The Magic Flirt?

Disclaimer: This post may be hard to swallow for some “magicians” practitioners of magic, who use magic as a tool. I acknowledge their arguments and rationale for such practice. However, I am not sorry for this post as this post is not only an expression of my personal philosophy, but has also been validated by research. 

I’ve always felt strongly against magicians (or rather, “magicians”) who use magic as a tool to get intimate with women. While I think that magic offers that kind of potential, a serious student of magic would find these “magicians” distasteful. It is one thing to perform magic and share the wonders of magic and another to use it as a means to an end.

Last year, a colleague and I did an academic paper titled “Are magic tricks inherently flirtatious?”, and needless to say we examined the magicians as flirts stereotypes and surveyed the ground. It is pretty remarkable that a large proportion of local students found that stereotype to be true. The data also revealed that they perceive magic as a tool to get close to a girl, to maintain physical contact and sadly, to allow for conversation. I think for these people who are using magic as a means to an end, magic is a crutch to them. One might argue that magic gives them a chance to level against men who are well-endowed with social skills. But the truth is, without magic, what are these “magicians” going to rely on?

So to all these pick up artist classes and course disguising themselves as magic and disguising their purpose as a contribution to increase awareness in magic. I say not. You are probably doing more harm than good. What would be better is to capitalize on these victims  student’s existing strength. This is validated by positive psychology research, and if you would like more information, check this facebook page on how to maximize your character strength that you already posses: 
https://www.facebook.com/TheHappinessRevolution

The nice thing about having such strong opinions was that my opinions were picked up by an NUS student writing for a campus wide publication called The Ridge, and she did an interview in which I shared my thoughts about magic as an art, magic as a flirting tool and how I used psychology in my magic.

If you wish to read the article, check out the scanned copy below:

Interview with Magician Alexander

I am certain that the other camp will have their argument as well, and I am more than happy to engage in an academic discussion. =)

Signing off,

Alexander

Good morning!

I think there is a certain charm to waking up in the morning and seeing the sun rising, birds chirping and children hustling to catch the school bus.

A couple of days ago, I managed to squeeze some time out of my busy schedule to watch the film Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

I am not a movie buff, but I decided to watch the film because I fell in love with the book in 2008.

Extremely loud and Incredibly Close

It was during my National Service that my good friend lent this book to me. This book made me cry so hard. It wasn’t a love story or anything, but the author was able to make me feel everything the main character felt. The other character that I rooted for was the grandfather. He communicates by writing notes on his notepads and replies yes/no questions with his hands. It made me feel so melancholic because that character exemplifies someone who has so much to say, but yet, is unable to speak his/her true feelings.

As for the movie itself, well, I think the movie didn’t do justice to the immense emotions one could feel by reading the book. And I believe there were certain scenes that weren’t true to the book. But it’s still a good story.

Before I sign off, there have been a couple of emails and personal messages asking about my episode for “M for Magic Season 2”. I have no idea when it will be out, but it will be out soon, probably within the next month. But here is a little hint on what will be presented.

Eggs and coffee.

Till I see you again!

Alexander ; )

Why the world doesn’t need Superman.

 

But tell me, why the world doesn’t need Superman?

Hectic Weekends

Last weekend was pretty hectic, I did a surprise birthday show at Ku De Ta, which was pretty awesome.

Beautiful Balloons by Party Blasters

I was mesmerized by the beautiful midnight skyline. Even though I knew that the picture would not do justice to its beauty, I took a shot.

Beautiful skyline, not so beautiful resolution.

Perhaps like what they say about magic as well, “Somethings are meant to be seen live”.

The next day, I did a networking event for a prestigious company, JP Morgan. There were other activities as well like caricature and calligraphy. I thought magic was a good choice as it helped to break the ice for the guest invited as well.

Caricature

Intimate and close up magic

Magic happening in your hands!

It is important to have a magician which is eloquent, confident and able to communicate with your guest. I could imagine a terrible scenario in which another magician (who may not be as eloquent or well versed in general knowledge) stumbling and tripping over his words when performing for a similar high end event.

Consult us to for more!

Signing off,

Alexander