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Letters
An Open Letter
to the Pagan/Wiccan Community
There has been a lot of concern lately about the release of the Jim Henson production of the film "The Witch," distributed by Lorimar Films Entertainment. While in production, letters where written from Pagan/Wiccan networking organizations throughout the United States to Henson expressing our concerns, and letters where received from Henson's production company assuring us that the movie would begin with a blurb informing viewers that the `witches' depicted were of fantasy, not fact.
The presence of such a blurb is, however an irrelevancy, and our community should not be deluded into believing that the issue is closed. While a disclaimer in itself may appear to be an attempt to ease the consciences of those who view the film (or those who are maligned by it) we must be aware that disclaimers have little impact upon the public psyche. Point of fact lies in the various assaults, shootings, and other incidents of gay-bashing that plagued the streets of Greenwich Village, New York (and almost assuredly other gay communities) after the release of the Al Pacino film "Cruising," which also carried a conscience-easing disclaimer.
Henson based "The Witches" script on the book The Witches by Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (later redubbed Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory). In anticipation of the release of "The Witches," we picked up a copy of Dahl's book, and were horrified at the contents. The book was not some 1950's pulp fiction gothic novel, but a 1983 release, certainly a time when publishers and reviewers should have been aware of the Craft movement on both sides of the Atlantic.
What makes Dahl's The Witches so horrifically unique is its premise "that REAL WITCHES dress in ordinary clothes and look very much like ordinary women. That is why they are so hard to catch" (page 7). While The Witches presents the same old stereotypes about our kindred, i.e. dwelling on the idea that Witches are evil persons determined to kill children, Dahl has eliminated the notion that Witches are ugly, old hags.
The resulting message is preposterous, especially during a period in which the Craft community has been openly defending itself on a large scale: that Witches are evil, murderous, and calculating, but look not like green hags but like "ordinary women" on the street; that only women can be Witches; and that children much be wary of all women in their community, including teachers and community officials (page 10).
The book's introduction states: "`One child a week is fifty-two a year. Squish them and squiggle them and make them disappear' is the motto of all witches" (page 8).
On the back cover of the edition that we purchased (Puffin Book/Penguin Books; Hardmonsworth, England; 1985) the heralding blurb boasts that "a REAL WITCH is easily the most dangerous of all living creatures on earth."
We cannot help but wonder what the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith would do if the above statement read "a REAL JEW" in place of a "REAL WITCH." Indeed these are all allegations that Jews have suffered since the Middle Ages.
In keeping with the Wiccan ideal that each individual is responsible for the well being of our community, we urge all Paganfolk to do any or all of the following:
Write to Puffin Classics c/o Viking Penguin Inc. 40 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010. Urge them to print a statement on the book's cover to the effect of "some readers may find this book offensive to minority religions," or, "this book does not represent the correct nature of Witchcraft." You may also urge them to include a suggested reading list of responsible books on the subject of Wicca and Witchcraft.
<195>Visit schools and local libraries in your area that carry the book, The Witches, and suggest that they make available responsible information on Wiccan and Witchcraft, to be placed in the "RELIGIONS" section (donate books if possible).
Organize petition addressed to Penguin and Lorimar stating that we feel that "the Witches" is derogatory to our community and religious views. Inform executives at these companies that Pagans are large-scale consumers of their entertainment products and that we are offended by the treatment we are subject to in this and other films and books. Liken the use of the word "Witch" to other religious labels, such as "Christian" or "Jew."
Obtain a copy of Green Egg's "Witchcraft, Satanism, and Ritual Crime" (available through GE, Box 1542, Ukiah CA 95482) or develop leaflets explaining the difference between the motion picture witches and real practitioners of Wiccan and other Pagan religions, organize members of your Coven, circle or grove to pass them out to persons entering or leaving the theater. (Be cautious of thrown-away copies.) If you or your group is not experienced in developing this type of leaflet, we strongly suggest that you use or paraphrase Green Egg's excellent pamphlet.
Establish communication between yourself and local Pagan anti-defamation groups. Depending on your willingness to present yourself publicly, you may consider making yourself available to law enforcement officials, local newspapers, radio stations, and television stations, and educational institutions. Develop the habit of observing media coverage relative to our community and respond, or advise other Pagans, when appropriate. Many newsletters, such as Harvest and Circle Network News print articles sent in by readers concerning media coverage of Wicca and Paganism. "The Witches" is certainly not the only film to have depicted us this way, but with positive, consistent actions it may be one of the last. Blessed Be, and may the Gods and the people preserve the Craft. Kenny and Tzipora, Blue Star Family network. Devyn, Massachusetts WADL/WARD | 
