Would you rather Wicca be percieved as Evil, or Just Silly?

[Calzaer]

In the Wiccan PR thread, Ben T. said


Oh, I don't know. Personally I think I'd rather be seen as "evil" than "silly".

For the moment, assume that these are, indeed, the only two choices.

What do the rest of you think? Would you rather Wicca be perceived as a 'real' but dangerous religion worthy of some sort of cautious respect, or a harmless religion that nobody should really take seriously?

[Calzaer]

It occurs to me I may have phrased the poll with a bit of personal bias showing. Sorry about that.

[Aidron]

I am going to go with just silly, as out of the two choices it is the one closer the truth.

Any religion can be deemed silly if you look at it from a certain point of view, and there is no harm in that I believe. It keeps us grounded and alert so that we are not brainwashed by the same ole propoganda.

Besides, I know I personally (even though I am not wiccan) have had quite a laugh over things throughout the years, from standing north and calling the south quarter, to accidently saying something silly in a rhyme when I get going.

[Nymph]

Personally, I'd rather be seen as evil.

More people would leave me alone then.

I have too much pride to be seen as 'silly' with my beliefs. I do enough silly stuff as it is! ;)

[Sommerfugl]

Neither...it should be respected just like every other religion

[Bainidhe Dub]

Evil - I'd rather be taken seriously and be given a wide berth than just waved off as a lunatic (even if I am one) and laughed at.

[Aidron]

Also, being seen as evil will instill fear, which immediately closes the mind and alienates people.

Silly, on the other hand mildly amuses people, and people are more keen to investigate that which amuses them, so in the long run, being seen as silly may be more beneficial if in this hypothetical scenario the truth could one day be seen.

[Rain Gnosis]

Absolutely evil. I'd rather be perceived as dangerous than as a flakey twit. As it is now many people consider those who are spiritual as flakey and silly and therefore don't take a second look. Though I really don't think anyone considers Pagans evil - either silly or misguided, but they associate evil with Satanism now rather then Paganism.

[Lamoondove]

Personally, I'd rather be seen as evil.

More people would leave me alone then.

I have too much pride to be seen as 'silly' with my beliefs. I do enough silly stuff as it is! ;)


I can sure relate to that ...:) Blessed Be

[SylverStar]

I think the question should been phrased more as would you rather be persecuted and seen as evil (hense the view of witches in earlier times) or would you rather be seen as we are today (kind of silly and a fad)

I'd rather be given the religious freedom I have to day even if that means being seen as not all that serious. Anyways the people that really know me no that I take my spiritual and philisophical views very serious.

[Theres]

i think the choice itself is rather silly, and therefore i didn't vote.

[MystickalShadowCat]

I'd rather been seen as EVIL... because at least then people would respect us and take us seriously!

[mothwench]

i voted silly- because i think having people think you're evil can escalate into nasty situations.

[nomadicdragon]

I'm going with silly because it is much less likely to get me attacked.. if people think you are silly then tend to ignore you.. sad but true..

[Mau]

Though I really don't think anyone considers Pagans evil - either silly or misguided, but they associate evil with Satanism now rather then Paganism.

You'd be suprised how many people don't know there's a difference between Satanism and Paganism.



Personally..I can't STAND anyone thinking something I believe in or practice is silly or flakey. I'm not normally one to care what people think of me..but that really irks me. I'm not a Wiccan..but if I was, I'd rather be feared than laughed at.

[Flar's Freyja]

I want to see it perceived and accepted as a legitimate religion, with absolutely no implication that it is either evil or silly. I want people to be open-minded enough to understand what it really is and get rid of their negative and false stereotypes.

[Flar's Freyja]

You'd be suprised how many people don't know there's a difference between Satanism and Paganism.


Just saw this - Yes, and I think they make up 100 percent of the non-pagan population of Oklahoma.......

[nomadicdragon]

Just saw this - Yes, and I think they make up 100 percent of the non-pagan population of Oklahoma.......


and florida as well. at least north florida where i live.. my parents (my own parents) think that witches are possessed by satan... needless to say we don't talk religion much :lol:

[Calzaer]

:eyebrow:

Some people seem to have difficulty understanding the sentence:

For the moment, assume that these are, indeed, the only two choices.

If you don't like the thought experiment, that's fine, but saying "Well I'd RATHER just be respected" is not only sort of like asking for a pony for your birthday, it doesn't actually answer my question. Yes, we'd ALL rather just be respected. No shit. The question, however, assumes this isn't possible (and really, from my cynical bitter perspective, it isn't).

I'm mean, seriously. Duh. How stupid would I have to be to stick "None of the above - I want Wicca to be accepted and respected as a serious, normal religion" in the poll and at the same time really wonder how many people would pick "evil" or "silly" over that one?

[Theres]

hmmm...

perhaps your mistake was in placing this "thought experiment" in the 'New Pagans' forum.
my problem is that Wicca is my religion, and although i'm pretty easy-going about it, i'm not real thrilled about having it presented to these possibly new Pagans as a choice between two absolutely ludicrous options.
to my mind this does nothing more than perpetuate the very thing you are claiming to despise (i assume that this is your claim, as this was born out of the 'Wiccan PR' thread).
i don't know... maybe the results would have been more to your liking if you had posted this in 'Just Silly'?

as far as respect goes... i'm as cynical as anybody, and yet i have found a respect for my beliefs among the general population.
now i know that everywhere isn't as open minded and Pagan friendly as the area in which i live, but to suggest it isn't even possible is counter to the whole discussion, don't you think?

[TYRRHENUS]

I AM both evil and silly.
If I were to tell you I don't care how the rest of the world sees me, I wouldn't be telling the truth. My sister's opinion, the opinions of my friends and my cat... these are important to me. The rest of the world can go to hell for all I care. Sorry, rest of the world.

My advice for Wiccans would be to use both to get out of bad situations. Like if someone messes with you, you could use the evil reputation to tell people to step off. Or if you're having a crummy day and you say something stupid you could be like, "Sorry, you know us Wiccans - our heads in the books and our thoughts on the astral plane."

The misconceptions about Wicca will not end any time soon, so you might as well enjoy the misconceptions of others. Use them to your advantage.
That's what I think.

[Shadowolff]

Assuming those are the only choices, definitely "silly." Being perceived as evil/dangerous can indeed lead to people leaving you alone, but also lead to them wanting to destroy you, socially, professionally, financially, even physically. No way can I see this as a good thing.

There's a long tradition of silliness: Heyokeh, the Contrary; the Fool (Tarot), to name two.
I used to want to be perceived as wise, until I realized how silly that is... If I'm looking for ego-gratification, that's what I'll find. If I'm looking for wisdom, however...

[Autumn Clair]

Actually wicca isn't evil at all, If you look but thru history people just perceived it as evil and dealing with the devil but my research has shown me it has always dealt with nature, elements, healing herbs no, no devil. If their is a devil and evil in your belief then I'm sorry to say he was added. History shows no devil in the real wicca belief.

[Autumn Clair]

Personally, I'd rather be seen as evil.

More people would leave me alone then.

I have too much pride to be seen as 'silly' with my beliefs. I do enough silly stuff as it is! ;)

Actually if you study up alot of stuff in wicca deals with healing, herbs, nature. So you would be preceived as smart or wise. People would look to you for for knowledge of flowers, trees, herbs, meditation, astrology and the list goes on.

[DragonLove]

If it were to make my next door neighbors move then I vote for evil :D

[MoonDust]

silly

[Autumn Clair]

If it were to make my next door neighbors move then I vote for evil :D
:lol: :hehehehe:

If you know enough stuff I'm sure they would fear you too so maybe they will move away
just don't cast a spell to get them to move unless your casting to better things for them. Remember what they say:

THAT WHICH YOU GIVE YOU SHALL ALSO RECEIVE......

[DragonLove]

:lol: :hehehehe:

If you know enough stuff I'm sure they would fear you too so maybe they will move away
just don't cast a spell to get them to move unless your casting to better things for them. Remember what they say:

THAT WHICH YOU GIVE YOU SHALL ALSO RECEIVE......

Oh No! I would never so anything to hurt anyone. I was thinking of building a bonfire in my backyard and dancing around naked while chanting something that doesnt make sence :rotfl:

[Ben Trismegistus]

Wow, this has spawned a really interesting discussion.


perhaps your mistake was in placing this "thought experiment" in the 'New Pagans' forum.
my problem is that Wicca is my religion, and although i'm pretty easy-going about it, i'm not real thrilled about having it presented to these possibly new Pagans as a choice between two absolutely ludicrous options.
to my mind this does nothing more than perpetuate the very thing you are claiming to despise (i assume that this is your claim, as this was born out of the 'Wiccan PR' thread).
Well, the point of my original comment was one of public perception. There ARE people out there who respect Wicca as a religion and take it seriously, but as far as I can tell, it's a very small number. To the majority of the world, we're either seen as evil (or, more specifically, horribly misguided sinners unwittingly serving Satan) or silly (as the poll states, flaky, frivolous morons going through a phase who wouldn't understand real spirituality if it bit them in the ass).

Obviously we don't wish to be perceived as either. But the reason I made the comment that I'd prefer being perceived as evil is because then we're at least taken seriously as a theological community, even if they disagree with us. I was not considering the possibility that those who think of us as evil would attack us or burn us at the stake. In my mind, being perceived as silly is much worse, because then we can simply be disregarded as being of no consequence, a bunch of dumb New Agers who play too much D&D and smoke too much pot. Strange as it seems, I'd rather be disliked than ignored.

Perhaps you're right, and New Pagans was the wrong area for this poll. But I think it's led to a really interesting discussion about public perception. And maybe it will lead us to a better understanding of what it will take for us to change the public's perception of us into something more realistic.

[Ben Trismegistus]

Oh No! I would never so anything to hurt anyone. I was thinking of building a bonfire in my backyard and dancing around naked while chanting something that doesnt make sence :rotfl:
TANGENT: Have you tried the "Pagan Curse"? This is a little something we made up as a half-joke. In your case, you'd pray to the gods that your next door neighbor gets a fantastic job opportunity in another state, enabling the family to move into the house of their dreams someplace else.

See? No harm, no foul. Everybody wins.

[Rain Gnosis]

Autumn Clair, we all know what Wicca is about. The poll isn't about what Wicca is really.

[Autumn Clair]

Oh No! I would never so anything to hurt anyone. I was thinking of building a bonfire in my backyard and dancing around naked while chanting something that doesnt make sence :rotfl:

Now that's funny, sounds like something I'd do. It would be funny to us but I bet it would scare the heck out of them.

[Autumn Clair]

Autumn Clair, we all know what Wicca is about. The poll isn't about what Wicca is really.

The poll was would you rather be thought of as evil or silly. It's not evil so that takes that out of the choices, leaving it a yes or no question for silly. Therefore I just stated evil has nothing to do with it.

[Autumn Clair]

hmmm...

perhaps your mistake was in placing this "thought experiment" in the 'New Pagans' forum.
my problem is that Wicca is my religion, and although i'm pretty easy-going about it, i'm not real thrilled about having it presented to these possibly new Pagans as a choice between two absolutely ludicrous options.
to my mind this does nothing more than perpetuate the very thing you are claiming to despise (i assume that this is your claim, as this was born out of the 'Wiccan PR' thread).
i don't know... maybe the results would have been more to your liking if you had posted this in 'Just Silly'?

as far as respect goes... i'm as cynical as anybody, and yet i have found a respect for my beliefs among the general population.
now i know that everywhere isn't as open minded and Pagan friendly as the area in which i live, but to suggest it isn't even possible is counter to the whole discussion, don't you think?


You said it. My thoughts actually

[Autumn Clair]

Wow, this has spawned a really interesting discussion.


Well, the point of my original comment was one of public perception. There ARE people out there who respect Wicca as a religion and take it seriously, but as far as I can tell, it's a very small number. To the majority of the world, we're either seen as evil (or, more specifically, horribly misguided sinners unwittingly serving Satan) or silly (as the poll states, flaky, frivolous morons going through a phase who wouldn't understand real spirituality if it bit them in the ass).

Obviously we don't wish to be perceived as either. But the reason I made the comment that I'd prefer being perceived as evil is because then we're at least taken seriously as a theological community, even if they disagree with us. I was not considering the possibility that those who think of us as evil would attack us or burn us at the stake. In my mind, being perceived as silly is much worse, because then we can simply be disregarded as being of no consequence, a bunch of dumb New Agers who play too much D&D and smoke too much pot. Strange as it seems, I'd rather be disliked than ignored.

Perhaps you're right, and New Pagans was the wrong area for this poll. But I think it's led to a really interesting discussion about public perception. And maybe it will lead us to a better understanding of what it will take for us to change the public's perception of us into something more realistic.

This has been a challenge for centuries. But A lot of Famous Witches have led the way to a nice start. Communites and group we can now go too. I don't think they'd dare do it back then!

[Rain Gnosis]

The poll was would you rather be thought of as evil or silly. It's not evil so that takes that out of the choices, leaving it a yes or no question for silly. Therefore I just stated evil has nothing to do with it.

Have you *read* the poll? It doesn't say "Is Wicca evil or silly", it says "Would you rather Wicca be percieved as Evil, or Just Silly?". We all *know* it's not evil, for heaven's sake we're on a Pagan forum composed of mostly Wiccans! The question is not "does evil have anything to do with Wicca", it's would you rather people considered Wicca evil or silly.

[DragonLove]

TANGENT: Have you tried the "Pagan Curse"? This is a little something we made up as a half-joke. In your case, you'd pray to the gods that your next door neighbor gets a fantastic job opportunity in another state, enabling the family to move into the house of their dreams someplace else.

See? No harm, no foul. Everybody wins.

Oooo good one! The funny thing is that their house has been on the market for quite sometime and no one will by it (UGH)

I should explain why I want them to move. They stand for everything I cant stand! They are rude, selfish and throw stones at animals. The women must stay home and wear skirts and head coverings and men are revered as the all powerful and have no respect for ANY woman. They have 8 children and get state aid (or used to). They go out of their way to praise the lord Jesus but dont follow the true teachings.

I'm sure I'll think of more things later.

[Autumn Clair]

Look at the top of the page where the poll is Would you rather be thought yes THOUGHT of as evil or just silly. Perceived is just in the header to the site not the poll itself. get over it. It's a poll...

[Autumn Clair]

Oooo good one! The funny thing is that their house has been on the market for quite sometime and no one will by it (UGH)

I should explain why I want them to move. They stand for everything I cant stand! They are rude, selfish and throw stones at animals. The women must stay home and wear skirts and head coverings and men are revered as the all powerful and have no respect for ANY woman. They have 8 children and get state aid (or used to). They go out of their way to praise the lord Jesus but dont follow the true teachings.

I'm sure I'll think of more things later.

Not you Rain....

I understand where your coming from.

[Sepheroth]

Personally I've always seen Wicca as a peicefull way of existance with the tradition and knowledge of the old ways. I don't think it's evil, silly, or otherwise fake in any way. It's a way of life. :whatgives

[Rowina]

I picked Silly. My reason: "Silly" will get you laughed at. "Evil" could get you dead.

[Nightspoet]

Aren't we seen as both by different people, personally this poll is interesting but
expresses a truth that this is how we are seen by alot of people in my opinion...
And I couldnt choose just one because I am neither silly nor evil so I chose not
sure...

[schadenfreude]

I'm not really a silly person heh .. I can be .. don't get me wrong! But most that know me .. treat me with respect. It has nothing to do with my beliefs. I've earned that respect. I'm a very serious person with a beautifully open mind. My choice was ... "Evil."

I honestly don't believe in good or evil .. I know other's opinions on that differ in a farfetched manner .. which is perfectly fine :) But .. I've always thought it best to be feared or underestimated than considered silly *shrugs*

[Nymph]

Actually if you study up alot of stuff in wicca deals with healing, herbs, nature. So you would be preceived as smart or wise. People would look to you for for knowledge of flowers, trees, herbs, meditation, astrology and the list goes on.
Sounds more like Witchcraft to me...Wicca seems more based on God & Goddess, holy days, communing with divine...Witchcraft is just that and Wicca is a religion. You can be both, but also either or.

But it doesn't matter anyway, I am not Wiccan. Although I have done some studying on it...just isn't for me. ;)

[aefentid]

I would rather be seen as evil.I know I shouldn't care what others think but the thought of being considered silly or flaky bothers me.

[~ Monk ~]

I'd say silly. With silly you only have to deal with your own concerns...about how others are viewing you. With evil, you might very well have to deal with other people's concerns.

[Athena-Nadine]

Interesting question. While I'm not Wiccan, I think I'd rather have Wicca perceived as evil. I think it was Ben who said that at least that way it would be taken seriously. That's my thought as well.



Look at the top of the page where the poll is Would you rather be thought yes THOUGHT of as evil or just silly. Perceived is just in the header to the site not the poll itself. get over it. It's a poll...
I'm sorry, but I just have to note that this made no sense to me. 'Perceived' and 'thought of' mean exactly the same thing. There is no difference between them.

[Talon]

not a good choice
evil - gets respect like a grumpy alligator and is soon feared and is then soon bamed for things not done and eventuay winds up dead (do we remember The Burning Time)
silly - gets ridiculed and makes mistakes silly gets anoying quickly and never respected for its true power (laughter is the best medicine)
can i take 52% silly and 48% evil
just enough silly to keep them laughing and just enough evil to keep them guessing
Taon

[myaugh]

Proud Pagan, But be careful which Witch you ask this question?
Myaugh
:dinnertim

[Phoenix Blue]

Just silly. :) It's easier not to get fired if you're thought of as silly, than if you're thought of as evil.

[nomadicdragon]

Just silly. :) It's easier not to get fired if you're thought of as silly, than if you're thought of as evil.

Isn't that the truth

[Tanathlyr]

Just silly all the way! If people thinks it's silly, I can still do what I want without fear of persecution, and THAT is what I fear the most. If my religion is kept to myself, as it should be - not worn on my sleeve - I can tell who I want in what level of detail I want, and risk only being laughed at at the worst.

But to be thought of as evil brings hatred and anger - not to mention threat. To see something like a religion as evil is far more simplistic and, in my view dangerous, than to see it as silly. We have seen in history what being seen as evil has brought us, I don't think any of us wish to return to that. Not to suggest that in this day and age burnings would occur - although some parts of the world I'm not so sure - but that closed-minded people are for the most part not interested in having their minds opened.

Love and light,
Tanathlyr

[Shadowolff]

TANGENT: Have you tried the "Pagan Curse"? This is a little something we made up as a half-joke. In your case, you'd pray to the gods that your next door neighbor gets a fantastic job opportunity in another state, enabling the family to move into the house of their dreams someplace else.

See? No harm, no foul. Everybody wins.
Ben, I love it!
It goes along with something I've delighted in for a long time, a quote from the bible somewhere, one of Paul's letters. I part company with him on a lot, but this is good:
(paraphrase rather than quote) "be good to those who deceitfully use you, for in doing so you heap coals of fire on their heads."

Oh, yeah.

If they didn't mean to be hurtful, well then, I haven't responded unfairly.

If they did mean to -- a) I haven't let them pull me down to their level, and b) they'll be on guard forever, waiting for me to retaliate... which I never plan to do.

And I do let them know, calmly and matter-of-factly, that I know what they've done and I don't appreciate it. This is especially effective if said after being especially generous and kind to them.

Ah, yes. Revenge is sweet.

[SylverStar]

Wow, this has spawned a really interesting discussion.

Obviously we don't wish to be perceived as either. But the reason I made the comment that I'd prefer being perceived as evil is because then we're at least taken seriously as a theological community, even if they disagree with us. I was not considering the possibility that those who think of us as evil would attack us or burn us at the stake. In my mind, being perceived as silly is much worse, because then we can simply be disregarded as being of no consequence, a bunch of dumb New Agers who play too much D&D and smoke too much pot. Strange as it seems, I'd rather be disliked than ignored.


Ben I was actually taking your original statement to mean evil as including those who would want to pursecute us, because that's what I meant. :) I agree with you though if just meant people thought I was evil and didn't ever think about harming me I'd much rather be thought that way. This actually how I believe a majority of people see Wicca. I don't mind that and at least we would be taken a little more seriously.

[Nymph]

I don't know, I'm just not worried about being attacked or anything. And Gods help whoever decides to attack me. If there is anything left of them after I am done, it's going to court.

[CelestiaSynth]

I voted for rather being seen as "silly" than "evil". I couldn't give a damn less if people were out there deciding that I'm not to be taken seriously, because I'm not into my spirituality to please them, but to please me. I would be a little bothered though if someone thought I were out to harm them when they last thing I want is to hurt anyone intentionally. Because that's where negative actions come into play. I don't think anyone is going to be angry or volative towards me for being "silly", but if they think I'm "evil", that's another story. I would of course like to be seen as neither ( as I believe anyone would agree with ), but if I had to pick, silly is fine.

[Oneira]

For me, being laughed at is more memorable than being beat up.

[snow_phoenix77]

What does it matter what people think so long as you are not harming anyone in living your life?

[myaugh]

That would depend on the Witch, to me it does matter, for one thing I don't believe in turning the other cheed. I am not that passive. And I stand up for my religion all the way. We do have to keep a balance, and to understand this, we have to take a walk back in the old times when Pagan was the first religio. Along with the wiccan Rede, Their is also the Wiccan Chivalry, In this day and age we have got so into "And to harm none do what thou Wilt. That we often forget that their has to be a balance in everything we do. And we really shouldn't turn the other cheak. Just something to think about.
Myaugh
http://groups.msn.com/BeyondtheRealms.

[David MacLuckey]

How about "Taken as a serious religion." We are truely one of (if not the) oldest religions. While we may have had some bad PR in the past, that was then, this is now. If you want a taste of really old time religion, lick a witch. If you are in pain, put it in a rock. If you need guidance, look to your self for the answers. Is there a difference in saying a prayer and waiting for an answer, as opposed to preparing for the worst but casting for the best? I think not. The only thing I can see different is they honor one weak God, we honor many. They object to that.

[Quidam]

I totally chose evil. Even though I'm tired of people looking at my pentacle and asking me why I hate God and why don't I come to their youth group sometime, being brushed off as a know-nothing loser is even worse.

I once belonged to a message board where the moderators didn't do shit to anyone who insulted another person's faith, heritage, customs, whatever. The only people who got banned were the ones who hacked accounts or stalked people. There were rants about Wiccans almost every other week. Not about how we're evil, because most of these people were atheist. They would say how it's for fat girls who couldn't get a date at prom so they were mad and wanted to get back at the guy who ditched them. Or that it was made up by a bunch of stoned yahoos in the 70's. Or we were so gullible to follow a religion at all, especially one so vague. *revs up the rant machine* :rant: Vague? We have literally THOUSANDS of holy books! We were newly formed in the 50's from a variety of pagan religions and THAT is exactly what makes us so versatile! Not contradictory, but versatile! Gods!

If anything, I'd want them to see me as something to be reckoned with instead of seeing me as an angry puppy. That forum is the reason I'm so defensive about my faith and that's why I would rather have people scared of me than laughing at me. I don't give a damn about what the world thinks of me, but it's not about me. It's about my Gods and Goddesses.

[snow_phoenix77]

That would depend on the Witch, to me it does matter, for one thing I don't believe in turning the other cheed. I am not that passive. And I stand up for my religion all the way. We do have to keep a balance, and to understand this, we have to take a walk back in the old times when Pagan was the first religio. Along with the wiccan Rede, Their is also the Wiccan Chivalry, In this day and age we have got so into "And to harm none do what thou Wilt. That we often forget that their has to be a balance in everything we do. And we really shouldn't turn the other cheak. Just something to think about.
Myaugh
http://groups.msn.com/BeyondtheRealms.

Turning the other cheek or surrendering to passivity has nothing to do with whether one cares about the perceptions of others. I've lived as a Witch for most of my life. I've come to a place where I realize that it simply doesn't matter what other people think about your religion or your life. As General Flynn, former Inspector General of the Air Force, once said, "You must oppose what is wrong ans support what is right even if it costs you your life or your career." That's what everything is all about. I would not only defend my religion, but also the religions of others because to discriminate is absolutely wrong. Understand, however, that the fact that I choose to defend my or others' religions has no bearing on whether I care what other peope think about me, my religion or my lifestyle. I defend the principle because it is right. Live your life, be happy, always try and do what is right. It applies in any religion and lifestyle. Why would it matter what someone else thinks? If you're secure in yourself then nothing else matters.

[DebLipp]

Actually, I think evil is almost a "fluffy bunny" approach. Oh, not fluffy, certainly snarly, but the desire to instill fear has a certain sense of defiance about it.

If I don't care what you think of me, but want my rights like any human being, then I'm likelier to get those rights if you dismiss me as silly.

If, on the other hand, I care very much what you think of me because I am doing what I do in part for your benefit -- showing off or rebelling -- then evil is clearly the more impressive choice.

The good of the community is certainly better served by silly than evil.

All we have to do to overcome the silly label is stick around. If we're still here, growing older, than the whole 'it's a teen phase' argument vanishes under its own weight. But with the evil label, we can stay here for eternity doing exactly what we do and never overcome such prejudice.

[Oneira]

Really depends. My problem is that "silly" often comes with "stupid". If someone thinks what I practice is evil, they're more likely to think I'm misguided than brainless. I'd rather someone try and help me than think, "Oh, she's a silly idiot. Don't listen to what she says. Just pat her head and smile."

Also, I'd rather people come into Paganism thinking it's evil, than it's silly. I mean, just by reading the material, you can find out that it's not evil. But people who come into it, thinking it's a toy? That bugs me. I'd rather see someone coming into Paganism wanting to hurt someone, than someone coming into it, thinking My Little Ponies live in the shire. :P I mean, when i came into it, I wanted to hurt someone. But then, then I read and found that that isn't the way Paganism is. What i found was a new way of life, a way of life that has made me feel so at home.

[Kilia]

Sorry...I didn't vote here, because I think the two choices were not actually based on reality.

[Ben Trismegistus]

Sorry...I didn't vote here, because I think the two choices were not actually based on reality.
Well, I think a lot of people missed the point of the original question. Not from any fault of their own, but because it was taken out of context from another thread.

The purpose of the poll is not whether Wicca IS evil or silly - it's a question of perception. The general public (those who are unaware that Wicca is beautiful religion practiced by intelligent people) tends to view Wiccans one of two ways - either as evil wrongdoers who are going to hell, or silly morons who are into Wicca because it's a fad and "cool".

In the other thread, someone said that Wicca being perceived as silly and pointless was an improvement over the original perception of Wicca as evil and dangerous. I disagreed, because I think that by being perceived as silly, the public thinks they don't have to take us seriously.

Is that clearer?

[Arylon]

Wow...some INTERESTING posts in this thread... :hehehehe:

Me, I vote for "silly". Silly isn't threatening, and if someone thinks I'm an addle-brained fluff, I will be annoyed, but not in any real danger. If the public thought that Pagans or Wiccans were EVIL, imagine the media coverage. WOuld we have people burning down our houses? Would our books be banned? Would be be placed under arrest because we posed a risk to "National Security"?

Nah. Let them laugh all they want. I'm laughing at them too. WHEEE! :fprtyman3

[David MacLuckey]

Good point! If we are perceived as a loosley gathered bunch of _____ then people will smile and that improves their face value, as will as moking the world a more beautiful place for all of us. And that is what it is all about.

[asher]

i dont percieve wicca as evil or silly i think of it as a different way of life
and people who think it is only evil or silly i think need a wake up call
blessed be

[branwen74]

Neither...It isn't right to precieve wicca as something evil because that is a misconcept in the first place and if it where precieved as silly the whole religon would become some kind of joke...
It should be respected for what it is...

[turtlerain46]

Hmm, well I think in order to move forward to the point were the public takes us seriously we must be seen as silly first. We've been "evil" so long, which invokes fear which leads to panic and then things like burnings. So now people think that it's a silly fad, which in my mind is progress, we've made light to the fact that it's not evil. The human mind can more easily accept silly than evil. So when people realize that it's not a fad (which will take many many years), then we can move on to being taken seriously. No revolution takes place in a day



:megaphone

[Ben Trismegistus]

Whoa - necromancy!


Neither...It isn't right to precieve wicca as something evil because that is a misconcept in the first place and if it where precieved as silly the whole religon would become some kind of joke...
It should be respected for what it is...
For those who are seeing this thread for the first time, let me explain the purpose behind it. This grew out of another thread about the perception of Wicca by the general public. Most people in this country (those that aren't practicing pagans) don't understand Wicca for what it really is, and won't listen to reason when others attempt to correct their misconceptions. Because of this, the general public tends to perceive Wicca in one of two ways - either as evil (devil-worshipping, baby-eating heathens) or silly (flaky, hippie teenager rebelling against their parents and watching too much "Buffy" and "Charmed"). And my question was, which of these (incorrect) perceptions do you prefer, as a step towards actual understanding and acceptance.

My answer was that I'd rather be perceived as evil. When people see us as silly, they're able to simply write us off and ignore us - we're seen as just a bunch of morons, and not worth wasting anyone's time. But when we're perceived as evil, at least people think we're serious (even if they don't know what we're serious about), and they have to pay attention. There's a possibility that we may be a threat to them. And if they're watching us (even if just in fear), there's an opportunity to show them who we really are and what we really believe.

Others have answered that they'd rather we were perceived as silly, because then they won't come after us and try to take away our kids and jobs and stuff. That's a valid reason, of course.

[Antoninus]

Id rather be percieved as silly, people tend to leave you alone. If they think your evil, they get an idea in thier heads to go and "conquer" you or "tame" you because your evil. So if your percieved as evil, it tends to make people agressive.

[Xander67]

well, I like the Mysterious aspect.... only because of the whole scientific aspect of when you find something unknown, you either try to learn more about it, and destroy it....

people have tried for centuries to destroy it, and all it has done was to bring about a greater understanding...

I cant choose the Evil aspect because I dont believe in the distinction between Good and Evil,
I do accept the opposite polarity aspect though...

ok im confuseing myself now, just wanted to put in my 2 cents

[Lunacie]

For the moment, assume that these are, indeed, the only two choices.

Nope, don't wanna play if the only choices are black or white. That's ignoring and wasting a whole spectrum of colors, um I mean, thinking.

[LittleRhiannon]

Well, I'm not wiccan, but assuming that it also applies to all pagans, I have to say evil. If you're evil, people will at least respect you, but silly just makes people think you're insane. If people think you're silly, that leads to 'magic is not real at all' and whoever practices will get sent to institutions and whatnot. The whole religion will be disregarded. If people think you're evil, they at least note that you're there.

[dr_zeus440]

id rather it was seen as evil than silly. keep in mind that what the religion is perceived as is different to what it actually is. hey hey, and we were level pegging until i voted, hows that for making a vote count.

[Caliburn]

well, I know this is just horrible, but it depends on who thinsk so. If it were the conservative chrstian community, I'd love for them to just assume we're evil. why? I get a kick out of christian hate sites. hah! but, if it were the general public, I'd wish they would stop taking us so seriously, so yeha, maybe a little silly.

[Crystal_Raye]

I chose not sure. I mean we all want respected as practioners of a certifided religion but none of us want to be seen as evil.

[FaeFollower]

I'm not sure...I'm not Wiccan, but if I was...I think I'd rather be silly. Maybe.

[StrLtR0se]

Neither...it should be respected just like every other religion

I totally agree. Either of those two choices leaves people with a vast misunderstanding of what Wicca is all about. To think we're evil might make people leaves us be but then they don't truly understand the beauty of wicca. For people to think of us as silly means that they disrespect our religion. Now if they were to see us as fun-loving and goofy people with good hearts and an interesting way of viewing the world that would be better.

[pawnman]

I think I'd rather be thought of as evil than silly. Not that I want to be seen as evil, mind you.

The problem is, magick focuses largely on your own faith that things will work. Anytime you allow someone to poke fun or cast doubt, you allow that doubt into your own mind. It may not be a large voice, but it is still there, weakening your own faith in your abilities, which hurts your ability to cast spells, which further weakens your faith, and so on. If I'm seen as evil, at least people will be fueling the belief that I do indeed have the ability to cast powerful magick. I wouldn't ever use magick to hurt someone, but the idea that someone believes I could strengthens the self-confidence (sort of like a martial arts class increases your confidence because you know you COULD kick the crap out of someone, but you won't).

I hope that makes sense.

[wanna_blessed_be]

wow, this is a really interesting question Calzaer

[Kaylana]

I think evil, because than at it would be a least be taken more seriously.

[Miss Edith]

I'd rather be thought of as eeevil... *mwahahah*
Mostly because... actually I don't really have a reason. Its just I prefer it to having people think I was an idiot barking up the wrong tree, if you get me ;)

(Not that I think sillyness suggests idiocy. I love silly folk!!)

[Caliburn]

I'd rather be thought of as eeevil... *mwahahah*
Mostly because... actually I don't really have a reason. Its just I prefer it to having people think I was an idiot barking up the wrong tree, if you get me ;)

(Not that I think sillyness suggests idiocy. I love silly folk!!)

lol, thats what I was thinking when I replied. I prefer to be feared by my enemies (conservitives) and loved by my allies (pagan community) so it all depends on whos perceiving me.

[Kitfox]

I'd much rather be thought of as evil. Quite frankly, I've been thought as silly and I hate it. People metaphorically pat you on the head and say "There there, we know your just a silly Wiccan."

Perhaps this is magnified by the fact that most of those people have been adults and are sooo much wiser than a seventeen year old. (See the sarcasm drip from my lips.)

I'd much rather be taken seriously and than be cast aside as a crystal wearing, naked dancing witchy wannabe. Besides, there are quite a few Christians who think I'm evil anyways...

[loonylion]

I want to see it perceived and accepted as a legitimate religion, with absolutely no implication that it is either evil or silly. I want people to be open-minded enough to understand what it really is and get rid of their negative and false stereotypes.


HEAR, HEAR

My mother thinks/believes that wicca and paganism is evil, and nothing I can say can change that, :bangyourh so I have to hide my true beliefs from her. I totally agree with Freyja, but I think I would rather be seen as silly than evil, as I hate all things evil, however I would much rather be taken seriously and respected than either of the above options

[Alexandra Asinine]

I chose "silly." Nobody ever threw a rock through anyone's window for being silly.

[SacredWithin]

I don’t believe it should be defined as either. I think it is a path that people choose to pursue that would help them acknowledge the Divinity within themselves. I believe magick is a natural part of the human consciousness, yet, it may take time for us to realize this. I think that we are Divine beings living for a Divine purpose. But I agree that it is something that you must be guided into; either by the use of spirit guides, faeries, angels, etc. But I do not recommend going through it alone. I strongly believe in meditation if you are seriously considering the Craft.

[Calzaer]

Nope, don't wanna play if the only choices are black or white. That's ignoring and wasting a whole spectrum of colors, um I mean, thinking.

Ok, folks, if you don't like hypotheticals, there's nothing compelling you to play the game.

I'd just like to note, however, that fantasies revolving around "how it SHOULD be percieved" aren't getting anyone anywhere, either in this thread or in the real world.

Yes, it SHOULD be respected and the misconceptions SHOULDN'T exist. And Isreal and Palestine SHOULD get along and people SHOULND'T have to live in poverty. But since we're living in the real world (well, most of us are), we only have a certain number of options. Clicking our heels together and saying "There's nothing like respect! There's nothing like respect!" is just going to wear out our shoes and sprain our ankles.

[Ben Trismegistus]

*grin* We're talking ourselves blue in the face, eh Calzaer?

[Calzaer]

And people wondered why I got so bent out of shape that I posted my Public Service Announcement.... :rolleyes:

[pawnman]

Don't feel bad, Cal. I played along (I voted for evil over silly.)

[MoonFaerie]

First off, forgive me for I didn't read through all the replies on this post.

I thought when I voted, which was 'not sure'.. I might have a logical explaination as to why I chose that way. Yet, I don't.

When I saw the numbers (at the time of my vote) the majority leans more toward seeing it as evil. Well to my point, at first I would have voted evil, but when asked I try to lead inquiring minds thoughts from that side to a more neutral side. I would not have choosen silly mainly for the fact that I would like the respect to be taken seriously on my religious views. *shrugs*

I'll stop rambling. :)

~ MoonFaerie

[Valkie]

Voted Evil. I'd rather have people think I was dangerous than stupid.

[MerrisHawk]

I choose silly. Evil evokes fear which in turn causes harm.
Silly is seen as harmless, good enough.
Other peoples' opinions of my choices are about as important as air quality in a ping-pong ball. :hehehehe:

[hastings1066ad]

If these were the only two choices. . . evil, I guess. Mostly, because then people might stop dabbling and making messes that have to be cleaned up. On the other hand, the perception of evil will add to the ranks of those that associate themselves with paganism for the shock value. Its really a lose/lose answer, thankfully I can't imagine that thaose would be the only possibilities in any circumstances
-Hastings

[Tzhebee]

I just can't decide. (ohh, the stress) On one hand, I don't want to be perceived as evil because that is just opening the door for all kinds of bad things to happen. And I'm already considered silly enough. I wouldn't want my beliefs or "religion" to be thought of as make-believe.

But then I think about it even more, and I think that I'd much rather have people fear me than laugh at me.

But then, I think about when I'm 80. Who's scarred of an 80 year old lady? I'd rather them think I've got the full six-pack but lack the plastic to hold it together.

But then....sorry. :) In case you couldn't see it, my shirt says "I do what the voice in my head tell me to. No you don't. Yes I do. No. You Don't."

[Izabella]

Evil. i would rather have ppl being afraid of me then disrespecting me. you can work on getting ppl to know youre not dangerous. if they think youre silly, theyll never change their minds.

[skilly-nilly]

IMO, being perceived as dangerous encourages people to act to protect themselves against the threat. Being silly is generally left alone, which leaves more space for being yourself inside your own head, where it really counts. One of the skills I have spent many years perfecting is spell-casting 'I'm not here' and 'I'm not interesting to you' which, generally, allows me to go about my business unimpeded. 'I'm dangerous and should not be messed with' (as my husband found) results in unwanted attention far more often. Which of us does the mall guard service follow around?

I think the questions are biased in language, however.
The grumpy alligator image implies that 'evil' will be left alone...

I think a more meaningful choice is:
Would you rather be perceived as
1)evil and burnt at the stake, or
2)silly and comitted to an institution?
It's lose/lose.

[Desdemona]

Calzaer, what are you smoking? :wtf:

Okay, here is a similar poll in the same vein as the one you started.

I want to be perceived as:

A dork

A jerk

Not sure

Hmm...so many choices...

[pawnman]

Why is everyone giving Cal so much flak about this? Let's face it, folks, there are a lot of people out there that think we are evil, and many others who think we are just silly. While it wouldn't be this way in the ideal world, that's the way it is. All Cal wants to know it, given the choice of being PERCIEVED as evil or silly, which would you pick. He didn't ask whether you were evil or silly, or whether you wanted to be evil or silly, he asked how you would want outsiders to view the religion. It's really not that hard a question.

[Desdemona]

asked how you would want outsiders to view the religion. It's really not that hard a question.

:lol: It is when all the available answers are negative! He didn't put it in his poll, so I will. I vote "Neither." That's my answer. :razz:

[Flaire-FireStar]

Woah....Old thread.

I voted a LONG time ago, choosing "I'm not sure". Know why? Meh, neither do I. Now, though, I'd choose "evil" to ( :rolleyes: ) "get the same respect as a grumpy alligator" rather than be perceived as a raving lunatic. (Wait, I already am a raving lunatic)

[Semele]

I just wonder why everyone is so concerned about what they are percieved as by others? Is it that important? How does the oerception of others affect your religion? Give examples!

[Enchanted Echoes]

Just to answer the question...
Evil

[aefentid]

I just wonder why everyone is so concerned about what they are percieved as by others? Is it that important? How does the oerception of others affect your religion? Give examples!
You know I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm just now realizing that it doesn't matter if person A thinks I'm a flake or person B thinks I'm evil.

I think that the people holding such perceptions can end up more affected by them than the people who are percieved as evil or silly. I'll give you an example of this I saw. I was on a recon board once, and a new person who had not said what religion he was posted a lot of very valid helpful information. Someone jumped to the conclusion that this person was a Wiccan and the entire board ended up denouncing the poster and his information as silly. The original poster came back to the board and identified himself as a recon, and just like that he and his posts were taken seriously. I can't help thinking of how their perception of Wiccans affected their ability to judge information on its own merit and not on their opinion of the sort of person who brought it to them.

[Azul]

id rather it just be considered silly.

Being taken seriously as opposed to people thinking your the scum of the earth...hmmm

[Chibi-Fallon]

I'd rather be seen as silly. When you're silly people just tend to let you do your own thing. But when you're evil they generally want to put a stop to you.
Really I wouldn't care what people thought as it's none of their beeswax to begin with. But things just work out easier if they leave me alone about it. That was no one gets hurt. :uzi:

[Desdemona]

I just wonder why everyone is so concerned about what they are percieved as by others? Is it that important? How does the oerception of others affect your religion? Give examples!

Doesn't affect my religion one iota. But if people here knew what religion I practice, how can that affect my life?

Kids taken away and placed in foster homes

Job loss

People banding together to force you to move out of their/your apartment building

Physical threats/intimidation

Ridicule and loss of credibility

These are extreme examples in most cases, but they really could happen. They do happen, just check some of the posts on the "Political Pagan" thread. While it is nice to not be concerned with what the herd does and/or thinks of you, you can't ignore that there is a certain amount of risk that is not associated with other religions (unless you live on the Gaza strip or Belfast).

I was a little hard on Cal, but I don't like playing into the stereotypes that we fall under, game or no game. I think it reinforces negativity. Call me a party pooper but I think people who would rather be seen as "evil" possibly got into paganism for the shock factor, and people who would like to be thought of as "silly" don't know how damaging that can actually be.

I was a hardcore punk in the late 70's and early 80's (back when it could get you hurt, it freaked people out so bad), and what I saw from that experience is "evil" gets you alientated, and "silly" gets you ignored, and not in a good way.

For anyone wanting to see a decent study of how people's perceptions of you can affect you, I highly recommend Spike Lee's movie, "Summer of Sam."

[Eowyn]

I actually got a minor heart attack of this thread. I miss understood the meaning of the thread and I was about to get flying furious... And then again - I need a new battery to my brain so my first thought could have right... So I just haft to make a minor thing to make sure my brain is not totally out... This thread is really about HOW you would think of Wicca if you DIDNT know anything about it? Or? I know I might seem... stupid but I have this depression thing that makes me tired and I havent been able to think straight for a few months now... and it's getting worse so...

Blessings
Em

[Ben Trismegistus]

I just wonder why everyone is so concerned about what they are percieved as by others? Is it that important? How does the oerception of others affect your religion? Give examples!
The perception of me by others is very important. We do not exist in a vacuum, and a large part of how we get along in this world is dictated by how others (generally those in positions of power) perceive us.

As some of you know, I'm planning to apply to law school next year. One of my interests is Constitutional Law, and last week as I was musing about possible career options down the road, I brought up the idea that maybe I could run for the Senate one day. My wife was quiet for a moment, and then said, "Do you really think they'd elect a Wiccan to the Senate?"

Some of you may answer that question with "why not?" or "does it matter?", but the truth is that we are a very small minority, and a minority that is perceived by the majority as either evil devil worshippers or silly buffoons. Either way, it is a perception that could be very damaging to my future career. I have no intention of hiding who I am, and it's for this reason that I'm working to improve the public perception of our religion. But it's an uphill battle, and it's especially difficult when faced with so many pagans who simply don't care how we're perceived by the outside world. That's your prerogative, but I'm still going to work on it.

[Ben Trismegistus]

This thread is really about HOW you would think of Wicca if you DIDNT know anything about it? Or? I know I might seem... stupid but I have this depression thing that makes me tired and I havent been able to think straight for a few months now... and it's getting worse so...
No worries - the question seems a little confusing without having the context of the original thread out of which the question grew.

The point of the question is this -- the majority of the outside world does not perceive us as we are, but tends to perceive us in one of two ways -- either as evil devil worshippers who must be stopped, or as silly children who don't know what we're talking about. In the previous thread, someone mentioned that they'd thought it was a step in the right direction that more people were perceiving us as silly and less as evil. I disagreed, saying that I thought that at least when we were perceived as evil, they were taking us seriously, and that being perceived as silly was an excuse to ignore us. Calzaer took up the ball and started this thread with the poll.

Make sense? It's a purely hypothetical question - not how you'd *want* to be perceived, but which of the existing choices is preferable.

[Eowyn]

Ahh... Thank you so much for helping me! Now I think I understand (gosh I cant remember how it was like to understand something a 100%)... I think mostly as silly... But if my father was here and saw this... he would get furious and say that Wicca is totally evil and yeah... I guess you all know the deal...My mom would get a little sad and think it was silly but she would either forget about it in a few weeks or she would try to get it before saying anything more. If I have wrong just ignore this...

Love,
Em

[Desdemona]

Here is a wiccan who was viewed as both "evil," and "silly."

http://www.detnews.com/2001/schools/0103/07/a01-196600.htm

I have met this girl's mother. Excuse me if I get burned up at this kind of talk but this is why.

Wren Walker's piece:

http://www.witchvox.com/passages/tempest.html

[Semele]

Desdemona,
If these things were to happen to you solely based on your relgious preference, you would have one hell of case against your employer etc. Hire Ben and take them to court for violation of your civil liberties. Pretty simple.

Ben, I can see where you are going with the idea that others will judge you based on your religion, but my point is that the way they judge you and the conclusions they draw can't affect you spiritually. Here is an example: I hate Opera and I think it is a complete waste of breath, yet my opinion has no affect on you or your ability to enjoy opera to its fullest potential. My opinion might annoy you, especialy if I march and protest your right to sing opera, but I can't take away the pleasure you get from singing and listening to opera.

[Desdemona]

Semele,

I thought the thread was how other people's perceptions of your religion affect you, not your religion. I don't think it would affect anyone's religion here who posted, so the point is well, beside the point.

Also, on what basis do you think I have "one hell of a case," as you put it? Would a settlement really replace an entire career? Could I get a similar career after everyone in this geographical location would know who and what I am? That I am a troublemaker with a weird religion? These are people's lives, here, Semele, nothing pretty simple about them. I wish that they were.

[Ben Trismegistus]

Ben, I can see where you are going with the idea that others will judge you based on your religion, but my point is that the way they judge you and the conclusions they draw can't affect you spiritually. Here is an example: I hate Opera and I think it is a complete waste of breath, yet my opinion has no affect on you or your ability to enjoy opera to its fullest potential. My opinion might annoy you, especialy if I march and protest your right to sing opera, but I can't take away the pleasure you get from singing and listening to opera.
Like Desdemona said, it's not a matter of perception affecting how I feel about my own religion - that will never change.

But if you were someone who hates opera, and you were in a position to hire me for a dayjob, and thought that all opera singers were jerks, and didn't hire me, I'd be out of a job.

[Semele]

I thought the thread was how other people's perceptions of your religion affect you, not your religion.

Oh, well, I thought it was about whether you preferred they think you fluffy or evil..either of which is just their opinion and not them acting on those opinions as I see it. Them thinking you are silly or fluffy isn't going to hurt anything except maybe your pride. Also, just because they may think you are evil doesn't necessarily mean they will seek to harm you. Perhaps they will pray for you , which wont harm you either.



Also, on what basis do you think I have "one hell of a case," as you put it? Would a settlement really replace an entire career? Could I get a similar career after everyone in this geographical location would know who and what I am? That I am a troublemaker with a weird religion? These are people's lives, here, Semele, nothing pretty simple about them. I wish that they were.

Well, point blank, if someone fires you based on religion that is discrimination. Most places have an anti-discrimination statement somewhere on the policy that you sign. I think that the cases where people lose their jobs or get harrassed based on religion are very few and far bewtween. Could you get a similar career? Depends on what exactly it is that you do I suppose. I know that it is people's lives I am talking about and yes, I do think this is a very simple concept. I will never understand the need to seek out trouble and upheavel in life. Noone can take your spirituality away from you. They can't stop you from praying anytime, any place, to any diety you wish.

[Desdemona]

I'm not going to comment because I think we are talking about separate ideas here.

In a hypothetical arguement, assuming no one acts on the perceptions being discussed, then everything I have replied is superfluous. I sort of hope not, though. Because I hate discussions that take place in a vacuum. It's just a lot of gas. "What if cats were green? What if you could spin your head around 180 degrees?" What's the point? :eyebrow:

[Ben Trismegistus]

Well, point blank, if someone fires you based on religion that is discrimination. Most places have an anti-discrimination statement somewhere on the policy that you sign. I think that the cases where people lose their jobs or get harrassed based on religion are very few and far bewtween. Could you get a similar career? Depends on what exactly it is that you do I suppose. I know that it is people's lives I am talking about and yes, I do think this is a very simple concept. I will never understand the need to seek out trouble and upheavel in life. Noone can take your spirituality away from you. They can't stop you from praying anytime, any place, to any diety you wish.
Discrimination cases are VERY hard to prove. Unless they came right out and said, "I'm firing you because you're a pagan", you'd be hard pressed to win that case.

Yes, this conversation is a tangent from the regular question, but you did ask why we care about perception.

[dragonspirit 69]

I really wish you put None of the above. I hate the idea of people thinking of me as a " evil" person to be avoided or worse. Then I feel if people think of my faith as silly then I feel ( in my area ) I would have to constantly defend myself. None of these options are really what I would like to have to deal with on a day to day bases. :elf:

[Druchii]

I for one think that silly is the best way to go since, in all reality if someone fears me then they are 10 times more likely to retaliate by outnumbering me and usually with a punch to the face. But that is also because I live near the bible belt. That is not meant as a slam. There really is a LOT of ignorance and intolerance in Missouri. I get enough being of an ethnic background. No need to be rubbed in meat sauce when facing lions everyday. :)

[Ben Trismegistus]

I really wish you put None of the above. I hate the idea of people thinking of me as a " evil" person to be avoided or worse. Then I feel if people think of my faith as silly then I feel ( in my area ) I would have to constantly defend myself. None of these options are really what I would like to have to deal with on a day to day bases. :elf:
For the last time -- putting "none of the above" would be completely beside the point. Obviously if there were a "none of the above" option, EVERYONE would pick it. Duh.

The point is that these two options are what MOST people think of Wicca.

[Avalon]

I voted for "silly", because there is always the opportunity for people to learn and eventually regard it as serious. "Evil", IMHO, would close people's minds off completely, and they wouldn't even bother to learn. Just my 2¢...

[rain_fallen_tears]

I prefer neither...but having to make that choice i'd say silly....we know from the burning times what exactly comes from witchcraft being seen as "evil"....i'd prefer no one be hurt....

[whitelady]

i would rather be treated with the upmost respect as the witchcraft path is just as relitive as any other 'real' religion i cannot think of being thought of as evil or silly i would have thought they're would be another option. People tend to associate other people with the most convenient definitions basicly the simplest terms "shes a witch burn her". I ask you all when will the line of predjudice stop.!!!!

[whitelady]

:shhhh: :smoke: :hairraise why would you not want to be taken seriously in a religion such as this one with alot of predjudice about standing up to the things that matter. I have to deal with stick where i live and i live in Scotland every witch,wicca and pagan has to deal with some ignorant narow minded people but its worth it we wouldn't be expressing our religion if didn't mean anything to us.

[asamananara]

I think the tone many of these replies have adopted should
at least give a pretty good indication of how some wiccans
regard their own path... which is to say, "not evil!", and
thus, "just silly"- by default.