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poltr1Earlier this week, a third-rate news station in town (in my not-so-humble opinion) did a half-assed job in reporting about the local pagan community. I didn't see either of the two-part story, but a lot of my colleagues did. The owner of a local pagan bookshop was interviewed, and her words were apparently (or allgedly) twisted in the editing room. The shop's owner is now pursuing legal action.
If the reporter was truly interested in enlightening his viewers, and not perpetuating the stereotype that witches are evil and worship Satan, then he would have taken the time to do the story right. Several people who wrote to the station, and to the reporter. The reporter's response: "Are Satanists Pagan?"
I should mention that the station is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting, one known for espousing neo-conservative views.
Of course, pagans aren't the only ones who get short shrift in the press. If they were to cover a science-fiction convention, they'd focus on the pointed-ear-wearing, Vulcan saluting "Trekkies". Or for a college fraternity, they'll portray them as drunken frat boys a la "Animal House".
Old stereotypes die hard, and the only way to change them is Educate. Educate. Educate. But if the media's not interested in changing their views, then it seems to be a moot point.
If the reporter was truly interested in enlightening his viewers, and not perpetuating the stereotype that witches are evil and worship Satan, then he would have taken the time to do the story right. Several people who wrote to the station, and to the reporter. The reporter's response: "Are Satanists Pagan?"
I should mention that the station is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting, one known for espousing neo-conservative views.
Of course, pagans aren't the only ones who get short shrift in the press. If they were to cover a science-fiction convention, they'd focus on the pointed-ear-wearing, Vulcan saluting "Trekkies". Or for a college fraternity, they'll portray them as drunken frat boys a la "Animal House".
Old stereotypes die hard, and the only way to change them is Educate. Educate. Educate. But if the media's not interested in changing their views, then it seems to be a moot point.
Re: Everything Under the Moon
Date: 2006-02-19 01:01 pm (UTC)As for me, I don't watch them. My opinion of their news crew has been "amateurs and interns" even before this report. Two years ago, there was a death at a local apartment complex, where a young woman was found unconscious outside, and died at the hospital. (I forgot the cause, but it wasn't murder.) Even though my condo complex is completely separate from the apartment complex (with the exception of a shared parking lot), News22 showed *our condo* complex's sign in the report. Idiots.