Recently saw this article by the great supernatural debunker James Randi about how he believes media psychics like John Edward (“Crossing Over”) work an audience.
I like James Randi. I think he provides a note of common sense in discussions about the paranormal. But the thing is, I also like John Edward. I think he provides entertainment for people like me who don’t believe in him (his show is great trashy TV), and he provides some comfort for people who miss their loved ones. Yes, he makes a good living at it, but so do those guys selling “Make Big Money Now” tapes on late-night infomercials, and I wouldn’t let them borrow my car either. As long as John Edward isn’t bilking people out of their savings with his “powers,” I just don’t see the harm.
I’m on the fence about John Edward and James Randi. I believe psychic powers are possible, and I’d like to believe in what John Edward is selling, but Randi’s explanations are pretty damning.
My problem with Randi is this: I saw Randi on Larry King with a psychic. Randi went on and on trying to debunk the psychic, but he couldn’t articulate what would convince him that a psychic was real. He makes a big deal about his million dollar challenge but he keeps the criteria for success so vague that he never has to pay it out.
I’m of two opinions. 1) if it’s not real, he’s a sham and a farse and I’m not watching it. 2) if it is real, I tend to agree with the Jack Hayford sentiment about this kind of thing, “Real in it’s power, wrong in it’s source”. My personal conviction is don’t talk to dead people even if you happen to see them.
As a big supporter of Randi, as well as a fan of psychic phenomenon, I’ve seen how they’ve done “cuts” of him on shows… and Larry King is one of the worst. I have also never seen any “vagueness” in his requirements for success, especially given that they are _agreed upon_ beforehand with the person being “tested.”
Frankly, I think frauds like Edwards are not only damaging, but insulting. He’s preying on vulnerable people, and at that, he doesn’t even seem to put good energy toward it. The post 9-11 show being offered was nauseating at best.
I totally agree with you, MT Fierce. The problem with Randi, though, is how uncharismatic he comes across. I respect him and even I think he comes off as a peevish asshole on Larry King. He needs to get a good P.R. agent because the psychics are beating him in the image game, but then they’re experts at manipulating people. Larry King is so obviously biased towards the psychics as well.