Wiccans and Pagans aren't always very good at presenting their own cause to the public. Sometimes this inability is caused by fear, founded or unfounded. At other times it is caused by unnecessary secrecy: the closet mentality. When the media discover, usually around Halloween, that there are witches in the neighborhood things can sometimes get complicated. Most people, Wiccans and Pagans included, are not very skilled at public relations.
The basic principles of public relations are quite simple and common sensical. Two years ago, I had the privilege of speaking with Richard Keenan, Ph. D., who teaches public relations and communications basics at Wayne State College. Dr. Keenan maintains there are four basic principles of public relations.
Always tell the truth
"Nothing will ruin your credibility faster than being caught in a lie," says Dr. Keenan.
And nothing will guarantee getting caught in one better than telling one. Paganism may have much common ground with Christianity, as far as ethics go, but Paganism and Christianity are not the same thing. Some Pagans seek to establish common ground by saying Jesus was a great witch. But many Christians do not find this comparison flattering. Besides, "witchcraft" has become such a vague term that it must be defined very clearly first. Wicca and Neopaganism have so many positive qualities, however, that connections with mainstream religions do not need to be forced.
It is very important to stick to the facts, says Dr. Keenan.
"If the facts don't suit you, you need to change the facts," he adds.
Wicca is a very young religion. That is a fact that cannot be changed. However, if your coven engages in practices that are against the Wiccan Rede - an harm it none, do as thou wilt - those are facts that can easily be changed. While the local serial killer may deserve to be cursed, people tend to fear those who curse people. So instead of cursing the serial killer, why not bless the investigating police officers?
Do the right thing
The basic principles of public relations are quite simple and common sensical. Two years ago, I had the privilege of speaking with Richard Keenan, Ph. D., who teaches public relations and communications basics at Wayne State College. Dr. Keenan maintains there are four basic principles of public relations.
Always tell the truth
"Nothing will ruin your credibility faster than being caught in a lie," says Dr. Keenan.
And nothing will guarantee getting caught in one better than telling one. Paganism may have much common ground with Christianity, as far as ethics go, but Paganism and Christianity are not the same thing. Some Pagans seek to establish common ground by saying Jesus was a great witch. But many Christians do not find this comparison flattering. Besides, "witchcraft" has become such a vague term that it must be defined very clearly first. Wicca and Neopaganism have so many positive qualities, however, that connections with mainstream religions do not need to be forced.
It is very important to stick to the facts, says Dr. Keenan.
"If the facts don't suit you, you need to change the facts," he adds.
Wicca is a very young religion. That is a fact that cannot be changed. However, if your coven engages in practices that are against the Wiccan Rede - an harm it none, do as thou wilt - those are facts that can easily be changed. While the local serial killer may deserve to be cursed, people tend to fear those who curse people. So instead of cursing the serial killer, why not bless the investigating police officers?
Do the right thing
- The four basics of public relations are very simple
- Wiccans and Pagans are not always skilled at PR
- Proactivity is more effective than silence
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