Lots of things get me upset,and lots of things get me worked up. I get disappointed when every abandoned animal body is blamed on Voodoo or Santeria (Lucumi.) I am disheartened when people stereotype and demonize these religions because of misinformation and prejudice. Regular readers of this blog know I recently participated in an interfaith partnership for Samhain with Christian Blogger Michael Hardin. It was an interesting experience and I urge people to check out what it produced. I am all for understanding and cooperation between people of all faiths: Christians, Jews, Muslims, Pagans, and the rest.
And then this happened… a few days ago I internet wandered onto a blog talking about New Orleans Voodoo. Initially I was excited, the piece featured short interviews with people I have known for many years- Jerry Gandolfo, Sallie Ann Glassman, and my dear friend and Voodoo Priestess Miriam Chamani from the Voodoo Spiritual Temple.
And then this happened …. the article, written by Anne Cohen and Sigal Samuel, is called The Voodoo that Jews Do, and they admit it started out as a joke. They seem genuinely upset that they did not receive the answers to the questions they sought at the Voodoo Spiritual Temple, but yet don’t seem to have an answer for the question Priestess Miriam asked them when they arrived “ Would you go up to the Pope and ask him to explain to you? “ I don’t think they would. They then talk about other dubious actions they tried to carry out in the temple, I am honestly shocked. I am not going to dignify it by reprinting it here, you can follow the link and read for yourself if you choose. They backpedal at the end of the post and even they say they received a much different attitude on their return to the temple. Of course they did.
And then this happened … I responded to the piece the only way I could
“Your very picture for this piece is offensive [voodoo dolls etc.] , as was your original idea which started, as you admit, as a joke. I find this very disrespectful, and I am saddened that you would act this way in front of Priestess Miriam. It seems as if you did very little serious research on your subject, and I say this as both an anthropologist and Voodoo Priestess. Would anyone tolerate Voodoo practitioners approaching Rabbis or Sacred texts of Judaism in a temple this way? I think it would be labeled a hate crime, but unfortunately we are not allowed the same liberties apparently.”
I’m not trying to start a fight, or a hurtful discussion about yet another way practitioners of African Traditional religions such as Voodoo, Vodou, and others are not afforded the same respect as other religions. Priestess Miriam is one of the kindest and most knowledgeable people I have ever known. I would just like people to try and have a little empathy and compassion. These are ancient and sacred traditions, people spend a lifetime learning their magic and secrets, just like any other religion, and maybe it’s high time they were treated like other religions.
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