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| Author: Posted: Sep. 8, 2002 | This Page Viewed: 7,026,003 |
Question of the Week: 78 - 9/22/2002 Would You Take Part in a Public Event or Protest AS a Pagan? Many Pagans or Heathens have always been a little leery about taking part in public events, protests or in signing their real names to letters or petitions. Given the current climate in the United States and across the world since 9/11, are you more or less inclined to be open about your spiritual beliefs or religion than you once were? Are you more fearful of reprisals or discrimination? Do you think that you would be placed on a surveillance list if you participated in public events or signed petitions with your legal name? Are you more cautious than you may have been before? Or have the events emboldened you to take a more public stance? What’s the current status of YOUR broom closet? |
| Reponses: There are 268 responses posted to this question. | Reverse Sort |
| Yes, I Would Take Part. | Sep 22nd. at 11:34:24 pm EDT |
| junior curran (federal way, wa 98023) | Age: 27 - Email |
|
If for no reason other then to get pagans out of the closet if there was ever a time to be proud of who we are it is now, so what if my name goes on a list I'm sure it's already there for some other reason. |
| Participation Amd Protest | Sep 22nd. at 11:40:10 pm EDT |
| Nateseia (Winnipeg, Manitoba) | Age: 39 - Email |
|
I've been a part of both activities over the years, and have no regrets.... however, I do understand in many cases, especially concerning regional/family/occupation aspects, why some may want to avoid any type of publicity. As for the goverment getting involved....they do.......I have experienced this. How far they go to watch you, though is unknown to me, and frankly, I really don't care. What concerns me more, are those who keep to themselves due to retribution and scorn from family. Something that should be a safe place to go, and a resource of support, is not often available. I believe that many who walk whatever path of the Craft that they choose, do the best they can in their surrounding circumstances. I believe that every effort should be made to seekout their voices in places that they feel they can speak safely. It is usually when I am attending a public circle, that I often think about those I know, and how Iwish they were beside me. On the other hand, I can wait. Their path is their own. When we do get to gether for a giggle, the sharing of information form both sides is something we can take back to our respective lives, whether it be private or public. Blessings Nateseia |
| Building Up The Numbers | Sep 23rd. at 12:12:51 am EDT |
| Elena Loveard (Sydney, Australia) | Age: 20 - Email - Web |
|
I live in Australia so the mood post-9/11 is a little different. I'm very happy to sign my real name to petitions and so on. There is safety in numbers. If more people are standing up and showing their pride in their religion the governments are less likely to try putting the same people under scrutiny. I am very proud of who I am and I love the fact that Australia is so full of differing opinions and religions. As long as we stand by our beliefs and promote our peaceful lifestyles/religions they have no reason to hurt us. Blessed Be ELLY |
| Pagans Need To Take A Stand!!! | Sep 23rd. at 12:18:40 am EDT |
| Brandi (Prescott, AZ) | Age: 22 - Email |
|
I was just at a very public pagan pride festival this past Saturday, and everything was wonderful. To be able to be our in public without worrying about other people was fantastic. The only problem we had was one lady yelling at a good friend of mine about us being in a public place with children around. (it was held in a park) She happened to be pagan herself. I say it's time we stopped being chastized for having a religiong that was turned around by the other "good decent religions". I was very happy to attend this outing, and would gladly do it again. |
| If You Dont Speak Out, You Lose Your Rights | Sep 23rd. at 12:29:47 am EDT |
| jimi s[ann (lubbock texas) | Age: 30 - Email |
|
of course i would. i do everyday when i walk outside. my life is a public display of paganism in a christian town. |
| Yes, I Would. | Sep 23rd. at 12:43:47 am EDT |
| zzfox (South Carolina) | Age: 45 - Email |
|
Yes..I'm way out of the clost. |
| Sometimes The Choice Is Hard | Sep 23rd. at 1:06:01 am EDT |
| Alea (Salt Lake City, Utah) | Age: 32 - Email |
|
When I was younger, I was much more open about my beliefs. However, as I grow older I find myself more careful and selective about who I reveal this information to. I have had people react badly, some not really care, and others make-fun of me. I have and will participate in public gatherings and would use my real name on petitions. However, the majority of the people that know me and work with me, do not know my religious beliefs. Its a subject that I breach carefully. In the aftermath of 9/11, I have been ever more cautious. People are scared of what they don't understand. Someday we may live in a more open world, hopefuly I'll live to see that day. |
| Yes | Sep 23rd. at 1:11:25 am EDT |
| Stella (Pasadena, CA) | Age: 24 - Email |
|
I would come out. The only family member I have officially come out to is my sister and her husband , but I am pretty sure everyone else has figured it out. I suspect my sister might have told them. I live in a pretty liberal area of the country, so I doubt I would have to contend with any violence, maybe just some misunderstanding. I have never been afraid to make waves. Like some other people here I do not feel comfortable coming out at work. I work almost exclusively with Catholics, and while I don't think they would care, I don't want to take the chance. |
| Sure--why Not? | Sep 23rd. at 1:24:59 am EDT |
| Danielle (TX) | Age: 21 - Email |
|
I have no problem with it.. if they don't like it, too bad. They will just have to adjust. Anyone who messes with me get's blasted anyway. People in this nothing town shiver at me anyway.."Oh look, there goes that witch girl who lives with those other witches...Der der der, who's going to the mud wrestling contest tonight?" |
| I'd Break Too Many Hearts | Sep 23rd. at 1:45:15 am EDT |
| FluidMotion (Canada) | Age: 16 - Email |
|
Considering I have been a well known member of a local Penticostal Christian church, and they have been extreamly kind to me and my family since and before my dad was diagnosed with cancer, I couldn't bear stand up for a faith (though it is MY FAITH) that is against theres. I would hurt too many people; especially my grand mother. I still put on the big show of praying, getting the "holy ghost" (ecstatic dance) but to different gods (although obviously they don't know that) so I can falsly asure them of my christian faith. Sure, its a bit harsh, but what else am I supposto do? |
| Fear Is The Mind Killer | Sep 23rd. at 2:35:03 am EDT |
| Breed BearWolf (Missouri) | Age: 33 - Email |
|
I won't let fear rule my life. If there is a cause that need my John Handcock and I beleive in the cause I'll sign. And it there is a protest that I think is a good cause I'll join it. I beleive that if you are willing to do what is right no matter was is agaist you, you making a differance. I am not afraid of being who I am. I wont let people tell me that because Im a Pagan I don't know what right is, I Do! Yes I will protest in a Pagan Group if I beleive in the cause, it is my right to do so and I won't let anyone take it away from me. I guess Im Pagan And Proud and 9/11 has nothing to do with it. |
| Why Should One Be Ashamed | Sep 23rd. at 3:00:37 am EDT |
| Lady Moon (Colorado) | Age: 21 - Email |
|
Merry Meet. I have never truly been ashamed of what i beleived even when i attended a Catholic school in Michagan Back than i would argue with the sister on god and what was correct and not correct and point out where the Christian Bible conterdicted itself and it does so many times from one verse to the next. It is not even funny how it does. I have never really hidden the factor that i am not a christian and that i pratice some form of what society has condemned whitchcraft in my life. I found myself with great pride more than i ever had before after 9/11 because i knew that my upbringing was a good one and that i was lucky to be born in a country in which premits to some degree the pratice of other religions. It made me respect and cherish life more and that it was alright to cry and be different. I dont really care if they watched me because they feared me. It is not correct to accuse people that are different that they are wrong or suspect that they will harm you. I felt bad for the ones that had nothing to do with 9/11 and were shunned and chased out because of their religion and origin. Christians say love thy neighbor and yet they went off and shunned those that came here looking for a better life because they were not christians but that of the islam world. That is a sad thought. I stand up for people of differnt countries and religions at times unless the person is one that is wrong and wants to harms others. If they can condom the Islam religion than what is stopping them from condoming me for not being Christian and i have lost friends because i refuse to be a Christian. I stand up for what i believe in and am not ashamed that i am considered a witch for reading tarrot cards and healling and using little spells. Lady Moon |
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