Proposed "Mad Mad House" program on SciFi

To:  Executives of SciFi Channel, USA Cable Entertainment, and Vivendi Universal Entertainment

The proposed program, “Mad Mad House”, to be aired on the SciFi channel, distributed by USA Cable Entertainment (a unit of Vivendi Universal Entertainment), is a mockery of Paganism/Witchcraft.

The following is an expert from the casting call via http://www.craigslist.org/tfr/10777199.html:

“New reality based TV show for the Sci Fi Channel is looking for a practicing Wiccan who can cast spells and conduct moonlit rituals. We are scouring the country to put together a group of outrageous, eccentric and entertaining individuals who live very alternative lifestyles … We are specifically looking for people whose unusual lifestyle is incorporated into every aspect of their lives - no 'bankers by day/witch by night'."

The following is a summary of the program via http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-sfc.html?2003-04/02/13.00.sfc:

“This show puts contestants into Alt Manor, a house inhabited by a vampire, a witch, a voodoo priest, a yoga master and a psychic, where the contestants must compete in a series of increasingly bizarre challenges to claim a grand prize.”

This program is an outrage. Being of the Pagan faith, I am offended by the blatant stereotype-casting going on in this program. The network is looking for some eccentric to inaccurately represent a legitimate religion. What will this prove? It will paint an inaccurate picture of the vast majority of Pagans/Witches. We are not a bunch of crazies who have ritual blood sacrifices and transform people into toads! We are parents, teachers, students, lawyers, sales associates, bankers, doctors etc. This program will create a backlash on the Pagan community and cause more harm than good. I understand the SciFi network is a business, and "reality TV" is very profitable at the present, but the network and its sponsors are doing a disservice to their audience. Will their next program be a house full of "kooky Christians, Muslims and Jews"? I think not. Where do we draw the line? We choose to draw the line here.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Proposed "Mad Mad House" program on SciFi Petition to Executives of SciFi Channel, USA Cable Entertainment, and Vivendi Universal Entertainment was created by and written by Tanya Runyon.  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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