How many Wiccans are tired of being harassed and stereotyped?

Question

I have been studying Wicca for a while now and I get so tired of being outcast just because people are closed minded.
Please no preaching or harassment. I will report it.

Answer 1

I'm new to Wicca and it is unfortunate that people are so closed minded and judgmental, especially when, for me, it was where I have found all my answers. Becoming a Witch was not something I did on the spur of the moment. I was and am fully aware of the harassment and stereotyping. Since you have chosen to share your beliefs with people, that kind of reaction is to be expected. I admire you for your boldness and pray that the Goddess will give you the strength to ride your broom proudly!

Answer 2

Yes I get what you are saying. But these right wing pesky moronic Christians will harass you for far less than being wiccan. Long before I became Wiccan, I was raising 2 children and working. At work a couple of Christians often cross examined me about being divorced. Eventually it turned into a harassment and they set me up for being accused of things I didn't do including a theft. I have had many such experiences with right wing moronic Christians and so being harassed for being Wiccan is just one of many. You say you have been studying Wicca for a while now. Well, try over 25 years of practice! There's a lot more to come. They never practice what they preach, they keep on preaching and many will harass you for far less than being Wiccan.

Answer 3

Being that I'm not Wiccan, and haven't been for years (although, I still like to read up on Wicca now and then) I can't say that I have ever been harassed or stereotyped. Usually, not always though, it's the individuals who draw a lot of attention to themselves (such as Laurie Cabot, for example) that get the negative end of the stick from most people who don't understand and flat out refuse to even listen due to fear or whathaveyou. I'm sorry, but if you're wearing forty pentacles around your neck, have them dangling from every possible orafice, and pretty much do anything except put the fact that you're Wiccan on a billboard, you are asking for trouble. Teenagers, in general, are easy targets because a lot of them are not serious and only say they are because it's "trendy" - *shrug*. Once you learn more and grow in confidence with your particular path, you will find the perseverence you need to get through this sort of ordeal - assuming that you aren't merely looking for attention. But many followers of every spiritual path on this planet have been harrassed, stereotyped, and/or had their lives ruined by others who only seek to harm either through trying to "save" them or earn a little $$ on the side - it's not just Wicca.

I don't feel it's ethically healthy for people to harass or belittle a religion that they know so very little about or have been [grossly] misinformed on. Also, I feel it's morally and spiritually cruel to cram a certain faith system down someone else's throat. If a spiritual path doesn't connect with you, then there's no reason to persue it further. It's like trying to feed a vegetarian a hamburger!

Don't let what others say get to you. I know it's difficult at times, but you are the one who is living your life, not them. I don't give two silver figs what anyone says or thinks about my path. I chose it, I must live with it, "toyota". They chose their path, or allowed someone else to lead them down theirs. I don't lose sleep at night wondering if they made the right choice, so they shouldn't lose sleep about whether or not I'm going to burn in some Nordic "toyland" whose name became synonymous with the Nordic Goddess who ruled it.

Answer 4

You need to be able to be a better person then these people. They are shallow minded, and were probably raised in a matter that they do not kow how to respond.

You must also know that these people you speak of, may or may not have been influenced by parents, friends, family, etc. It all depends onwhat they believe and how they choose to deal with the situation. I must agree that not all people deal with it in the proper manner, but it is there way of rebeling or voicing their opinion.

If people you know personally are the ones bugging you, it would be best to confront them and make sure to let them know that you don't like the way that they are treating you.

If it is just random people on the street, store, etc. It would just be best to ignore them. They like to prejudge others and probable have a low self esteem, becuase of self failure. Just remember that thos ekind of folks aren't worth getting worked up over.


Sadly this is not an ideal world, and all religions are mocked in some way, shape, or form. I am Christian and face many questions from those of other religions.

Answer 5

I think every Wiccan has had to deal with persecution from weak minded ignorant, hateful people. Just know you are not alone. Other religious groups are still persecuted as well. Its sad that we put up with the "Mel Gibsons" of the world who spout off all the predjudiced nonsense they want and think a simple sorry will undo the damage he's caused.

People need to start becoming more socially responsible for one another. This means, as Pagans, we need to stop bashing the Christians as well. I know that we as a people usually hold a lot of disdain for Christians because of the hurt they have caused us but as our philosophy teaches us. Negativity will come back to get you.

Answer 6

You deal with closed minded people all the time in life no matter what religion you are. People are just like that. They only want to see that what they do is right, yet they can't see their own faults but can easily point out others! I agree, it is ridiculous that they are so hypocritical of the Wiccan religion, but all we can do is explain ourselves and let them believe what they want because some people will never change!

Answer 7

I'm sorry that you feel harrassed. Other people, including Christians like me, should treat others with love. We're supposed to judge sin, not people. I don't agree with your beliefs at all, though. (And yes, I've actually done some reading about what ya'll believe. I don't know everything about your faith, but I know enough that I can justify what I'm saying.)

And on a side note, how can you report someone for preaching?!!

Answer 8

If you choose a religion that's so unusual, wouldn't you expect that? And, look, there are a LOT more heckling questions and responses towards Christians on here!! You could try just keeping it to yourself. Who's business is it anyway? Be what you wish to be. I hope you don't think this is preaching or harassment. It isn't meant to be.

Answer 9

"How many Wiccans are tired of being harassed and stereotyped?"

The percentage of Wiccans who feel that way is probably equal to the percentage of who feel harassed & stereotyped....

I mean, for chrissake's, someone just asked if it was OK for Christians to go to parties... and I don't think they were joking.

Oh well, hang in there, and may you find happiness & fulfillment with your studies...

Answer 10

Christians are tired of being outcast for the same reason. You'll always manage to offend someone in the fallen world of ours.