Social Media has again started a revolution, and an ugly one this time. I ask you what is in a name? Pagan names have always been in debate in the community. Many traditions involve taking a new name as part of embarking on a new spiritual journey. While that is not exactly what happens in my traditions of New Orleans Voodoo and Haitian Vodou, special titles and associations are given that are typically attached to one’s name and customary greeting. The question then becomes who gets to name us, our parents, the community, the law, or… Facebook ?
Facebook has made some decisions lately and it is causing a great stir among many online communities, including an ever-growing number of Pagans. The Wild Hunt back in October wrote about the freezing of Pagan accounts with editor Heather Greene saying “saying the Facebook controversy has not only affected drag queens and Pagans, but has also hit the Native American community.” When I first heard the monolithic social media network was investigating people for possibly using pseudonyms for their account, all I could think of was the famous Pastor Martin Niemoller quote. “They came first for the Communists and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist….”
I understand too well the dangers of not speaking up. Part of me is waiting for someone to report me for being named Lilith. I’m not too worried because Lilith is my given name. It always comes with shock and surprise even from Pagan event organizers, and with misconceptions and prejudice from the general public. Like with everything there are pluses and minuses to my name. My parents second choice was Mabelline so I totally consider myself lucky. This, however does again raise the question of being able to choose one’s name and identity.
On one side of the argument there is the fact that many people on the internet are not who they are claiming to be. Prompted by one of my favorite TV shows, the word Catfish was even entered into the dictionary. People use fake identities to get love, money, and to commit illegal acts. In defense of this particular Social Media decision, I can see why they thought the need to implement such measures a valid choice. Then there is the other side of the coin. People don’t only use different names for religious reasons, they do it for safety reasons too. Over the years I am sad to say I have been the victim of stalkers and at one time I was seriously planning a name change for myself. This is a much more important issue than just a complaint from a magickal newbie who wants to call themselves “the wizard of ego,” or “princess twinkle-tits.” people who are in serious danger are supposed to receive protection from the authorities, however the reality often falls short of necessity. I wish there was an easy solution, and I would really like to know what you think. Please post your comments below, and remember to like and share !
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