I live in south africa where the african culture is steeped in superstition and witchcraft etc. While most people are westernised and understand sleight of hand magic VS witchcraft a select few still believe in witchcraft.

My co-worker is one such example...how do I make him understand without tipping methods? any ideas?

Teach him something, some easy to perform, but efective tricks. Who knows, maybe he'll love it just enough to assist you in future performances.

LOL how deep is his belief? Is he afraid of you? I say if it does not pose and threat of any kind. Let him think that way. If not then just perform more comical or friendly type of effects.

That's our aim right? To seem magical to people...Unless it is your goal reveal him the methods. Seriously though.

MacGyver, sorry about his luck. If he believes that magic is actually the "work of the devil" there is nothing you can do, nor should do, to convince him otherwise.

I recently tried to wean a co-worker from her horoscope dependency by providing a written cold reading. This is a somewhat personal campaign for me, having had close friends and family fleeced by new age charlatans.

My co-worker was astonished that I "knew" so much about her. I explained what a cold reading was. I explained how everybody sees themselves in vague, complimentary generalities. And I explained that I'd gotten the script from some guy's site on the Internet...

...to which she replied, unblinkingly:

"So, how did HE know so much about me?"

Perhaps this is as much of an indictment of my teaching skills as anything, but my final analysis is this: Fooling people is fine. Exploiting them is not. Recognizing where the former becomes the latter is our responsibility, and it's also the fodder for lengthy debates that you'll find in the archives of this wonderful forum.


Regards,

-jjg

Sometimes it's best to just smile warmly and back away slowly...

I know what you are talking about.

It happen to me about 19 years ago when I was in kenya, performing in a turistic village; to impress the staff I've called a security guy and I perform the "Hypno Heat" with him: He became "letterally" white, he was scarve for my "powers" and from that night he was looking at me as a "sorcerer", the most dangerous person to be in contact! Poor guy, I felt bad for him and I'd never convinced him that it was only a magic trick...

I second madmaxa, it could be good to involve him (as an assistent), teach him something easy, and in relaxed manner.

Good luck!

Paolo Venturini

In my own opinion, I have always felt best, that for me, to let the people think the way they will, If I think it is reasonable and not harmful to my reputation. Magic is mysterious,there is not supposed to be an explanation. Otherwise, people wouldn't care. I find that the people yelling "No! magic isn't real, Magic is not real!", Are the ones trying to convince themselves. I agree with Sfarad. Exploit? of course not, after all we are "highly trained" professionals, But Magicians and actors we still are at heart. Fooling people into the impossible is possible is what we were put here to do.

Again, Just an opinion.

Jester

In my own opinion, I have always felt best, that for me, to let the people think the way they will, If I think it is reasonable and not harmful to my reputation. Magic is mysterious,there is not supposed to be an explanation. Otherwise, people wouldn't care. I find that the people yelling "No! magic isn't real, Magic is not real!", Are the ones trying to convince themselves. I agree with Sfarad. Exploit? of course not, after all we are "highly trained" professionals, But Magicians and actors we still are at heart. Fooling people into the impossible is possible is what we were put here to do.

Again, Just an opinion.

Jester

In my own opinion, I have always felt best, that for me, to let the people think the way they will, If I think it is reasonable and not harmful to my reputation. Magic is mysterious,there is not supposed to be an explanation. Otherwise, people wouldn't care. I find that the people yelling "No! magic isn't real, Magic is not real!", Are the ones trying to convince themselves. I agree with Sfarad. Exploit? of course not, after all we are "highly trained" professionals, But Magicians and actors we still are at heart. Fooling people into the impossible is possible is what we were put here to do.

Again, Just an opinion.

Jester

Well. I just sad that, if he feels like in danger situation, he should teach that guy a few basics, to show him what the magic really is, or just to move away. As far as possible.

I'd have fun with it personally. Check out David Blaine in Magic Man when he goes to Africa and has to deal with just that.

Its not fun considering that in some places in africa if you're considered a witch you will be killed..

I know how wierd this must sound to westerners -hell I find it strange..I think I'm gonna teach him 2 tricks one being o as I do..and the second probably a french drop..what do you think?

Yeah... I understand. Those would be great. Tell him it is all in fun. Magic is an Art.

Just make sure he doen't tell anyone...


Jester