OMNI

Magazine Overview

Title: OMNI
Issue Date: March 1987
Price: $3.00
Cover Headline: THE FIFTH FORCE: A NEW LOOK AT THE REALITIES OF ANTIGRAVITY

This issue of OMNI magazine delves into a variety of intriguing topics, with a prominent focus on the potential of antigravity and a critical examination of Freudian psychology. The cover art presents a surreal, architectural space featuring globes and a window overlooking a seascape, visually connecting themes of space, reality, and illusion.

Articles and Features

The Fifth Force: A New Look at the Realities of Antigravity

This cover story explores the concept of antigravity, suggesting new perspectives on its scientific possibilities. While the scan does not provide detailed content from this article, its placement on the cover indicates it is a lead feature.

Grand Illusions: When Science and Magic Merge

This article investigates the fascinating boundary where scientific principles and magical phenomena intersect. It likely examines how perceived magic can be explained by science, or how scientific advancements might appear magical.

Alice Miller: The Trouble with Freud, Violence, and Child Abuse

This feature focuses on the work of Alice Miller, a psychologist known for her critical stance on Freudian psychoanalysis, particularly concerning its interpretations of violence and child abuse. The article likely presents Miller's arguments challenging established Freudian concepts and offering alternative perspectives on these sensitive issues.

UFO Update: A Public Relations Campaign for UFOs

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a new initiative to change the public's perception of UFOs. Connecticut lawyer Robert H. Bletchman, a consultant for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), is spearheading a campaign with the advertising agency Charnas, Inc. Bletchman, frustrated by the ridicule surrounding UFOs, aims to enhance their public image and compel the government to release evidence he believes is being hidden.

The campaign's strategy is to approach the issue intelligently and rationally, avoiding sensationalism. Joyce Silverman, the agent in charge at Charnas, Inc., emphasizes that their approach will be professional. The campaign plans to start with promotional letters to 100,000 people and will target Hollywood figures known for their interest in UFOs, such as Shirley MacLaine and Sammy Davis, Jr. Contributions from this group will help test the advertising campaign in regional publications.

Once initial results are analyzed, the campaign will expand to include UFO advertisements in national magazines like OMNI and Esquire, followed by commercials on prime-time television. Bletchman hopes to involve prominent figures like astronaut Deke Slayton, who has publicly stated he has seen a UFO, to lend credibility to the campaign.

The ultimate goals of this campaign are to achieve the release of all secret government UFO documents, increase media coverage of UFO topics, and foster greater awareness of the potential scientific and technological benefits that UFOs could offer humanity. Bletchman believes the campaign will reach policymakers, generate funds, and ultimately stir up public discourse on the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OMNI magazine appears to maintain its characteristic blend of science, the unexplained, and critical social commentary. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous investigation and open discussion, as evidenced by the push for government transparency regarding UFOs and the critical re-examination of established psychological theories by Alice Miller. The magazine consistently explores topics that challenge conventional thinking, from antigravity to the complex interplay of science, magic, and human psychology.