Poll: Who immediately knows what the "Magic Bullet Theory" is?

[Huckleman2000]

Soup Nazi is my favorite followed by the one where George does everything opposite of what his instincts tell him and it works wonders for him. The Contest was another good one. [/threadjack]

LMAO! Best. Pickup. Line. Evah.
"My name is George. I'm unemployed and I live with my parents."

/threadjack

 

[neonlyte]

Yep,






though I tend to keep mine zippered.

 

[rgraham666]

I answered the poll with item #4.

And while reading this thread I recalled what the 'magic bullet' is. Oops.

I suppose for me the closest to that was the Quebec crisis here in Canada. When a small group of separatists kidnapped a couple of public figures and killed one of them.

The federal government invoked the War Measures Act, which accomplished sweet fuck all and ended up with a lot of innocent people being arrested. One person was arrested because he had a book on Cubism in his library and the cop figured it had something to do with Cuba.

Maybe it's because I'm so interested in history, maybe it's because I'm small minded, but these 'big' events involving death don't affect me much. Colleen's passing hurt more. That I'll remember for a long time.

 

[Guest]

 

[Remec]

*coke spew* BWAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA *es for the horsey*

hahahahahahahaha *nodding in vigorous agreement*

 

[impressive]

Rather unfortunate choice of phrase there, Huck.

*snicker*

 

[wishfulthinking]

I'm not yankee and not curious enough to google, and my daily post average dropped below 2, sooo....

It sounds like something involving death affecting a lot of people, also possibly involving individual life definining moment, so objective and subject elements. Yeah, crap theory.

Ok, the Oz life defining moment for me was when the government introduced a luxery tax on tampons. People should have died.

 

[Guest]

Rather unfortunate choice of phrase there, Huck.

And here I thought it was just the ear. Everytime I hear Magic Bullet I think of Kevin Costner. He looked like shit in the movie.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

I think it's Zeb's corporate scheme.

Bite me...but not too hard!

I know I was in grade school when it happend...god I'm old!

 

[Guest]

Ok...everyone is going to think this is a stupid question, whether you would answer yes or no on the poll, but I've just had it brought home to me that something I've always thought of as a household concept, perhaps, isn’t after all. Even within the country of origin and its very close neighbors, that being the Americas in general and the US specifically.

Don’t get the wrong impression, please. This poll is for everyone. What I want to know is how many Americans don’t know what the Magic Bullet Threory is and how many people from other countries do. That’s why I’ve given these choices.

I’d really appreciate the help, y’all, so if you’ll play along I’ll show you my tits…oh, wait, that’s no incentive since I’ve already done that. Damn! *cursing imaginatively*

Mythbusters did an episode on "The Magic Bullet", trying to figure out which (if any) of the theories about it are plausible from a scientific point of view, aka, from what was this bullet made?

I'm addicted to Mythbusters. Something about Jamie's mustache

 

[ibhard]

Mythbusters did an episode on "The Magic Bullet", trying to figure out which (if any) of the theories about it are plausible from a scientific point of view, aka, from what was this bullet made?

I'm addicted to Mythbusters. Something about Jamie's mustache

that boy is twisted. he seems to buy all the show's equipment at bdsm shops.

 

[Guest]

that boy is twisted. he seems to buy all the show's equipment at bdsm shops.

A man after my own heart...

 

[CopyCarver]

It all depends which "Magic Bullet Theory" you're discussing. The terminology has been applied to at least five theories I know of--and possibly dozens more:

1) That mass audiences are passive, gullible, and non-thinking and that a carefully-crafted propoganda campaign can easily shape public opinion to embrace even the most ludicrous crackpot notions (whether the superiority of the Nazis, "weapons of mass destruction," or the belief that shaving with Noxema will attract gorgeous Swedish blondes.)

2) Magic Bullet Theory (a.k.a. "Single Bullet Theory) relative to the Kennedy Assassination/Warren Commission Report tries to explain how a bullet seems to have defied the laws of physics.

3) In medical/pharmacological applications, "Magic Bullet Theory" hypothesizes that even the most complex diseases can be prevented and/or cured with a single, relatively simple "wonder drug" or medical practice--whether antibiotic, insulin, or something more state-of-the-art.

4) In current "corporation think," "Magic Bullet Theory" is the idea that computer technology has inherent powers to prevent employees from
working in old, unproductive ways, can increase their efficiency by extraordinary increments, and can even endow them with expertise in areas in which they are completely unqualified.

5) To fiction writers, "Magic Bullet Theory" is a gimmick that suspends reader/viewer disbelief and encourages them to believe preposterous plots.

Maybe one of these is what you had in mind?

 

[Guest]

that boy is twisted. he seems to buy all the show's equipment at bdsm shops.

Well, there's naught wrong with that, is there? Science and Sex Shops aren't diametrically opposed -- or they needn't be


Carver, I'm reasonably sure she's refering to the Kennedy Magic Bullet/Single Bullet idea, since she also seems to be determining just how "american pop culture" people here are -- something like that.

But, damn it all, you did remind me about the other ones! And I haven't heard about the advertising/crackpot theory one before. You'll have to tell me more about that.
Having just seen the Mythbuster's episode, the Kennedy one was the only one to come to mind ( a meat bullet? THAT means something ENTIRELY different around HERE!)

 

[CopyCarver]

Well, there's naught wrong with that, is there? Science and Sex Shops aren't diametrically opposed -- or they needn't be


Carver, I'm reasonably sure she's refering to the Kennedy Magic Bullet/Single Bullet idea, since she also seems to be determining just how "american pop culture" people here are -- something like that.

But, damn it all, you did remind me about the other ones! And I haven't heard about the advertising/crackpot theory one before. You'll have to tell me more about that.
Having just seen the Mythbuster's episode, the Kennedy one was the only one to come to mind ( a meat bullet? THAT means something ENTIRELY different around HERE!)

That was my guess, also. Too bad Jamie & Adam couldn't explain the "pristine bullet"--maybe Buster will have better luck.

The "public as sheep" theory was my immediate association, simply because I wrote my dissertation on the topic. There's a fairly accurate, albeit simplistic, description of the 1920-1930s theory at
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Speech/rccs/theory29.htm

It wasn't so bad when it was merely applied to peddling soap or beer, but the demagogues co-opted it big-time, starting in the early 1950s--Joe McCarthy, the "Red Menace," Tonkin Incident, "outside agitators," "liberal media," "law 'n order," Domino Theory, et al--and it is, alas, still with us with disastrous results.

 

[3113]

Interesting thread. The reason is because MY definition of Magic Bullet seems to be the old original one, the one having nothing to do with disasters. In fact, it's a good thing.

I didn't even know Magic Bullet was a reference to that "top of the head" incident.

It's also interesting what people see as seminal events in their lives. That which shook up their view of their world, of humanity's (or America's) invinciblity and potential.

I find it really touching to know that Challenger, as terrible a thing as that was, sticks in people's minds and memories because I don't want the space program forgotten.

And yes, I think everyone's right that 9/11 is going to be that seminal event for so many youngsters who were subjected to days of images of those buildings falling. Give it ten years and that's what young adults in America will say was the day that changed their life and their view of the universe.

 

[matriarch]

I knew the phrase, but couldn't place it, so googled. Read Expedia's piece on it and this site, and it all came flooding back.

I still think, that there's something not right in the State of Denmark. Too many things don't add up.

But then I'm just a Brit, what do I know. *shrug*

I can think of 3 moments in time that stick in my memory:

- the day of the first moon walk (20-7-69), up early with my whole family to watch on tv, before going off to start a new job);
- the day White-governed Rhodesia declared their independence from Britain (1-3-70);
- the day the Berlin Wall was breached. (9-11-89). I was working nights at the time, in a supermarket, and we always had a radio on. We listened to it all night long. It was a night to remember. No-one got sleepy or tired that night.)

Of the assassination of JFK, I have very little memory, I was a high school student then, and with timezone differences, this would have been at 6.30pm in UK. I guess it was a newsflash on TV at home during the evening. I really don't remember how I heard, but I do remember my sense of shock.

 

[Guest]

Interesting thread. The reason is because MY definition of Magic Bullet seems to be the old original one, the one having nothing to do with disasters. In fact, it's a good thing.

I didn't even know Magic Bullet was a reference to that "top of the head" incident.

It's also interesting what people see as seminal events in their lives. That which shook up their view of their world, of humanity's (or America's) invinciblity and potential.

I find it really touching to know that Challenger, as terrible a thing as that was, sticks in people's minds and memories because I don't want the space program forgotten.

And yes, I think everyone's right that 9/11 is going to be that seminal event for so many youngsters who were subjected to days of images of those buildings falling. Give it ten years and that's what young adults in America will say was the day that changed their life and their view of the universe.

Challenger is "my" seminal event. I was watching the launch on TV and from my back yard -- once the rockets get to a certain height, they are visible for many miles -- and I had the back door open, listening, while I watched the sky...and I saw those two plume trails shooting in opposite directions and heard the doubtful voices from the television...and I knew something was wrong.

 

[SweetPrettyAss]

I wasn't born until more than ten years later but I have seen it discussed on TV a few times.

 

[3113]

3) In medical/pharmacological applications, "Magic Bullet Theory" hypothesizes that even the most complex diseases can be prevented and/or cured with a single, relatively simple "wonder drug" or medical practice--whether antibiotic, insulin, or something more state-of-the-art.

This was the one that came to my mind. As I recall, wasn't it the term used for the vaccine for polio?

 

[Guest]

CC got me thinking, so I hit my favorite source -- Wikipedia


The phrase "magic bullet" has several uses:

* The original "magic bullet" of German folklore, which was enchanted and could not miss its mark, made its debut into the wider European consciousness as a feature of Carl Maria von Weber's ghostly opera Der Freischütz, first performed in Berlin in 1821.

* The phrase is used disparagingly by conspiracy theorists to describe the single bullet theory of the John F. Kennedy assassination.

* Used to describe a bullet that disappears/vaporizes after hitting a target (for instance one made of ice or dry ice). It is subject to debate whether this is actually feasible.

* Paul Ehrlich used the phrase to describe his goal: a cure for syphilis which would attack the syphilis bacterium while having no effect whatsoever on human tissue. He also applied the term to the drug he developed, Salvarsan (arsphenamine). Salvarsan turned out to have significant deleterious side effects; however, the phrase "magic bullet" has become associated with Ehrlich, Salvarsan, and by extension any wished-for drug.

* The magic bullet of folklore is also featured in the manga Hellsing as the ammunition for Rip Van Winkle's gun.

* "Magic bullet principle" is another term for the hypodermic needle model, a theory in communication research which says all media audiences receive and process media messages in the same way.

* A food processing machine called the "Magic Bullet" is advertised in infomercials. [1]

* A post-production digital video enhancement and filmizing suite called "Magic Bullet" is sold by Red Giant Software. [2]

Compare: Silver bullet

 

[Tom Collins]

Wow...I wanted to thank everyone who's participated so far. The statistical info that you guys are giving is definitely helping. I knew I could count on my wonderful AHers to jump in and lend a helpful hand.

I should clarify that when I said I believed the phase to be household knowledge, I meant specifically within America because it was an American event that, to me, has coloured the last four decades. I know that citizens of other countries do pay attention to the huge things that happen within this country, just as some of us actually pay attention to the events of our neighbors, but I wouldn't expect such things to stick with them for long because it's not in their own back yard, and vice versa. If it doesn't feel personal you won't, generally remember it much.

The American public has seemed to be obsessed with the conspiracy theory surrounding the assassination of JFK (to confirm beliefs and suspicions as to what I'm referencing) and it hadn't occured to me that anyone over the aged twenty-five wouldn't be very familiar with the Magic/Single Bullte Thoery. I'd like to that Carver for reminding me of the other way to which this conspiracy theory is often refered. It had escaped my memory, and I wonder now if it wouldn't be a better way to refer to it and expect that people would immediately twig to the correct event.

Opinions on this, please...

Does saying "the Single Bullet Theory" more quickly bring to mind the correct reference?

 

[Tom Collins]

CC got me thinking, so I hit my favorite source -- Wikipedia


The phrase "magic bullet" has several uses:

* The original "magic bullet" of German folklore, which was enchanted and could not miss its mark, made its debut into the wider European consciousness as a feature of Carl Maria von Weber's ghostly opera Der Freischütz, first performed in Berlin in 1821.

* The phrase is used disparagingly by conspiracy theorists to describe the single bullet theory of the John F. Kennedy assassination.

* Used to describe a bullet that disappears/vaporizes after hitting a target (for instance one made of ice or dry ice). It is subject to debate whether this is actually feasible.

* Paul Ehrlich used the phrase to describe his goal: a cure for syphilis which would attack the syphilis bacterium while having no effect whatsoever on human tissue. He also applied the term to the drug he developed, Salvarsan (arsphenamine). Salvarsan turned out to have significant deleterious side effects; however, the phrase "magic bullet" has become associated with Ehrlich, Salvarsan, and by extension any wished-for drug.

* The magic bullet of folklore is also featured in the manga Hellsing as the ammunition for Rip Van Winkle's gun.

* "Magic bullet principle" is another term for the hypodermic needle model, a theory in communication research which says all media audiences receive and process media messages in the same way.

* A food processing machine called the "Magic Bullet" is advertised in infomercials. [1]

* A post-production digital video enhancement and filmizing suite called "Magic Bullet" is sold by Red Giant Software. [2]

Compare: Silver bullet

Interesting, Mal. I also adore wikipedia, it rawks.

All of these not referencing the Kenedy assassination are new to me, except the one about the ice bullet, though I've not heard it called that, I've just heard of the possibility of such. Thanks for pulling up these other references.

 

[CopyCarver]

Does saying "the Single Bullet Theory" more quickly bring to mind the correct reference?

Absolutely, if only because this phrase doesn't carry the connotations associated with "Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet," Madison Avenue, etc.

 

[dirtyjoe69]

hey

the ice bullet theory is totally bogus...The show Myth Busters totally busted the myth. They even did it a second time. It can't be done!

As for the magic bullet theory; for the caliber and type of bullet that Oswald was to have supposed to have used. NO WAY IN HELL could it been left so prestine! Shot too many weapons in my time and used too much ammunition to know that jug don't hold water.

Was Oswald a part of the attempt, perhaps but there was no way he acted alone!