2013 just may be remembered as a watershed year for Pagans and the media. Currently (quite early in the year) we can see several projects that might bring America's large and diverse Pagan population into the unblinking eye of the media, especially television. It is possible that this year could see Pagans finally make a break through with public perception and overcome at least a few negative stereotypes. It is also possible that this year could see Pagans even more vilified and marginalized because of this interaction with media. Some segments of the Pagan community are ready to move (or already have moved) away from an Occult philosophy (staying hidden from view) and reach out to the greater community in America. Other segments of our community are either waiting to see how things will progress or are simply unprepared for us to be seen by this double-edged medium. It is just possible that 2013 will be the year it happens, ready or not.
The first part of the Pagans and television launched at the start of the year. Pagan Living TV has now competed their 4th weekly episode of their new Pagan-oriented news magazine called "The Pagan Voice". It is a professionally-produced television similar to 60 Minutes. The show seeks to look at current events from a Pagan persective. This show is clearly in its infancy and has a long way to grow, but already in just 4 episodes the show has gained greater depth and increased maturity. The purpose of the show seems (to me) to not only be an opportunity to inform, but also to begin discussions on many different topics. Often it is the discussion that stems from the stories that provides the greatest benefit in our homes and communities. I am definitely a supporter of Pagan Living TV and hope that we see it grow and blossom in the coming years. For a long time, many in our community have toiled to create wonderful podcasts and on-line broadcasts shows for Pagans. Pagan Living TV has taken the leap from the web to the production standards of broadcast television.
In a very different vein, at least two different west coast Pagan communities have been approached by a Hollywood production company that is interested in creating a reality television show. Leaders in both communities have met with representatives from the production company but the project is still far from being certain. As you can imagine, the communities being approached have to balance generations of villification at the hands of popular media against the potential gains of showing the greater community the true nature of Paganism in many of its varied forms. The general consensus seems to have been that if the producers are fair in their treatment that this would be an unequaled opportunity to educate. Naturally, everyone is extraordinarily concerned about the potential for abuse or explotation of our communities. The foremost thought in the minds of most is to protect our community first and educate second. If the community feels unsafe, the show would lose all realism as the vast majority of the community would withdraw from public view.
I fear that therein lies a danger. Let us try to imagine the realistic outcome of this situation. The cameras might be focused on a growing Pagan community finding its way to intercommunication and participation with their non-Pagan neighbors. The cameras might focus on a large, well-established Pagan community in a sprawling metropolitian area. At either extreme, the impacts of non-participation could be just as harmful as the worst case scenario if the community DID participate. Imagine that the leadership from every Pagan organization in the area banded together and decided that cameras were not welcome and the community would not participate. How long would it be before camera "hogs" would move in and fill the void? Can you imagine if anyone who wanted 10 seconds of fame could just claim to be a crazy Pagan and appear on camera? What would people's perceptions be of Pagans then?
I should also point out that the production company also has to be interested in going forward. The community leaders with whom I have spoken have all been openly skeptical and have approached the situation cautiously. If this concerns the production company they might not go any further. There are 100 other factors that might cause the production company to scrap the idea totally unrelated to any decisions that we might make. I think that's fine. I have faith in the universe and if the show is canned I will thank the Powers for answering the question for us.
Personally, I am one who is prone to gamble but ONLY when the odds look good. I don't want to suggest that any community should bow to pressure from Hollywood to do something they don't support. At the same time I also think that (especially for those of us who are out of the "broom closet") those of us who can help to promote a positive image of the Pagan community owe it to those who must remain in the shadows to try to reach out. Building bridges with our neighbors is a key to the future of our community. If we can build bridges with broadcast television then I am all for it. However, perhaps it is time for us to also consider how to respond if we see that the cameras in our communities are causing more harm than good. Or perhaps even if they are causing any harm at all
Welcome aboard television. Remember that many of us are keeping our eyes on you.
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