Is This Magic?

To what lengths would you go to get some attention? The answer to this question with every passing day seems to be greater than every previously imaginable. Since the turn of the century, it seems that people, especially Americans, have been willing to give literally anything for their own 15 minutes (more like 15 seconds these days) of fame. With the increase in "reality" television shows, everybody feels as though tomorrow is their day to shine. 

However, where do you draw the line? Is attention worth physical injury? For me, that answer is a resounding no. But for Magician Extraordinaire, David Blaine, I'm not so sure what that answer is. You may remember Blaine for his previous magical (publicity stunts) such as his week-long water extravaganza. 

Man in the Bubble

Now, Blaine somehow survived that stunt, even though he failed to set the World Record for holding his breath as he had hoped. But now, I believe Blaine may be going too far. In his next death defying act of "magic," Blaine will be hanging upside down in Central Park, New York for 60 hours next week. Doctors fear that Blaine risks going blind and cramps/swelling in his internal organs. Blaine has done crazy things like this before, such as burying himself alive, but is this really worth it? If risking your life in a stunt that will garner great attention but nobody will remember after a couple hours is important to you than the answer is yes. 

Clearly, the adrenaline rush Blaine receives from these giant, death-defying publicity stunts drives him in life. But there is no guarantee that Blaine will continue to walk away from each of these stunts unscathed as he continues to up his own ante. Will it be worth it if he does lose sight after this next stunt? Think about that when you see footage of Blaine's stunt for yourself next week, because I am sure every major news outlet will give Blaine the 15 seconds he craves.