Anybody seen or heard of this show? It's a crock of shit. This 'normal mother' from Long Island supposedly has the ability to communicate with the dead. She goes around holding readings for people, allowing them to come to terms with the passing of their loved ones. I was visiting my parents the other day, and my mom was talking about how amazing she was. [i]She actually believes it.[/i] I tried to tell her it was a sham-- that cold reading and other such techniques (as well as the magic of television) are merely allowing this woman to capitalize upon the grief of others. Nonetheless she gave me that: "Oh, you're young. How can you know if it isn't real? Sometimes you just have to believe and have faith, etc."

This kind of show really bugs the crap out of me. While many of the people who receive readings end up feeling "at peace", I can't help but feel sorry for them all. Looking at her Facebook page, there are a fuck-ton of requests for readings from people who are grieving. She's posted a notice, stating that there's currently a two-year wait, and she asks that you send her an email with the details-- how many people want readings, the venue, etc. She's making mad money off of this, and the whole thing makes me sick. Even if people feel comforted by her bullshit, I still feel like it's wrong to capitalize on their ignorance and grief.

Thoughts?

I don't think all those people are totally innocent victims. Some of them must know on some level that it's a lie but choose to believe because it makes them feel better to do so. They, too, are responsible for their being manipulated. It's easy to feel morally superior and justified when you choose the position of the victim.

But even in such cases, the "medium" is not off the hook.

I would like to see someone use those techniques on people, then come clean and share the techniques and how they work. I would like to see the reactions.

[quote="rockman240"]I don't think all those people are totally innocent victims. Some of them must know on some level that it's a lie but choose to believe because it makes them feel better to do so.[/quote]

I've never understood that kind of mindset. I think you're right, though.