig Logan Special user Michigan 541 Posts |
Hello mystery performers,
I have an ethical question; I have a presentation for a pendulum routine that involves a list of names of actual victims of a terrible accident. If I proceed with using their names, am I exploiting or disrespecting the dead? I'm genuinely torn on this issue, and would love to hear your thoughts. Cheers, Craig
"A wizard is not to be made in a day." -Professor Hoffmann (Modern Magic)
|
|||||||||
WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
In my opinion you have not provided enough information to form an opinion either way.
The scenario you described could be done tactfully and respectfully, or it could be horribly tasteless. There simply aren't enough details given yet to know either way.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
|||||||||
Tony Iacoviello Eternal Order 13151 Posts |
If you are asking the question, you have your answer.
It is a personal judgment thing. Some people find it offensive and disrespectful. Some feel that if a significant time has passed it is OK. Some feel that all is fair in love and war. It all boils down to, how do you feel about it. Tony |
|||||||||
corpmagi Special user New York 725 Posts |
It’s theater. Nothing wrong with changing names to protect the innocent.
A Modern Trade Show Handbook
www.trafficstoppers.com/handbook |
|||||||||
jstreiff Special user 701 Posts |
I can think of no reason in an entertainment context why you would need to use the names of actual individuals. What is the rationale for doing so?
John
|
|||||||||
Craig Logan Special user Michigan 541 Posts |
Thank you all for the input. I think I'll make a mock up with fictitious names. Not sure why my dense skull didn't think of that!
Many thanks.
"A wizard is not to be made in a day." -Professor Hoffmann (Modern Magic)
|
|||||||||
Jay Jennings Veteran user Scottsdale, AZ 332 Posts |
Just a thing about fictitious names -- I need fake people data at work every once in a while and stumbled on this site that generates fake folk:
http://www.sagersweb.com/projects/peoplelipsum/index.php You might find it helpful. Jay
Mystery arts articles and thoughts: https://ExclusiveMagic.com
Free video crash course for numerology readings: https://LoShuNumerology.com |
|||||||||
RCP Inner circle Two Minnie's in The Hell's Half Acre, The Republic of Texas 2183 Posts |
It’s a very difficult situation and I guess your question is one of Benifit versus exploitation. I know of a performer that did a very dark seance with a young child that had been raped and murdered. It was for a charitable function with the child’s parents blessings. He did a remarkably sensitive job and the financial donations to the childs charitable foundation was off the charts. It pretty much drained him emotionally and to my knowledge he has never performed since.
|
|||||||||
Sudo Nimh Inner circle 1879 Posts |
Craig, I know you are a Christian and wonder if this may have been part of the reason for your question. Ask the Lord. I *loved* Jack the Ripper routines up until very recently when I finally became a Christian. If your routine revels in sin or sinful acts, it might be something you want to change the theme of. I have had to dramatically change a lot of my material because of this and get rid of some of it entirely. And this isn't the only area in life where I've had to start changing things either...
Using a pendulum with ideometer themed routines are ok for a Christian (I think), but if the implication is that there is a spirit at work in this - well, even from a theatrical and entertainment perspective, it goes against the Word. Again, I'd ask the Lord for direction here. I only bring up Christian values because I know you are Christian. Hope I haven't offended anybody. |
|||||||||
Ben Blau Inner circle 1475 Posts |
Personally, I see no isssue with you using the actual names. First, the audience wouldn’t know either way. Second, the memory of these people is honored by making them relevant to a piece of art. Plus, you get to be honest.
Ben Blau
http://www.benblaumentalism.com |
|||||||||
Martin Pulman Inner circle London 3399 Posts |
I'm not sure I'd feel particularly honoured if a dead family member was used as part of a macabre magic effect.
|
|||||||||
Waters. Special user 703 Posts |
I like Tony’s statement that if you are asking the question, you probably have your answer. I am with Sudo and Martin on this one.
|
|||||||||
thatmichaelguy New user 67 Posts |
I tend to agree with the above sentiments. If it doesn't explicitly add otherwise unatainable value to the performance somehow, probably best not do go down that road.
|
|||||||||
Max Hazy Special user 543 Posts |
Both sides of the coin have it's merits here.
Personally I haven't done it but I don't think I would shy away in certain cases, done respectfully. For instance, victims in historical cases (such as Jack the Ripper). It's already historical so everybody has access to the data, have a natural aura of mystery, can be performed as art with presentation, plus can elucidate people in various ways. I haven't done it simply because it doesn't fit my character atm. Lastly, if something doesn't work for you, make it work! Luke Jermay completely changed the presentation from his living and dead test in his first DVD set. The premise of a L&DT fascinated him, but he didn't want that morbid aspect, so he kept the premise and changed the presentation. You can always take away the negative aspects that bother you while keeping the entire integrity of what your initial intention was. Think about it. What do you want to achieve, how and why? Once you understand your reasons, you can adapt it to yourself and still be congruent with your intentions. Cheers
"Your method is in my opinion the very best way to do Q&A"
Millard Longman "Max has pushed some less known and seldom used principles a huge step forward" Jan Forster Arcane Grimoires Vol 1- http://www.maxhazy.com/arcane-grimoires/apocryphal-reach/ Arcane Grimoires Vol 2- http://www.maxhazy.com/Codex-Mentis/ |
|||||||||
DocBenWiz Special user Meridian, Idaho 992 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 18, 2017, Waters. wrote: IMHO I agree with Sudo and Martin. And in trying to be sensitive to values or sensitivities of fellow Christians, my take on it is to emphasize in prelude comments that, for example, in "pendulum work/effects", you are only REPRODUCING in your performance what "mystery performers" do and your intent is as an ENTERTAINMENT not a genuine attempt to call forth "spirits". Then ask your observers/participants/spectators to " Please use your imagination and enjoy!"
"Pay no attention to that strange man behind the curtain" (it's only "Doc Benjamin from the Amazing Wizardelia Wagon")
|
|||||||||
MentalMik Regular user Ridgecrest, California 183 Posts |
I'd use fictitious names, but if it were a Jack the Ripper or Titanic theme type of effect you could use the real names, a more contemporary incident maybe not.
From the mind of Mik.
Ridgecrest, California, by way of the UK. |
|||||||||
giro doro New user 56 Posts |
If the tragedy is unique enough it could be possible that the use of fake names does not prevent that involved people (family, friends of the deceased) recognize it.
|
|||||||||
Martin Pulman Inner circle London 3399 Posts |
If you're making a film about the heroism of the passengers and fire personnel on 9/11, it's fine/desirable to use their real names. If you're making a zombie-horror movie it's best to avoid 9/11 altogether, but it would be obscene to use the names of real people who were killed that day.
The intention and purpose of the work are all important. Can a Macabre effect EVER honour people killed in a tragedy? Can it ever be anything other than an insult to, and exploitation of, their memory? That's not to say that Mentalism can never honour and celebrate those who have died. Brown's medallion effect proves it can. Context and intention are all important. |
|||||||||
paul180 Loyal user 219 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 17, 2017, Sudo Nimh wrote: That has been my problem for these last 3 years. In another thread I talked about my own experience with a pastors child that literally had me quit the business. Today I've decided that while gospel presentations are not my calling, any and all divination or oracle type presentations for me, must be stressed as only entertainment. I know that there are many who will still believe in such things but all I can do is stay grounded in the light and try not to push others to the dark. Having said that, I'm not sure how communicating with the dead works on my beliefs? So far I can't justify the practice for myself.
A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a foolish man can learn from a wise answer.
Attributing negativity to a topic or post doesn't make the topic or post negative, it shines a light on the negativity of the person or persons, making the attributions. BEWARE these Debbie downers and anything they say. They simply lack the self esteem or good will, to be positive or productive. Your belief in self, is more important and is all that matters, for your success to be glorious. |
|||||||||
Max Hazy Special user 543 Posts |
Being a Christian, contacting the dead is definitely something I wouldn't do ever. But I don't think I would have a problem doing the L&D. Plus, I do palmistry and Tarot readings. I see esoterism and science in both. I don't want to derail the topic but I'm interested in this in particular so, if someone could send me a PM on how any of the cases I mentioned shouldn't be done by Christians, that would be much appreciated.
Cheers
"Your method is in my opinion the very best way to do Q&A"
Millard Longman "Max has pushed some less known and seldom used principles a huge step forward" Jan Forster Arcane Grimoires Vol 1- http://www.maxhazy.com/arcane-grimoires/apocryphal-reach/ Arcane Grimoires Vol 2- http://www.maxhazy.com/Codex-Mentis/ |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Penny for your thoughts » » Ethics of a Macabre Effect (14 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page 1~2 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |