Magic and the Swine Flu
Because of H1N1 and the upcoming flu season, I thought this to be a good time to revisit a topic.
Earlier, I wrote an article that discussed the performance of magic and consideration of viral and bacterial infections. I don't think that this topic is overkill as within the last year, I've encountered close-up crowds who didn't want to touch props (select a card, etc...). There are even churches that are rethinking how they dispense communion or even leaving it out altogether at services.
In addition to clean magic props and hands and perhaps open use of hand sanitizer when I think it's necessary, the only other precaution that I've added is that I got a flu shot (in addition to preventing me from contracting flu and potentially spreading it to others, this may also allow me to not get sick in the thick of the holiday season).
And for you magicians who still do that outdated gag where you steal a kiss from a lady, it's truly time to stop. The bit is obnoxious and inappropriate and reflects poorly on magic and magicians.
Timely and necessary, you can read my thoughts on the topic in my article.
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Magic and the Swine Flu
Comments
WHile I think this is an important topic, unless the magician shows visible signs of having a cold or flu, a spectator not wanting to touch a prop for fear of “catching something” is just plain paranoid. After all, they had to touch the door handle to enter the establishment and they are touching the table, and all of these surfaces can harbor more germs than a magician’s props.
A more serious issue is the soul-searching a magician has to do if he does catch a “bug” as to whether he should cancel his engagements. I suspect he won’t, due to the “show must go on” mentality (and also the desire not to lose out on the payment he would forfeit by turning down the show).