Copyright 2007 T. Sheil & A. Sheil All Rights Reserved
Fox News in Chicago aired a piece about Asatru that descended into tawdry sensationalist crap. After interviewing two Heathen women, the article went into comparing Heathenism to Nazism. A pro-illegal immigrant group was used as a foil to further enhance the image of racism. They finished by interviewing well-known racist Tom Metzger. What started as a positive thing turned into a smear.
Among things displayed while they discusses racism was one of my monographs. That is funny, in a way. My books have never promoted racism. To the contrary!
A good reaction is to let this story die of ennui. Fox hits viewers with so much sensationalism this yesterday’s story is forgotten by the end of today’s newscast. If we do not fan the flames, it will fade into its native nothingness.
The best response for Heathens is to note the players here, and act accordingly. The reporter, Mark Saxenmeyer, the Committee for New Community and Fox News have deliberately smeared Heathenism. Should they approach us for an interview, discussion, information or support, we must deny them. Do not return their call or respond to their emails. If they seek support in any way, refuse it. We already know they will turn facts around to smear us. Why give them more ammunition?
The other problem is Tom Metzger, a racist ideologue known for using things to promote his views. Before Metzger, the skinhead movement was a social working-class phenomenon. Metzger was able to infiltrate and turn it into a racist recruiting ground. He also worked with Christian racist groups and militias. Now he is claiming to be Asatru. More likely, he is here to try to use Heathenism for his ideology. We need to warn our fellow Heathens and Pagans about his attempt to come into our backyard. Just as racists play on Heathenism’s Germanic origins, so they have made attempts to fiddle with Wicca’s Celtic roots. We need to keep our Pagan friends informed because he won’t stop at Heathenism.
Forewarned is forearmed. Better a troll you can see than one that you can’t. When we see them for what they are and we know when they are coming, we can respond effectively.
One other thing - the two Heathen women interviewed at the beginning of the piece presented an excellent impression of Heathenism. Their demeanor and answers to interviewers were commendable. Though the rest of the news item was biased against us, both of the Heathen women presented our beliefs in a most positive light.
