John Edward MaGee, Jr., (born October 19, 1969 in Glen Cove, New York), better known as John Edward, is the creator and host of the television show Crossing Over with John Edward featured on the SciFi Channel [1], and on LIVINGtv [2] in the UK.
Crossing Over
John appears on the show Crossing Over with John Edward in which he claims that he communicates with the deceased relations or friends of those in the gallery, or studio audience - this is often called a "reading". This involves John Edward standing before the audience, and speaking with its members, relaying the information he supposedly garners from their deceased acquaintances. The audience members then either confirm or deny aspects of the subject Edward is discussing. The show often employs a split screen (film), whereby the viewer can witness John Edward continuing his reading without sound on one half of the screen, whilst on the other half the audience member being read discusses the accuracy of John Edward's claims. A voiceover is also implemented to help aid the viewer, giving a greater overview of what is occuring, and providing details which may be relevant to the context of the reading.
There are also instances where John Edward will conduct a private session away from the gallery, which is still filmed and commented upon. This is often the more "in-depth" part of the show, where those read, along with their families, talk in greater detail about the situation that lead up to their reading with Edward, and what conclusions they have drawn from the event. Periodically, Crossing Over will feature a part of the show that attempts to "catch-up" with those who have previously been read by John Edward.
Criticisms
The field of psychic medium is highly controversial, and draws opinions from believers and skeptics alike.
Hot Reading (a.k.a. "Hits")
A "hit" is often described as an instance whereby John Edward appears to divulge information so personal to the person being read that it could only be true if he were communicating with the dead. The often intimate instances that Edward reports are seen by believers to prove his communicative abilities. However, skeptics often argue that it is possible that John Edward engages in hot reading. Hot Reading is a technique where information is gathered prior to a reading, and which is then implemented to make Edward appear as if he has gained the information from a non-corporeal source. Arguments such as the placing of a plant (disambiguation) in the waiting line for the show have been proposed by some skeptics.
Cold Reading
A technique whereby no knowledge is known prior to meeting the subject, and yet the proponent of the technique seems to hold a vast knowledge of the subject. This is often conducted by speaking in extremely vague terms that are applicable to most people, or by offering a large amount of generic information in the hope that the subject will respond to one aspect of that given.
The claims levelled at John Edward often refer to his use of phonetics in an attempt to describe a fact about the deceased person, such as their name. It is argued that a person will know at least one person with the applicable or sound or letter to their name, and thus affirm John Edward's claim that he is contacting that person. This objection is often raised when dealing with those who claim to be a psychic medium.
The Disclaimer
- The producer has relied heavily on the contributions of John Edward and other third parties in the creation of this program, which has been produced for entertainment purposes only. Materials and opinions presented in this program by John Edward and other third parties, including statements, predictions, documents, photos, and video footage come solely from the respective third party sources and are not the views, opinions, and the responsibility of the producer and, are not meant or intended to be a form of advice, instruction, suggestion, counsel or factual statement in any way whatsoever.
At the end of John Edward's show, a legal disclaimer appears for 3.3 seconds; it can be read more easily if one records the show, and pauses the tape at the moment the disclaimer appears. Some viewers, especially well versed conjurors|, see the contents of the disclaimer, and the airtime it is given, as deceiving the viewers of Crossing Over with John Edward. However, others point out that this type of disclaimer is considered standard practice for shows selling related material. In this case, the disclaimer is not related to metaphysics speculation about the nature of perception.
Gary Scwartz Tests
Edward was apparently tested under controlled laboratory conditions by psychology Gary Schwartz, who concluded Edward's abilities were genuine. Part of the test involved a "reading" of a subject who Edward had not met previously. Skeptics, such as CSICOP's Ray Hyman, have raised objections to this test, and have critiqued Schwartz's methods.
Edward in the media
South Park
A 2002 episode of the cartoon television comedy South Park, entitled "The Biggest Douche in the Universe," focused primarily on Edward, portraying him as a cynical and exploitative fraud who knowingly manipulates the bereaved. The character Stan works to expose him by mastering cold reading and repeatedly argues that Edward's actions are fraudulent, and more importantly, immoral, as they deceive the bereaved and vulnerable. At the end of the episode, aliens bring Edward to an intergalactic awards ceremony where he is honored with the Biggest Douche in the Universe Award. Penn and Teller also called him the biggest douche in the universe on their TV show Bullshit!.
Documentary
There are reports that a documentary, developed by a group of independent researchers, will demonstrate aspects of Edward's readings that have yet to be explained by the "cold reading" and "hot reading" hypothesis. This documentary has been rumored to come out in early 2006.
Will & Grace
Edward has also made a cameo appearance on Will & Grace.
External links
- John Edward's official site
- Crossing Over's site on Scifi.com
- A salon.com article claiming to debunk Edward
- A Time Magazine column claiming hot reading techniques are used.
- Greatest Hits and Misses of John Edward
- The Many Contradictions of John Edward
- South Park TV satire.
- Hyman on Schwartz
- Schwartz on Hyman
- Hyman rebuts Schwartz
- "How come TV psychics seem so convincing?" article on The Straight Dope
- "Demystifying John Edward of Crossing Over" article on Re-QUEST dot Net