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| Author: Posted: Nov. 17, 2002 | This Page Viewed: 3,890,225 |
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 |
| Wisdom, Life, Honor | Sep 24th. at 10:13:24 pm EDT |
| Phil Brucato (Atlanta, GA) | Age: 37 - Email |
|
I can and do stand up as a Pagan - even more so since 9/11. Before that, I never wore a pentacle - too much of a fashion statement for my tastes. When everyone else hauled out their crosses, crucifixes and David stars, however, I felt it was not only my duty but my pleasure to show that we "alternative spirituality" types have pride and presence, too. We are here, we are Americans, and our beliefs are as legitimate, as protected, and as significant as those of other "mainstream" religions. And, given the track records and body counts the "big three" have racked up as of late, I'm proud to say that my spirtual path does not hold the rest of the world hostage to its beliefs. Sad that so many other people of faith insist that the path to Divinity is littered with the corpses of unbelievers. May we never be so deluded. Wisdom, life and honor to you all, and gods help the world. Given the behavior of some of their followers, the world *needs* that help! - Phil Brucato |
| Now Is The Time When Voices Like Ours Are Needed The Most | Sep 24th. at 9:57:45 pm EDT |
| Feline (Virginia) | Age: 21 - Email |
|
I live in the bowles of the Bible belt and after 9-11 things did go from bad to worse, but I have never hid my religion and don't intend to do so now. I believe that now is the time we must be the most adamant in our demand for equal rights and not just for ourselves. Our government is exploiting the fears of the people to erode our civil rights. I believe it is my duty, not just as a witch, but as a person to protest these unconstitutional actions and stand up for my fellow creatures. I am no more fearful of discrimination or reprisals than I already have been (and I have had some altercations before). As far as survaillence lists go, I'd be suprised if I wasn't on one already. Though I cherish my civil rights I have always been wary of "Big Brother". I am not afraid to use my real name. I will not compromise the honor I have given myself by giving in to fear. Blessed Be:) |
| I'M OUTSPOKEN & DON'T CARE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK! | Sep 24th. at 9:38:06 pm EDT |
| Dragon Lady (AZ) | Age: 0 - Email - Web |
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I've always expressed my opinions, not caring what others thought. After all, they don't pay my bills..so they have no right to dictate what I believe in! Back in 1970, I joined the anti-war movement and joined several orderly, organized protests. I'm proud that my name even ended up in the FBI's "Red Squad Files"! In the late 80's, I joined several Greenpeace "Save the Whales" protests. During the 90's, I openly campaigned for Dr Kevorkian's "Physician Assisted Suicide" amendant. Am I afraid of using my birth name? When signing petitions in person, I always use my "real" name; however, on the 'Net, I don't feel safe using it. Too much spam & hate mil going around. And that's my story, and I'm stickin' to it! |
| Forgot To Answer The Most Important Part Of The Question | Sep 24th. at 9:18:58 pm EDT |
| Rinoa (MD, USA) | Age: 22 - Email |
|
Yes, I will sign my Real name to any petition, and protest at the top of my lungs when applicable. I cannot vote, but If I could I would and make it known on any government document. I have been a pagan for 9 yrs. Witchcraft is my love and a true passion, I love who I am and want to be all that I can be. The Best that I can be. Regardless, of persecution and discrimination. I dare them to tell me that I cannot. Brightest Blessings to All my Heathen Brothers and Sisters!!!!Hee hee hee!!! |
| It's About Time We Showed Ourselves | Sep 24th. at 9:11:01 pm EDT |
| Rinoa (MD, USA) | Age: 22 - Email |
|
I don't have a problem coming out and being who I am, regardless of the consequences. But is the world ready for us??? I don't think so, but we are stronger in number and unity. I don't believe that the world has changed much in their way of thinking. I do believe that their are more of us now than ever and standing up and screaming " I am a pagan deal with it " could make a difference. But what will it bring? That is the question of the hour. It is a possibility that history might repeat itself. I seriously doubt that they will open their minds and accept us as we are. I have dreamed of this for a long time, but I don't know, personally, what I can do to make it so. I don't believe in hiding who and what I am. I also, do not want to be the victim of hate crimes. I currently live in Baltimore. Though, I am moving back to GA. The center of the "bible belt". It is harder to be yourself and have a decent job in a town that is overrun with xtrian hypocrits and ignorant individuals. Who, of which, wouldn't know evil if it bit them on the ars. |
| I Am Not Afraid | Sep 24th. at 8:48:56 pm EDT |
| Sara Lasure (bc, canada) | Age: 28 - Email |
|
I think that now more than ever we need to stand up and show who we are. Bieng afraid meens that they (thoes who apose us) heve won. Stand proud brothers and sistes for when when we are united noting can come betewwn us. I am not Afraid of reprisals or discrimination.I am not afraid to use me real name on petitions.As of today i have steped out closed my broom closet behind me. I am pagan. I am proud. |
| My Broom Closet Is Open . . . | Sep 24th. at 8:01:59 pm EDT |
| Mellisa Mongar (NE Ohio) | Age: 24 - Email |
|
if you ask. I do not shout my religion from the street corner, so to speak, but I also do not lie about it. My chalices and some other objects are displayed prominently in my china cabinet (so they aren't broken or lost :) and my coffee tables and other horizontal surfaces abound with books like 'The Spiral Dance' and 'Living Wicca'. I also welcome any serious questions about what I believe. There are some people I haven't 'told' because the conversation has not come up and I believe that my religion is my business and for me is very private. |
| Who I Am | Sep 24th. at 7:48:35 pm EDT |
| Adena Firestorm (USA) | Age: 18 - Email |
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I remember when I came out of "The broom cloest" with my parents and my friends. Over the years some people have been more open minded then others and theat s fine. Yes I've only been wiccian/pagan for a short time but I'm proud of who I'm and I have particapted in events related to wicca. I am not ashamed of the person I'm or my faith if someone asks me I am more then willing to share with them. |
| Witch,open And Proud! | Sep 24th. at 7:45:44 pm EDT |
| Lorelei (Felton Ca.) | Age: 36 - Email |
|
I have protested openly a Witch. I vote every election. I feel I should not hide at all. But, I am aware in some parts of this country and world it's a very scary thing to come out. So, I not saying my way the best for everybody. I am blessed to live in a tolerant and open place. |
| Togather We Stand | Sep 24th. at 7:28:15 pm EDT |
| Lisa (Seminole,Fl) | Age: 38 - Email |
|
I would gladly stand with my freinds hand in hand and show the world that togather anything is possible that we are all here to enjoy the peace we give and that we get from others that has been the way of are people and that is the way it will remain. Just say when and where. |
| Kalamazoo Pagan Pride Day 2002 | Sep 24th. at 7:08:24 pm EDT |
| Karel Sebek (Kalamazoo MI US) | Age: 756 - Email - Web |
|
I'm Pagan. I'm a grown up. I'm a voter, and yes, I do vote. I own property in this town, and pay the taxes for it, too. I live here, and likely will for some time to come. I participated actively in the K'zoo PPD2002 planning from its beginning and during the actual event. It went off perfectly. Two weeks have passed since then. Precisely nothing untword has occured since then in my life. All things considered, helping to put on PPD was an excellent experience for me. |
| Would You? | Sep 24th. at 6:22:26 pm EDT |
| Shadow (Niagara falls) | Age: 30 - Email |
|
I would March and protest and gladly place my legal name if not my true name to a petition Although i may not agree with the government I do like the freedoms I enjoy and don't like to see them stepped on and would gladly give my self to protect my Sisters, Brothers and the freedom i charish. |
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