Inside Magic

That's the exterior.
But brewing just beneath the surface of my kindly demeanor is one
of the most petty, jealous magicians you will ever meet. I would
love to be part of the elite in our magic world, but I won't
make it. I would like to think it is because the elite are like
me in their pettiness and jealousy, but I've met them and
they' seem awfully nice. It must be an act for surely they
have the same petty, dark soul as me.

That's the problem
with being an easy going magician. Our profession brings people
together rather than separate them according to skill or class.
So when I see the elite at a convention, after a show, or a
lecture, they seem to intentionally make themselves available for
real conversations.

I've met plenty of
politicians who say nice things but you know they are just
spouting the insincere patter they use constantly. "Hey,
it's good to see you. How have you been and how are things?
I'll tell you what, I wish we had more people like you with
us up in Washington. We could use the common sense, real-life
knowledge you have." Blah, blah, blah.

The elite magicians on the
other hand often mean what they say. Sure, right after a lecture,
they may want to encourage you to buy their DVD or special
gimmick; but that doesn't explain why they would go with you
and the gang to Denny's for pie and coffee. After all, the
sale is done. Those who would suggest they do this intentionally
because they love this craft and love talking about it are
naïve.

Penn & Teller are the
worst offenders of the "sincere, caring, and encouraging
elite." Right, they have their own theater, their own
long-term deal, successful books, television shows, and one of
the few feature films ever to include a scene of Filipino Psychic
Surgery. By all accounts, they should be complete jerks. Maybe
they are, but if you visit with them after the show — and of
course they always make themselves available — you encounter two
people who seem to love magic and enjoy talking with those who
love it like they do. They lay it on thick: They even respond in
a meaningful and helpful manner. Bastards!

Mac King is the same way.
Oh, there he is, Mr. "I'm successful and beloved by
magicians and non-magicians alike." He probably thinks,
"Hey, I know what I'll do. I'll stop by the magic
convention to mingle and talk with young practitioners to
encourage them."

How dare he? How dare this
member of the upper-echelon make us birthday party magicians feel
comfortable talking shop — he has to know we work in two
entirely different worlds but he acts like he cares.