Wicca taught in University Setting

[TigerCzarina]

So, I have this religion class (specifically about religions that aren't mainstream, like Christianity, Judaism, etc) that I'm taking at my University. I adore the class, and the professor. She always gives such unbiased lectures about what we are studying, which is really refreshing. Today we were going to start touching on Wicca, which I was excited for, since most people are all "Hi this is wicca they worship dirt lolz".

Initially, it was a good segment of the lecture. She touched on basic things, like always being careful of how magic is used, things like that. And then she moved onto a video.

I almost got up out of my seat and walked out. It wasn't the most terrible video about Wicca that I've ever seen. But it was still so...uninformed and degrading. It wasn't the "they're demon worshiping savages" that I know I've come to expect, but it was just... I don't know how to describe it. Sensationalizing, I suppose? I can't really think of a good word for it...

It wasn't portraying Wicca like Wicca really is. It was almost showing Wicca to be a religion for outcasts, weak willed people, and superstitious dolts. So, not terrible, but definitely not a good thing, you know?

Now I'm kind of torn about this whole thing coming up in class. On the one hand, I feel like it's great that there is the little unbiased knowledge being passed on to people who are interested. But on the other hand, part of me feels like I'd rather not see it explored in the classroom, if it's only going to be made fun of in the end, you know?

Any one else have any opinions on this that they'd like to share? Or any other experiences that are similar?

[RedTailHawk]

I can completely understand where you're coming from. As someone who gave up Catholicism and now bounces between Buddhism and Paganism I've learned to try to be as unbiased as possible (I left Catholicism strictly because of their "holier than thou" attitude).

Is there a chance you could talk with your instructor about your feelings?

Better yet.... maybe YOU could teach part of the class? :)

I did this before when I was in a class similar to yours and Buddhism came up. The instructor said it was a "religion" and I barked out that it was a philosophy. Naturally, my instructor snapped and said "If you know so much, why don't YOU teach the class for today??"

So I did. :D

If you're comfortable sharing, I say you should go for it.

[Woden's Spear]

....since most people are all "Hi this is wicca they worship dirt lolz"


Suggesting that I worship Nerthus and Yngvi?

I'm not even upset. :toofless:

[TigerCzarina]

I actually have had to correct her on a few things since the semester started. She's pretty good about admitting that she doesn't know everything about all the things she teaches, which is one of the major reasons I respect her so much. I will probably take your advice and talk to her after my spring break, since she was nice enough to cancel class for the rest of the week.

I would totally teach that section of the class, but only if I had a microphone. 150 people who don't want to listen in a lecture hall would be impossible without one.

[RedTailHawk]

I had the same problem with the lack of "booming voice" for a lecture hall. Your hall should have some sort of audio setup. She'll know. :)

I'm so glad to hear you have such an understanding instructor. You (and your school) are/is blessed with someone who is open-minded like that and has an opportunity to influence students in a positive way. The best teacher is one that sets a positive example. She's top notch. :D

[TigerCzarina]

Most people are surprised that we have professors like that. I go to UF in Gainesville, with that preacher guy who wanted to burn the koran, so everyone automatically assumes that we're all bigots here. -.-

She really is great. Most of the anthropology department here is really willing to listen to students and learn from us. It just surprises me to see even little biases in her that I know just got rubbed off on the other people in the class.

[Amata]

I hope this is still relevant - but most professors looooove guest speakers. I'm talking in a psych class in April about growing up bisexual and I'm stoked. Tell her you're a Wiccan and that you felt like the lesson gave an unclear picture about Wiccan practices, and offer to do a lesson on it. You can bring in your ritual tools and talk about all the normal, well-adjusted adults who are witches. If you ask her, she'll almost certainly say yes!

[TigerCzarina]

I actually just gave a little mini lecture about palmistry and ouija boards about half an hour ago for that class! It was pretty entertaining for me, since there are some kids from my old high school that were there and were completely shocked that I knew ANYTHING "not christian" (yeah... I lived in that kind of town). But other than that it was awesome. I'm thinking about bringing in my tarot deck sometime this week to her office hours at least to show her some stuff about that. She never has had a reading before so I thought it'd be interesting.

[Gladeflower]

maybe there are many outcasts, weak willed people, and superstitious dolts.:D
I mean, aint all populations like that.