After all these years, I still hate Media Burn......

[poltr1]

Earlier 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.

Comments

[kliklikitty.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry your local media is still locked into such small mindedness. although here they still portray SciFi'ers as either Luke and Leia's or furfoots, it's still type casting. Happily though we are just as likely to get our local coverage of pagans as something closer to the truth. They may spend a lot of time letting so called experts tell how we are all satanists but they do give a few moments to us on the other side of the fence and let us actually say "no, that's not true." And every Halloween we get an obligitory spot on Wiccan Witchcraft the 'wacky but' harmless religion.

As Wicca is now a recognized religion by the Federal Gov our local media is not going to portay it in a bad light for fear of law suits. Our local Pagan community will not let ourselves be interviewed unless we have recieved written promises to be allowed to tell the whole truth and not have it edited into what are essentially lies.


In case you are wondering you know me at a special Inn as S.S.