Yesterday afternoon I started seeing posts on Facebook about this "Salem Witch Trials" sign that was being sold as Halloween decorations through Northern, CA's Raley's Stores. Many witches through CA and beyond took action to contact Raley's and request that they remove the signs from the shelves. It took a few days, but as of this afternoon Raley's had agreed to remove the signs from their shelves. Which is a wonderful step in the right direction.
However, this sign has been spotted in stores all over the US, not just in Raley's. And although I find it appalling that store owners or managers would be so ignorant to put this on shelves in the first place, they are not in fact the issue here. The major issue is the company who is producing and distributing this horrendous sign.
As of today, I have not personally seen this sign anywhere on shelves. IF and when I do I will be promptly contacting the distributors and production company to let them know just how offended I am by this "decoration."
Now, there are, I'm sure, more than a few people out there who feel this is way to big a deal over a simple Halloween decoration... But in my opinion, it's not enough! Sure, THIS was meant to simply be a decoration, and I'm sure there was no malice meant when it was drawn up, BUT, the reality is that the meaning behind this sign is literally making light of one of this countries darkest moments. A "moment" which cost 16 people their lives due to prejudice, fear and hatred. These really aren't qualities that this country needs any help remembering, seeing how over the past ten years they have become ever more apparent in the day to day lives of Millions of people.
The last thing we need in this country is one more reminder of how horrid people can be! Trust me, anyone who lives outside the box knows just how bad it can be! And I think even most who live inside it have seen just how bad it can get...
So, what can you do? Well, if you see this "decoration" on sale somewhere, speak up. Don't sit back and allow such a hate-filled item remain on shelves. However, it's important to remember that you get more flys with honey, so be nice! Ask for a manager, and express to them how deeply hurt items like this make the Pagan and Witch communities feel about it. I would also suggest contacting their head office or owner to express this to them as well.
I have heard rumors that some groups have already contacted the production/distribution company behind this product, but until it is pulled off all shelves nation wide, it's not enough. So speak up, speak out, and stand up for who you are and what you believe!
Blessed Be All!
