I am in a college world history class at my high school and often, we come across the subject of religion. And there's always this one (Christian) boy who likes to announce that his religion is the best and that all other religions deserved to die off. The teacher is always having to tell him to be respectful but he doesn't. And just the other day he started talking about witches and how they'd go straight to hell- which obviously infuriated me-.. I tried to nicely explain that what he is told about Wicca is not correct. We aren't Satan worshippers. But then he went on a rampage and started reciting some prayer. And now everyone in that class avoids me and doesn't pick me for groups... What should I do?
If people avoid you for what you do and who you are they aren't worth your time. Unfortunately, people have a generalized fear of what they don't understand. There are many different things you can do- report them to the head of the school, rise above them or even attempt to educating them on what it is you actually do. It's up to you on what you decide to do.
I had this same problem. I came out of the broom closet to some of my very Christian friends, and they were scared of me, one even laughed at me. But I took the time to educate them and then they were fine with who I was (as long as I kept them out of it).
Re: Bullied because of Wicca By: AwakeTooLong / Knowledgeable
Post # 4 Mar 05, 2015
I wouldn't worry about it much. If they avoid you, it's their loss. Making them avoid you just saves you the trouble of avoiding their idiocy in the future. As to Mr. Christ Love, just laugh at his antics. Sounds like he puts on quite the circus.
If they don't stop, I recommend you go straight to a person of authority. You tell the person of authority that if they do not help correct the problem you will bring the "International Association for Religious Freedom" into this. I had to do this.
If your school is a public one, you can possible get the Christian boy in a load of trouble to proclaiming his religion (as correct) in a public class room. People with beliefs in God can pray to him, but they cannot do it if it interrupts the learning of others.
I also recommend you bring your parents into this. Bullying is not ok, and it will never be. The same goes for religious discrimination.
Re: Bullied because of Wicca By: Aeons_Wing / Novice
Post # 6 Mar 05, 2015
If you can access YouTube, I recommend watching this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlnnWbkMlbg
The other people in your class might not be Christian, but if Wicca is too alternative for them, they're not going to want to support somebody who lives their personal faith in a way that doesn't hurt anybody.
They might even think that giving people the freeze is actually a neutral action, but everybody needs a support system of family and friends. If they're not willing to recognize that need and give that support then they're not the kind of people who should be giving it anyway because they're judgmental sheeple-jerks. You'll find good people and real friends one day, because you know how to actually be yourself even when everybody else wants you to pretend to be like them.
Sounds like you've had the same (or at least similar) problem as many of us have had at some point. I've been following my path for almost 20 years now, and even now I run into people that are rude, mean, disrespectful. I tend to be pretty private about myself anyway, so I don't advertise my belief system with the world at large. That's what works for me.
What should you do? Well, you have to do what you think is best, but here is my suggestion... Regardless of what the Christian boy or the rest of your class might say or do, prove them wrong. Lead by example. Show that you're not afraid, you're not ashamed, and that you're still respectful and friendly. Don't let these people be your enemies; if they want to be judgmental and unkind, that's on them. Do not let their behavior dictate who you are. If your peers won't select you for groups, do you have to do the work on your own? If so, do so cheerfully, and do as good of a job as you can. If you are placed in a group, go out of your way to be helpful and friendly. Eventually, at least a couple people will come around. And if not, at least you haven't sunk to a negative level.
That being said, if you begin to feel unsafe you should seek the counsel of an authority figure that you trust. And if nothing else, you've always got some people to commiserate with here.
There are allot of nut cases out there who pretend to be Christian and are not. A true Christian would not treat you that way and don't you forget it.
There are ten commandments that true Christians follow. To not judge others and to not bare false witness are two that are most broken by what are false fake Christians. They are nothing but terrorists. Freedom of religion is a Civil Right.
Here is another tip that I have learned. Watch what you eat because when what you have described is going on, so does the food tampering. Allot of diseases and poor health are purposely caused by contaminated food. Check the packaging on everything before you eat it to make sure it does not have any needle marks or loose seals. Just like you would check your candy on Halloween.
Write down any negative statements said to you or around you. Make sure to note the time, date etc. Bring a tape recorder or use your cell phone to record negative statements if you can. If you are followed try to take a picture of whoever it is or any cars that may be related to that type of activity.
Keep all that information in a safe place. You may need it later if things get out of hand.
My advice...You think what I believe in is weird? It's no different then me bullying you for your beliefs.
If you don't back down and stand strong they will realize they are making a fool of themselves. Look at them like they are stupid next time. Just sit there and stare at them like wtf. Lol put your phone to your ear and be like any ways I don't even know what happen some fudge monkeys is trying to make me mad. Say it loud enough for them to hear and walk away ;)
Re: Bullied because of Wicca By: Nekoshema / Novice
Post # 10 Mar 06, 2015
If all they're doing is ignoring you, then ignore them. Like the boy who is set in his ways, you know you're not evil or worship the devil, and just as you can't be convinced otherwise [because there is no devil in Wicca] neither will he, so it's a loosing battle. Best to save your energy and avoid stress. If they begin to bully you, document it and go to someone in authority.
No one is liked by everyone, it's better to know sooner rather than later who is shallow and sway because of superficial matters. Keep your head up.