It was 1691-3 in Salem, Massachusetts, and there was an outbreak of witchcraft. Over 200 people – mostly women – ranging from infants to people in their 80’s, were accused of all kinds of sins, including consorting with the devil. 20 people were killed, mostly hanged, and another 20 or so died in prison. Many of those who lived did so by confessing that they were, indeed, witches. Considering the small population of that part of the world, this was a large percentage. I don’t know if this era is still taught in schools, but I remember learning about it. To this day, witches are vilified by religious zealots, striking fear in the hearts of children.
Except – there is no such thing as a witch. There is no magic – there are no evil eyes – hexes are just pretty paintings on the sides of Amish barns. Hysteria and fear and bigotry are real, though, and they continue to drive the ignorant into irrational and dangerous behavior. Consider the outcry against the Harry Potter series; all because Exodus 22 says, “You will not allow a witch to live.” And sure, there are people who claim to be witches and warlocks, but most of them are Wiccan, a nature religion that is harmless. Some people dress up like what they think witches might look like, but that’s basically Cosplay. It’s fake.
Salem Village has been described as a fractious place. They couldn’t keep a minister in the local church because they refused to pay them. There were continual arguments over boundary lines and grazing rights and church-connected issues, and these disagreements eventually because of accusations of crimes against the people. People in power saw others with strong opinions as a danger; these opinionated individuals were often women who had the nerve to speak their minds. I was taught that the people of these communities escaped Europe over religious freedom; what I really think is that they wanted to be in control. The oppressed became the oppressors.
Labels can kill. Fascist – Liberal – Commie – Unpatriotic; we use terms to demonize others, and once that happens, the next step is to punish them for disagreeing with us. By dehumanizing people we disagree with, we give permission to cause them pain. The word itself – demonization – puts them in league with the devil. Ignorance leads to fear which leads to using our power to control them. There are and were no witches; only fearful people with power who committed mass murder. It isn’t that hard to do – just point fingers, bring witnesses, and watch it all burn.
Prayer – God, heal us of our fear. Soothe our anger. Teach our ignorant minds. Call us back to sanity. Amen.