Derren Brown fans in here:

[Angela]

Originally Posted by David21

Derren Brown strikes me as a fraud.

Do you mean he strikes you as a fraud because it's not really supernatural power that allows him to do these tricks?

[David21]

No, I know that what he is doing is not related to the supernatural, nor does he convey that it is, but he makes it something it isn't. It is just trickery, psychology, showmanship etc., but the programmes bring it across as something more.

He would have allowed us to believe that what occured in his programme was remote viewing when it actually wasn't. That, to me, is fraudulent.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by David21

He would have allowed us to believe that what occured in his programme was remote viewing when it actually wasn't. That, to me, is fraudulent.

To me, it's entertainment.

That's what he does, he entertains his audience by allowing them to believe he's got some amazing power to do all kinds of wild things, when it's really explainable, if you could figure out the trick. It's called: Fun! When you go to a magic show, do you announce that the magician is a fraud because he's not really performing real magic?

You might want to read his book, "Tricks of the Mind," in which he freely fesses up to his "fraudulence." (which kind of negates any fraudulence. ) It is a very funny book, and tells you how to do some of his tricky stuff.

[David21]

Seeing it as entertainment is one thing; believing it is another. Some people will believe that he is demonstrating a real power.

I often wonder, too, whether those closest to him could ever know whether he is being sincere or whether he is subliminally trying to suggest something to them?

I stand by my opinion about his ego. I do believe that it is slowly inflating.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by David21

Seeing it as entertainment is one thing; believing it is another. Some people will believe that he is demonstrating a real power.

And some people will believe that David Copperfield or Penn & Teller really are performing feats of magical power.

I often wonder, too, whether those closest to him could ever know whether he is being sincere or whether he is subliminally trying to suggest something to them?

Does that worry you? Don't you think that if his friends were concerned enough that Brown was manipulating them, they're smart enough to take care of themselves? I feel personally powerful enough to risk it, if I ever have the opportunity to befriend him.

I stand by my opinion about his ego. I do believe that it is slowly inflating.

That's fine; I stand by your stand. And so what? Is his slowly inflating ego a problem for you? It sounds like a complaint. But that's the thing about magician/entertainers -- they do tend to appear arrogant and egotistical! Not too many seemingly humble, self-effacing magicians around, that I know of. But actually, if you read Brown's book, you'll find some very charmingly humble moments in there.

[Holistic Star]

Originally Posted by David21

No, I know that what he is doing is not related to the supernatural, nor does he convey that it is, but he makes it something it isn't. It is just trickery, psychology, showmanship etc., but the programmes bring it across as something more.

He would have allowed us to believe that what occured in his programme was remote viewing when it actually wasn't. That, to me, is fraudulent.

He starts every progamme stating that is is "magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and deception". He states frequently that he doesn't believe in psychic abilities.

I'm not sure how much more upfront he would have to be, short of wearing a badge throughout the entire programme saying 'You are being tricked right now! Now, right now I tell you!'

[Mynder]

I reckon it had something to do with that cardboard paper that he had in his hand

Was it laminated with aluminium foil and laced with palladium webbing?

[David21]

Originally Posted by Angela

And some people will believe that David Copperfield or Penn & Teller really are performing feats of magical power.



Does that worry you? Don't you think that if his friends were concerned enough that Brown was manipulating them, they're smart enough to take care of themselves? I feel personally powerful enough to risk it, if I ever have the opportunity to befriend him.



That's fine; I stand by your stand. And so what? Is his slowly inflating ego a problem for you? It sounds like a complaint. But that's the thing about magician/entertainers -- they do tend to appear arrogant and egotistical! Not too many seemingly humble, self-effacing magicians around, that I know of. But actually, if you read Brown's book, you'll find some very charmingly humble moments in there.

Fair enough, if you befriend him, I'll sure you'll know whether he is genuine or not. I guess my curiosity was a bit silly.

My observation about his ego is just an observation. It may not be true. Even those with an ego, though, can have moments of humility. But no, it doesn't bother me. I am sorry if I gave the impression that I was annoyed by it.

I just see him on the TV doing glamour shots where he is walking through the wind in a long coat and I just think it's unnecessary. It's just me, though. As you said, it is just entertainment.