If you are ND, do you like magicians?

[ofwarren]

Sorry for the lame title but I didn't know what else to write.

I've just seen on Facebook that a new magicians bar place has opened near where I live and it made me think..

I absolutely HATE magicians, magic tricks and anything to do with illusions. It's something I've hated since being small, to the point I would cry and run away from them at parties.

I just don't understand why they are seen as entertaining. If magic isn't real, why would I want to watch someone doing something that they pretend is real? And don't get me started on the ones that try and trick the general public and make a spectacle of you shudder

I've spent my life trying to understand people's behaviour, so someone purposely setting out to trick me doesn't feel like fun.

Anyone else?

I'm the same. A friend was irritated with me recently that I wasn't impressed/interested in a video of a magician on a talent show. I also dislike talent shows so that didn't help. But, like you, I dislike trickery - magic, practical jokes, etc., - anything that relies on tricking someone.

Yep hate magic. I studied physics and I have a NEED to know how things work so magic annoys me greatly.

Though when my kids did magic shows when they were little it was cutest thing ever.

No, not really. They make me feel angry and frustrated that I can't work out how they're done.

I'm the opposite - I have always really liked them, although I was disappointed as a small child when I gradually realised it wasn't 'real' magic but sleight of hand.

I like some magicians - I'm fascinated by Derren Brown and Penn & Teller, but I think the thing I enjoy about their acts is the way they present the psychology behind it, and explain and break down concepts such as misdirection etc.

I hated the vogue for 'street magicians' that was on the go about ten years ago, though, and 'look at me, I'm so clever' types, like David Blaine. I have a very strong sense of social justice / fairness and I don't like seeing people sent up or being made a fool of in public.

I'll also run away if I see close-up magicians approaching me at weddings or similar (I'd like to find the person who initially thought this was a good idea for wedding 'entertainment' and tap them on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper)

I did, however, go through a period of teaching myself coin magic / sleight of hand a while ago (inspired by Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods') and got quite good.

I’m fascinated by it, particularly the Darren Brown style of mentalism. I love the challenge of working out what’s actually going on (which isn’t anything like what he claims when he “explains” his tricks).

I’m a terrible volunteer though as I unwittingly mess up things by not doing the obvious/expected because my brain shoots into overdrive, so I’ve learned how to perfect the shifty don’t-pick-me-I’m-mad vibe.

No I hate it, but so do most of my NT friends.

Nope, can't be bothered with them. I view it in exactly the same way I view religion, psychics and so on. Basically just shysters and charlatans who profit from exploiting the gullible. Likewise grown adults who actually believe in the divine, paranormal, etc. I can only wonder at why they are incapable of basic logic and common sense.

I'm NT but also hate any kind of trickery - including puppets and I always have. I also don't like jigsaws or crosswords etc - I don't get the point of them!

@Londono

I'm NT but also hate any kind of trickery - including puppets and I always have. I also don't like jigsaws or crosswords etc - I don't get the point of them!

With respect, why are you here? This is a board for ND users.

Because I thought it was an interesting discussion point and people can post wherever they like on Mumsnet.

I taught a ND student who loved magic. To the point that he now works as a magician part time. I guess it’s a case of different strokes for different folks.