Imagine being harassed, discriminated against, or even jailed on false accusations, simply because of your religion and/or fashion style? It’s not unheard of, especially for modern-day pagans and followers of alternative spirituality, as well as those with “goth” fashion styles (black clothing, unusual jewelry and gemstones) and musical tastes.
It wasn’t that long ago that professing an alternative spirituality, or merely being suspected of dark religious practices had dangerous results. In the 1980’s the so-called ‘satanic panic’ led to unfounded hysteria over things as innocent as Smurfs and Dungeons & Dragons, as well as many false convictions based on wildly improbable tales lacking concrete evidence. You may be aware of the West Memphis 3 case or the recent 2013 release of Fran and Dan Keller after 21 years in prison—these are but a few examples.
As much as we want to believe our country has progressed from those dark times, it’s still important for goths and followers of alternate spiritual paths such as New Age, Wicca and Shamanism to understand the potential pitfalls they can face from having their religion misunderstood and unfairly maligned.
If you feel that you are or could find yourself in a bad situation based on your fashion sense or beliefs, here are some things that you can look into in order to help yourself or others in a similar situation:
- If you are suspected or falsely accused of a crime because of your appearance or religion, do some research on criminal defense lawyers and law firms that have experience handling such cases. It also doesn’t hurt to study the history of such convictions and make connections with advocates and activists who educate the public on the staggering lack of evidence of criminal activities in most of those situations.
- If embroiled in a criminal or legal matter, be respectful of authorities and dress and comport yourself appropriately. Everyone of any faith or lifestyle has to ‘dress for the occasion’, and it’s important to remember this, especially when your well being is at stake.
- Similarly, if you are experiencing harassment, discrimination or wrongful termination in the workplace because of your Pagan beliefs, find the right employment law attorneys to help you. Make sure to document every instance where you have experienced inappropriate behaviors and comments. Save all electronic communications that could serve as evidence for your case.
- Be proud! There is nothing shameful or bad about your religious beliefs and practices. Study the history and precepts of your religion, and advocate for it in a pleasant and positive manner. You can go a long way in dispelling unfounded myths and misconceptions. You can take this all a step further by reaching out to, and forming connections with, law enforcement officers, educators, religious officials and interfaith organizations. People of traditional faiths have been very supportive of religious freedom and diversity.
Above all, always keep in mind one of the greatest principles our country was founded upon. You can find it in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
Never believe that you’re powerless to be who you are.
Alex is a blogger for The Kyle Law Firm, a personal injury law firm in New Braunfels, Texas. He is interested in different religious practices.