Harrassment is a serious problem in today's society. In one point in everyone's lives, almost everyone is, or has been harrassed by someone. And it is especially common for people who are different: meaning us pagans. Ok, tell us something we don't know. What do we do when it gets out of hand? What to do If You're Being Harrassed
This is difficault. I am proud to say that I am out of the "broom-closet", and have been for along time. Most everyone knows I am pagan, and I am respected for it. People still ask me if I am a Satanist once they notice my pentacle necklace, but I am rarely, if ever, harrassed for it.
So how did I get to this standing? Well, believe it or not, I have been harrassed before about it. But, I never let it get to me, and I was lucky, it was never that bad. It was just a comment here of there. Anyways, I over came that by rationally, civaly and politely asking them why they though that about me, and replying to their comments in a non-judgemental manor. You'll find that more people are afraid of what they don't understand, and once they know a little more about your religion, they won't be as afraid. Most people love hearing about my beliefs, and I get asked about them quite frequently. I've even converted a few people. *grins*
I usually start off with saying that I do not worship Satan, in fact I do not believe in any such being. He is a Christian figure, and I am not Christian. If they ask what I believe in, I tell them about how I do not hurt any animal, I myself am a vegetarian, and that I worship the Earth and all her creatures. I tell them about how every creature has a spirit, and that I am no more important than an ant or a tree. I tell them about the Gods, and magick, if they ask. I've found that most people are incredibally interested in ever aspect of our religion.
If the harrassment turns physical, this is difficult. I have no personal experience with this. I have never been hit, or been in a fight. When this stuff starts to happen, it is best to go to your school officials, or the police. Gather a couple witnesses, preferablly friends. Don't make it public knowledge that you are pressing charges, or going to the officials. That may only make matters worse. In most cases, the offender will get a warning, and this will usually keep them in order. It is possible for no one else to know that you were the one that went to the officials in a lot of cases. Remember, you have NOTHING to be ashamed of. It's not your fault, and by going to the police, you're stopping someone else from being hurt. You may even want to go to the police for verbal harrasement, if it gets serious.
If you need anymore advice, see a guidance councellor, or feel free to email me at kyrstin@hotmail.com.