When the kids were little, I would sometimes look up during a meal and exclaim, while pointing up, "Look at the flying elephant!" They would naturally look up, wondering if Dad has lost his senses. During the brief time their attention was diverted to the ceiling or the sky, I would snatch their dessert or something.
Similar actions are the basis of the professional act of Apollo Robbins. You can see the man on YouTube and read about him in the New Yorker. He is an expert pickpocket and attention diverter extraordinaire.
You can also see diversion at work in presidential politics. It seems to be a popular idea that when one's fortunes are failing, it is a good idea to invoke the flying elephant principle. Quick! Do something outrageous, preferably something forceful and reeking of power. Oh, sure, there will be lawsuits and anger but the hullabaloo will take over the headlines and the more frightening and basic issue will be sidelined. If that is not enough, do three more outrageous things, illogical, counterintuitive and shocking. Keep at it until the danger of good ideas passes. Try to avoid any days of quiet, everyday activity of keeping things running smoothly.
It is asking a lot to want leaders to lead and problem solvers to solve problems. [Look! I stopped after two!] Let's just turn up the volume and do a little more fleecing before we go.
