Have you seen the previews for the new romantic comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore? There's one in particular that uses Wicca to get a laugh. Called "He's Just Not That Into You," the movie trails a group of friends trying to find love. I can't find the clip online but it shows Jennifer Aniston on a date with "Dan the Wiccan" (according to film credits). He explains he's a Wiccan, a male witch and Jennifer responds with a sarcastic and disappointing, "Great." In other words, this date's over, you nutcase!
So, doth this offend anyone? Even though I'm not technically Wiccan, it bothered me. If someone substituted "Christian" or "Muslim," the joke wouldn't even be funny. In fact, it might as well be cause for banning the film and burning Aniston in effigy! But Wiccans/witches, well, they're fair game, right? After all, no one takes them seriously!
I'm not one for boycotting films since I think we need free and open discussion through various art forms. And I want to see it anyway--it looks funny overall, and I like the actors (Bradley Cooper!). But it's got me to thinking: While it sucks for your beliefs to be the butt of a joke, you could also see it as evidence that Wicca is gaining more mainstream attention. In the clip, "Dan" is dressed in your basic suit and tie, not exactly the stereotypical image of a modern witch. Assuming there isn't much more to his role, audiences may want to investigate Wicca more. And at least the inclusion of Wicca means one of the writers has actually heard of it.
I'm not advocating the mainstreaming of anything, since that has its own pitfalls. But I think more exposure is important in order to defeat stereotypes and ignorance, which I think all of us "pagans" can agree is sorely needed.
So, will you see it or whip up a hex on the cast?
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