Toby Youngman, Jessica D’Antonio, Madison Jackson, Kaila McKiernan, Connor Skelton
Franz Mesmer was a German doctor that lived between 1734-1815. This was a time of great change within European history. Ideas from the Enlightenment prompted social upheaval and changes in scientific thinking across Europe. Embracing these ideas, Mesmer theorized the concept of animal magnetism. Mesmer believed in a living natural force possessed by all animate beings that could be manipulated to cure people of disease. To further his understanding, Mesmer conducted strange and intimate sessions with patients that resulted in tremblings, trances, and seizures. Mesmer gained a reputation as a talented physician and was sought out by many important figures in Enlightenment-era Europe. However, rumors began to spread of his unconventional practices leading to a formal investigation by King Louis XVI of France. This investigation badly hurt Mesmer’s reputation and led to his exile. His successor, Armand-Marie-Jacques de Chastenet, continued his work despite criticism. Today, Mesmer is considered one of the founders of modern hypnotism, also affectionately called “mesmerization.”
Fesmerization is based on control, which is why Not Sidney from I am Not Sidney Poitier is so intrigued by it. Not Sidney is frequently bullied and feels that no one takes him seriously because of his name and the circumstances involving his birth. He craves influence, meaning and means of taking control over his life. After failed attempts at learning karate, he turns to Fesmerization as a form of self defense. Not Sidney uses the technique that he believes Fesmer describes by staring intently at his subject and raising his eyebrow. The first time Not Sidney uses fesmerization is when he confronts a bully named Clyde, making his “dull bovine eyes” glaze over. This allows Not Sidney to punch him in the chin and emerge victorious. While Not Sidney used this technique for a petty, childish situation, that power is important to him. However, it is debatable whether or not Fesmerization actually works.
Not Sidney describes the method as a, “psychological swiss army knife” where, “I could never know whether I was opening the scissors, saw blade, corkscrew, or leather awl, or whether it would open at all.” This comparison illustrates the risk Not Sidney takes every time he uses the fesmer technique, something that he acknowledges several times. Not Sidney explains that the technique only works on some people and has little consistency between the subjects. These results are remarkably similar to Franz Mesmer. Mesmer was successful in many of his experiments and did appear to treat his patients. Even though Mesmer received mixed results, his conviction to his beliefs allowed many to put their faith in his practices. This is similar to Not Sidney since he is willing to put his faith in Fesmerization despite its flaws. Although Fesmerization is unreliable, Not Sidney feels it is a tool that can aid him in life.
Everett includes Fesmerization in I am Not Sidney Poitier to reinforce the themes of absurdity and satire. Fesmerization is vague, silly and unpredictable, which reflects the absurdity world around it. Sometimes things do not make sense and so people look for equally nonsensical tools to rationalize what they do not understand. Not Sidney’s adoption of this method echoes the human need of comfort and control. By using Fesmerization, Not Sidney is able to achieve some semblance of this, even if it is fleeting at best.