Psych!

I find it hard to fathom that in 2012, mediums are still a thing.  One would think the advances of the modern age would have eliminated this ancient form of bullshit and yet it persists. Piles of the stuff dot the landscape of pop culture awaiting the gullible boot of a credulous public.

Did I take that metaphor too far?  It’s only appropriate considering the subject.  I find mediums, seers, psychics, whatever you want to call them, the most pernicious of all the forms of quackery out there because the practice so tacitly exploits human emotion.  Famous psychics such as John Edward and more recently, Theresa Caputo, the self-proclaimed “Long Island Medium” ply their dubious trade, ostensibly providing a service for the masses on television. These shysters are not solely limited to their own syndicated shows. They also make appearances on news networks and talk shows that, sadly, lends an aura of credibility.

Theresa Caputo recently made an appearance on Dr. Oz ‘s talk show.  Not having the stomach to watch the entire episode, I found this clip on youtube. Besides the fact that Oz seems to take her spew about dreams and spirit contact seriously, I find the fact that someone claiming to promote health and well-being could have this woman on her show appalling.  The deception of the general public does not strike me as very healthy.  What happened to “First, do no harm” Doctor Oz?

How is it that psychics can still get away this nonsense? Let’s look at Theresa Caputo. She is actually using a technique that has changed very little in the many years that psychics have been flimflamming: cold reading.  Caputo’s act is a poster child for this technique. So is John Edwards’.

If only the media would do the most cursory of research before legitimizing this fraud by inviting these people to make TV appearances. I am talking to you, Anderson Cooper.  Now Theresa has lovely clip to post on the spash page of her website. Notice how she didn’t post Anderson’s follow-up sound clip.  I am glad you are still a skeptic, Anderson, but having Caputo on your show only served to perpetuate the deception.

The most recent episode of The Soup on E! did a very funny segment on Caputo’s recent TV appearances. Not only is it hilarious but it exposes just how ludicrous the technique of cold –reading is when the silver-tongued asides of the psychic are removed.  Notice  the looks on the peoples’ faces as Theresa desperately fishes for a reaction to further exploit.

I never thought I would appreciate the veracity of a parody sketch show commentary over that of Anderson Cooper.

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