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KN_Magic New user UK 91 Posts |
A thought occurred to me recently.
If a major factor in being a magician is being trusted when we are ‘lying’ to someone, and people generally believe that people who have beards are untrustworthy, then why do so many magicians insist on facial hair. I’m sure part of it is to do with characterisation, and it would add authenticity/suspension of disbelief if you were a ‘wizard’ character. But, even modern street magicians (e.g. Blaine) are fond of a goatee. It may hark back to people’s perception of what a magician should look like and enhance credibility from that point of view. I’d be interest in what people thought, especially people who have tried performing plus/minus beards. Also, in the interests of equality, if any female magicians (hirsute or otherwise) would like to comment, it’d be most appreciated. Kevin.
My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - it gives a lovely light!
Edna St. Vincent Millay |
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Vandy Grift Inner circle Milwaukee 3504 Posts |
I'm not sure that I buy into the "people generally believe that people who have beards are untrustworthy" bit. Where did you get that?
"Get a life dude." -some guy in a magic forum
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Payne Inner circle Seattle 4571 Posts |
Yeah that Santa guy is completely untrustworthy.
I really hated shaving so ever since High School I've sported a beard and I've never had anyone think I was untrustworthy because of it. They think I'm untrustworthy for completely different reasons. But then I live in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest were manly men with hirsute faces are not an uncommon sight
"America's Foremost Satirical Magician" -- Jeff McBride.
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KN_Magic New user UK 91 Posts |
I should have realised I'd be pulled up on this one and got my evidence together in advance.
The person who made the comment that started me thinking was this guy: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/tv/hire_you/index.shtml I'm sure I've heard it before, but can't google-up any concrete evidence at the moment. However there is always: http://www.hey.com/bydanegolden/mustachioed_dictators/ Note, this is not a personal attack. I hate shaving too, was staring in the mirror thinking I wish I didn't have to do this when I got thinking. Kevin.
My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - it gives a lovely light!
Edna St. Vincent Millay |
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kregg Inner circle 1950 Posts |
This may be a stereotype sold to us by corporate geniuses, politicians, Hollywood casting directors and anti-Middle Eastern groups.
Payne nails it! Santa, Jesus, Grandfather types, Kenny Rogers, Gandolf, Obiwan, Eugene Burger... Actions have more to do with trust or the lack of trust. If one does decide on facial hair keep it neat, clean and choose a style that compliments your integrity. Kregg
POOF!
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Funny thing about reasoning is it can take you down the tracks to where you want to go and make every step of the trip feel justified. It's called rationalizing. Shave if you want. Appear as you want. How you are will show thorugh in these minute things some folks call "tells" anyway. You are probably better served to explore how you wish to appear/seem, then explore how you look and what kind of things you feel comfortable wearing etc. Then groom and dress to that part you choose.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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Vandy Grift Inner circle Milwaukee 3504 Posts |
I don't accept either of those as any kind of fact. That second article while it does contain some truths seems like a humor piece and is really about moustaches.
We could go back and forth naming people over the years who we're trusted and also had facial hair. (Abe Lincoln anyone?) It's not really worth it. I don't really accept the premise. There may be some studies that suggest otherwise, but I don't give anyone my trust based on somebody elses study. Do you feel that people with facial hair are untrustworthy? Generally. Vandy
"Get a life dude." -some guy in a magic forum
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Vandy Grift Inner circle Milwaukee 3504 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-06-08 11:40, Jonathan Townsend wrote: The second most powerful human urge.
"Get a life dude." -some guy in a magic forum
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KN_Magic New user UK 91 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-06-08 11:42, Vandy Grift wrote: No I don't. It was just a thought, and this seemed like the perfect place to vocalise it. I considered a beard, but decided against it, my beard hair is thick blonde/ginger and wirey (nothing against others) and as I have dark hair looks strange (although I have only grown for maximum six weeks). Also my wife says she will leave me if I grow one. On second thoughts.... Kevin.
My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - it gives a lovely light!
Edna St. Vincent Millay |
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Slim Price Inner circle 1935 - 2006 1326 Posts |
I think my beloved Brit would miss my beard and long hair. So she says, anyway.
<G> Slim
sanscan@tds.net
"I will never bitter be, as long as I can laugh at me!" "The people who were dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music" |
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Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
I remember reading in a magazine several years ago (I think it was Esquire) a poll taken regarding how women felt about facial hair on men. As I recall, the number of women who responded was into the thousands.
One of the questions was if they were put off intially by beards. It was about 50-50. For mustaches, it dropped down to the teens. The same question for no facial hair was only 1%. (The questions were based on all else being equal: a reasonably attractive man with a pleasant demeaner having facial hair or not having facial hair.) In other words, virtually none of the women disliked a clean-shaven face, a mustache bothered only a few, but fully half didn't like beards. (Nothing in the survey, to my recollection, addressed trustworthiness). While not scientific, this survey was enough to make me shave my beard and keep it off. I figure I only have a few moments for the audience to size me up, and I don't want half of the females in the audience to have an immediate negative reaction based on my appearance. I have noticed a bit of a difference, although I can't say that it is necessarily attributed to the beard or lack thereof. Again, this was a poll of a relatively small number of women 5 or 10 years ago, and is in no way "scientific proof" of anything other than the opinions of those particular women. Bottom line: when you have a face this pretty, it's just plain silly to hide it behind a bunch of hair!
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
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Werner G. Seitz Inner circle 3131 Posts |
I have a theory -but it isn't prooven in any way- that when one is looking at a person (magician) with a beard/mustache, one automatically is focussing more on that persons eyes.
This means, they are more tempying to look you into the eyes and so you can take advantage of this.. Any opinions on this? Just make a test yourself when talking to a person wearing a mustache and notice if you are not more attracted to look directy in that persons eyes?
Learn a few things well.....this life is not long enough to do everything.....
( Words of wisdom from Albert Goshman ...it paid off for him - it might as well for YOU!!!- My own magic is styled after that motto... ) |
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Vandy Grift Inner circle Milwaukee 3504 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-06-08 14:03, Scott F. Guinn wrote: Thank God they didn't run a survey whose results showed that women like a guy with eye-liner and a bit of rouge on his cheeks. LOL.
"Get a life dude." -some guy in a magic forum
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Werner G. Seitz Inner circle 3131 Posts |
Quote: I'm here mostly talking about mustaches and NOT about large beards!On 2005-06-08 14:41, Werner G. Seitz wrote:
Learn a few things well.....this life is not long enough to do everything.....
( Words of wisdom from Albert Goshman ...it paid off for him - it might as well for YOU!!!- My own magic is styled after that motto... ) |
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Vandy Grift Inner circle Milwaukee 3504 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-06-08 14:41, Werner G. Seitz wrote: Definately! Espically if they have a bunch of crumbs from the sandwich they just ate embedded in it. Most espically if the person wearing the 'stache happens to be a woman.
"Get a life dude." -some guy in a magic forum
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Payne Inner circle Seattle 4571 Posts |
Quote:
and my wife would leave me if I ever shaved.
"America's Foremost Satirical Magician" -- Jeff McBride.
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Steve Dela Special user U.K. London 961 Posts |
I don't have a wife and sometimes have a beard and other times do not lol
In Magic Steve Dela Clean shaven at moment |
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Perhaps just one beard. Two or more might confuse people.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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bishthemagish Inner circle 6013 Posts |
I think it is like Leipzig said, If they like you they will like your act. I do not think a shaved face or head has anything to do with them - the audience liking you as a performer. As long a the entertainer looks well groomed and and pleases the audience and the client - who cares?
Glenn Bishop Cardician
Producer of the DVD Punch Deal Pro Publisher of Glenn Bishop's Ace Cutting And Block Transfer Triumphs |
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
I have worn a moustache since 1968. I started wearing the goatee about the same time, but shaved it off for a brief soujourn as a TV repairman. It was required by the company I worked for, but as soon as I left, the goatee came back.
Some people do have strong feelings about beards. I have strong feelings about mine, too. If a woman makes a comment about not liking beards, I have a number of snappy remarks, one of which is -- it wouldn't look good on you. Or "ever tried one?" or "My wife said she would divorce me if I shaved. Are you ready to replace her?" But most of my public expect it. I feel that the beard is a very important part of my persona as a magician. If I'm not playing a wizard, I play a professor type. In any case, I want people to know I'm a magician before I even say one word. It works for me!
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
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