Lecture Notes: Media Hoax and the Making of Carlos

Introduction

• Carlos was depicted as a New Age celebrity.
• A media campaign built around Carlos was launched upon his arrival in Australia.

Media Campaign

• Press packets sent to media figures in Australia.
• Campaign included radio and Broadway appearances.
• Press conference held immediately upon his arrival.

Carlos’ Image and Success

• Carlos and his manager became overnight successes.
• Controversial interviews, e.g., throwing a glass of water, which generated buzz.

The Man Behind the Hoax: James Randi

• James Randi, a magician and skeptic, orchestrated the hoax.
• Randi’s aim: expose media irresponsibility and the gullibility of the public.

The Role of Jose Alvarez

• Jose Alvarez played the character of Carlos.
• Alvarez was untrained and chosen by Randi for authenticity.
• Staged performances were created for media consumption.

Strategy and Execution

• Created fake newspaper articles and a book titled "The Wisdom of Carlos."
• Collaborated with known personalities for credibility.
• Used a simple trick, the pulse-stopping routine, to captivate audiences.
• The trick: using a rubber ball to temporarily stop the pulse at the wrist.

Outcome and Reflection

• The hoax was successful; media didn’t verify facts.
• Raised questions about the public's need for magic and belief in the supernatural.
• Highlighted the emotional and psychological impact of such scams.
• Despite being a hoax, it was considered entertaining by the public.

Conclusion

• The event demonstrated the power of media manipulation.
• It critiqued the lack of due diligence by media outlets.