Why Some Witches Offer Interviews
Talking to Reporters Can Help Boost Positive Pagan Perceptions
Oct 11, 2007
Every October, journalists scramble to locate their community’s native Witches in an attempt to have something other than standard trick or treating and Halloween-based parties to report. Paganism in and of itself is controversial, and celebratory practices linked to it even more so. If the people who practice such a faith seem to otherwise be normal, then all the better.
There are plenty of Americans who still find the practice of celebrating the Pagan holiday of Samhain to be something akin to a B-rated horror movie, complete with virgin sacrifices and the conjuring of the Devil. Therefore, writing an article (and specifically publishing a picture) with real Witches in full black regalia is extremely controversial, and that of course helps to sell more newspapers and/or ad space.
Why Some Witches Agree to Be Published
Contemporary Paganism, in its many guises, is a religion of peace and neutrality, in spite of negative stereotypes, and the majority of Witches who choose to speak with reporters due so to help set the record straight. In almost every Halloween article featuring Witches, a disclaimer is almost always present combating the aforementioned devil-worshipping stereotype. Another reason is to simply help get their faith to be tolerated, including trivial privileges other minority religions currently enjoy, such as the proper capitalization of titles and by omitting the “self-proclaimed“ stance.
Accomplishments Due in Part to Published Mainstream Articles
Within the last decade, sweeping changes have been made for the tolerance and even acceptance of their varied faiths. Pagan Pride celebrations are beginning to become commonplace in large cities and small towns alike, and many films are now subsequently portraying Paganism in a much more benevolent and respectful light. In fact, celebrities such as Cybill Sheperd and Stevie Nicks are out of the broom closet and are publicly embracing their Nature-based faith.
Though it happened after nine long years of debate, a recent, major accomplishment occurred on April 23rd, 2007, when the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs agreed to allow the Wiccan pentacle to appear on tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery and other U.S. military burial grounds. The overt bias and discrimination was cited in denying the Wiccan symbol to be listed with dozens of others by mainstream publications such as The Washington Post, the New York Times and CNN, because so much controversy was drummed up about the situation. It is believed that act never would have occurred had people not already been aware Paganism is indeed a benevolent religion.
Therefore, while there are Pagans who may cringe at the thought of having to once again explain the ridiculousness of eating babies or paying homage to an anti-Diety they do not even acknowledge, they will continue to oblige the reporters with detailed answers and also lighting a candle the bulk of the story is retained.
 |
