An article by Massimo...


http://magicgizmo.com/home/General/a-wom......gic.html

Hmmmmm
all still relating to stereotypes and supposition.
Not all women have those "fine feminine hands", not all men have "Man hands". Some of the women who "perform" are not of tiny stature or size, and could never be considered a boxy/box jumper, etc. so the Easy on the eyes is just more sexist attitude in my opinion.

As to the teachers, in most cases, if you pay, they teach. Now I cannot speak to 40 or 50 years ago, but I know that 20 and 30 years ago, I had a tremendous amount of help from male teachers, once they realized I was serious, just like they did to the boys- no admittance to the real magic side of the store until you prove your chops to them.

There are many men who use their eyes for misdirection as well, I cannot be the only one who brings Mesmer to mind.

I think that if one explores the older traditions of magic, and those of religions- one of the earliest routes of magic, one sees very different roles for women, depending on the tradition and culture.

Men have not experienced the world of a "slumber party" of young girls doing the old greats like Bloody Mary, or Mary Worth (depending on your location), or Light as a feather stiff as a board. And of course, the Ouija board.

Women simply seem to be of a less than exhibitionist bent than some men. We tend to not be the "Stewart-Look what I can do" variety.
Most of the "allied trades" palm readers, card readers etc. are found to be women, though not all.

Try shopping and selling at the Magicians' Flea Market in September

http://magicvalleymagic.com/

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander