"NASTY BAD PAGANS?" Protesting hate speech on NBC
Target:
NBC, the TODAY Show, Kathy Lee Gifford & sponsor Samsung
Sponsored by:
On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, during a live broadcast of a wedding reception on the TODAY Show, Kathy Lee Gifford gratuitously referred to Pagans as "nasty, bad Pagans." Ms. Gifford's hate speech has done harm to American Pagans' ability to live in peace with our neighbors of other faiths. By allowing her hate speech to be broadcast, her direct employer the TODAY Show, and their network, NBC, participate in that hate speech.
This is a petition calling for, at the very least, an on-air apology. A TODAY Show program devoted to dispelling misconceptions about Pagans and Paganism would go a long ways toward undoing the damage.
Signers of this petition are also putting the sponsor of that TODAY Show segment, Samsung, on notice that we are conducting a BOYCOTT against them until such time as we receive justice.
On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, during a live broadcast of a wedding reception on the TODAY Show, Kathy Lee Gifford gratuitously referred to Pagans as "nasty, bad Pagans." Ms. Gifford's hate speech has done harm to American Pagans' ability to live in peace with our neighbors of other faiths. By allowing her hate speech to be broadcast, her direct employer the TODAY Show, and their network, NBC, participate in that hate speech.
This is a petition calling for, at the very least, an on-air apology. A TODAY Show program devoted to dispelling misconceptions about Pagans and Paganism would go a long ways toward undoing the damage.
Signers of this petition are also putting the sponsor of that TODAY Show segment, Samsung, on notice that we are conducting a BOYCOTT against them until such time as we receive justice.
On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, during a live broadcast of a wedding reception on the TODAY Show, Kathy Lee Gifford gratuitously referred to Pagans as "nasty, bad Pagans." This is, by every definition, hate speech.
Many Americans think Ms. Gifford is charming. These same viewers are likeliest to believe what they hear on television and/or from the mouths of celebrities. Ms. Gifford's hate speech has done harm to American Pagans' ability to live in peace with our neighbors of other faiths. By allowing her hate speech to be broadcast, her direct employer the TODAY Show, and their network, NBC, participate in that hate speech.
We the undersigned call upon Kathy Lee Gifford, the TODAY Show and NBC to rectify the damage they have done to the Pagan faith community. At the very least, an on-air apology is required. A TODAY Show program devoted to dispelling misconceptions about Pagans and Paganism would go a long ways toward undoing the damage.
Furthermore, we the undersigned are conducting a BOYCOTT against the sponsor of that TODAY Show segment, Samsung, until such time as we receive justice.
Many Americans think Ms. Gifford is charming. These same viewers are likeliest to believe what they hear on television and/or from the mouths of celebrities. Ms. Gifford's hate speech has done harm to American Pagans' ability to live in peace with our neighbors of other faiths. By allowing her hate speech to be broadcast, her direct employer the TODAY Show, and their network, NBC, participate in that hate speech.
We the undersigned call upon Kathy Lee Gifford, the TODAY Show and NBC to rectify the damage they have done to the Pagan faith community. At the very least, an on-air apology is required. A TODAY Show program devoted to dispelling misconceptions about Pagans and Paganism would go a long ways toward undoing the damage.
Furthermore, we the undersigned are conducting a BOYCOTT against the sponsor of that TODAY Show segment, Samsung, until such time as we receive justice.
We signed the ""NASTY BAD PAGANS?" Protesting hate speech on NBC" petition!
# 5,646:
2:43 pm PDT, Jun 25,
K Skilling, United Kingdom
I am shocked and hurt that this was aired and allowed to be said with no apology. Given today's constant Political Correctness, it only singles Pagans out more that this hate speech aired without objection or intervention.
I am shocked and hurt that this was aired and allowed to be said with no apology. Given today's constant Political Correctness, it only singles Pagans out more that this hate speech aired without objection or intervention.
# 5,645:
9:46 am PDT, Jun 24,
Amanda Boone, North Carolina
# 5,644:
3:17 pm PDT, Jun 9,
Tiffany Kaur, Kentucky
Centuries of propaganda have led to this hatred and dislike of pagans. This is so sad, because it clearly shows ignorance and intolerance. Only by understanding others who look, believe, and think differently than we do can hatred be eliminated. I, as a pagan, am neither "nasty" nor "bad" and I would appreciate an apology on the part of NBC so that this misinformation is not continued for this generation or beyond. Please think about the consequences of what you say before you say it.
Centuries of propaganda have led to this hatred and dislike of pagans. This is so sad, because it clearly shows ignorance and intolerance. Only by understanding others who look, believe, and think differently than we do can hatred be eliminated. I, as a pagan, am neither "nasty" nor "bad" and I would appreciate an apology on the part of NBC so that this misinformation is not continued for this generation or beyond. Please think about the consequences of what you say before you say it.
# 5,643:
5:17 am PDT, Jun 6,
Melanie Short, Alabama
not all people are to be put in one group . look at priest with small boys and doctors and all mundan people not the same . we pagans have a code .
not all people are to be put in one group . look at priest with small boys and doctors and all mundan people not the same . we pagans have a code .
# 5,642:
4:22 pm PDT, May 26,
Name not displayed, Canada
# 5,641:
11:03 am PDT, May 26,
Carly Curry, Texas
# 5,640:
5:34 am PDT, May 26,
L B, Israel
# 5,639:
3:16 am PDT, May 24,
Thor Greenhammer Almada, Florida
there are kind thoughtful pagans all around you but you don't know it becasue it's safer to be hidden.
there are kind thoughtful pagans all around you but you don't know it becasue it's safer to be hidden.
# 5,638:
11:05 am PDT, May 20,
Kayla Rose, Canada
# 5,637:
9:28 pm PDT, May 16,
Name not displayed, Oregon
# 5,636:
4:19 pm PDT, May 12,
Johnathon Scinta, Armed Forces Europe
Thanks a lot there Kathy Lee Gifford. Note the sarcasm. Just so you can know this particular "nasty bad pagan" has been defending this country you love to live in for the past 5yrs. I've been to many places and met with many people of different religions. And you know what tolerance is much more widely accepted than you might like to believe. We as pagans are people who live next to you, work with you, eat where you eat, and defend your country alongside the countless christian, jewish, muslim, and many other religious people. I don't appreciate your remark and genuinely don't expect an apology from you or your producers. I do want you to know that i don't appreciate your short sightedness and ignorance. please for everyone's sake before you wind up offending another group whether religious or personnel educate yourself on the topic. Ignorance may be bliss but it is bliss through blind stupidity, knowledge is the true power of this world. -HM3 Scinta
Thanks a lot there Kathy Lee Gifford. Note the sarcasm. Just so you can know this particular "nasty bad pagan" has been defending this country you love to live in for the past 5yrs. I've been to many places and met with many people of different religions. And you know what tolerance is much more widely accepted than you might like to believe. We as pagans are people who live next to you, work with you, eat where you eat, and defend your country alongside the countless christian, jewish, muslim, and many other religious people. I don't appreciate your remark and genuinely don't expect an apology from you or your producers. I do want you to know that i don't appreciate your short sightedness and ignorance. please for everyone's sake before you wind up offending another group whether religious or personnel educate yourself on the topic. Ignorance may be bliss but it is bliss through blind stupidity, knowledge is the true power of this world. -HM3 Scinta
# 5,635:
9:12 pm PDT, May 6,
Bonnie Jones, Virginia
If Ms. Gifford had said the same about any christian or Jew, an apology would've already been out there. Make no mistake the number of Pagan Americans is growing every day and we have money to spend and we will boycott when necessary. I will spread the word about this to my pagan and non-pagan friends. We have a voice, i suggest you listen !!
If Ms. Gifford had said the same about any christian or Jew, an apology would've already been out there. Make no mistake the number of Pagan Americans is growing every day and we have money to spend and we will boycott when necessary. I will spread the word about this to my pagan and non-pagan friends. We have a voice, i suggest you listen !!
# 5,634:
12:16 am PDT, May 3,
Name not displayed, United Kingdom
Only in America is hate speech allowed under the constitution. Freedom of speech IS NOT carte blanche to say what you like when you like and to hell with everyone else. Anyone with more than half a brain cell would recognise the need for tolerance and respect. But I guess that rules out Ms Lee Gifford as she is clearly sub par in the IQ department. People like her are the reason why the international community thinks Americans are dumb, crass, ignorant, loud mouthed trailer trash. The view of Americans is somewhat dim at the present time, as not only can the current economic climate be attributed to their lack of common sense and ethics when it comes to managing your finances, but we still have yet to find any WMDs in Iraq. WMDs your "President" (because let's face it - we all know that he only got in because the votes of 20,000 black people in Florida went missing) swore blind were there. People would hate America less if you didn't have bigots like her spouting ill-informed crap like this.
Only in America is hate speech allowed under the constitution. Freedom of speech IS NOT carte blanche to say what you like when you like and to hell with everyone else. Anyone with more than half a brain cell would recognise the need for tolerance and respect. But I guess that rules out Ms Lee Gifford as she is clearly sub par in the IQ department. People like her are the reason why the international community thinks Americans are dumb, crass, ignorant, loud mouthed trailer trash. The view of Americans is somewhat dim at the present time, as not only can the current economic climate be attributed to their lack of common sense and ethics when it comes to managing your finances, but we still have yet to find any WMDs in Iraq. WMDs your "President" (because let's face it - we all know that he only got in because the votes of 20,000 black people in Florida went missing) swore blind were there. People would hate America less if you didn't have bigots like her spouting ill-informed crap like this.
# 5,633:
5:18 pm PDT, Apr 22,
Amber Hill, Oregon
Paganism is not black magic! Black magic is black magic, there is a difference. People should not have to hid who they are or be ridiculed for a belief, especially if they are not hurting anyone. They are people too and deserve our respect just like everyone else. If you are afraid look at it from another's point of view, would you like your rights taken away just because someone doesn't understand it? or would you want them to find out more about it a you before making a uninformed decision? Even if you think you already know it all, do what the teachers and parents tell me, "look it up and double check your facts!"
Paganism is not black magic! Black magic is black magic, there is a difference. People should not have to hid who they are or be ridiculed for a belief, especially if they are not hurting anyone. They are people too and deserve our respect just like everyone else. If you are afraid look at it from another's point of view, would you like your rights taken away just because someone doesn't understand it? or would you want them to find out more about it a you before making a uninformed decision? Even if you think you already know it all, do what the teachers and parents tell me, "look it up and double check your facts!"
# 5,632:
2:44 pm PDT, Apr 11,
Trisha Dhabolt, Hawaii
# 5,631:
12:25 pm PDT, Apr 6,
Christian Zambrana, California
# 5,630:
8:10 am PDT, Mar 22,
Andrew Lauderbaugh, California
# 5,629:
10:21 pm PDT, Mar 15,
Brittany Henderson, Texas
...
...
# 5,628:
2:10 pm PDT, Mar 12,
Nicole Lidman, Minnesota
# 5,627:
3:46 pm PDT, Mar 10,
Sarah-Rochelle Fisher, California
# 5,626:
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1:14 am PST, Mar 8,
Jennifer Orr, North Carolina
This really baffles me... I thought we were beyond prejudice and discrimination... I guess not. |
# 5,625:
10:46 am PST, Mar 4,
Michele Caitlyn-Strout, Maine
# 5,624:
9:13 pm PST, Mar 3,
Aljanas Magion, California
I hope you douchebags know that: A. Christianity has taken A LOT of beliefs from paganism B. Christmas is pagan C. Easter is also pagan.
I hope you douchebags know that: A. Christianity has taken A LOT of beliefs from paganism B. Christmas is pagan C. Easter is also pagan.
# 5,623:
10:45 am PST, Mar 2,
Danielle Poores, Mississippi
Danielle Poores
Danielle Poores
# 5,622:
9:04 am PST, Mar 1,
Rachel DeVore, Washington
# 5,621:
3:52 pm PST, Feb 28,
Jameson Knopp, Washington
UUUUgh...I HATE this sort of intolrence among non-pagans. I am a pagan and we id nothing to disurve this.
UUUUgh...I HATE this sort of intolrence among non-pagans. I am a pagan and we id nothing to disurve this.
# 5,620:
6:51 am PST, Feb 23,
Name not displayed, Tennessee
# 5,619:
8:39 pm PST, Feb 18,
Heather Britton, Illinois
To me this is no different than a racial Slurr...I know your shows will no longer be watched in my home and I will advice the 100's of Pagans that I know to also stop watching you Network. You should be ashamed, what you allowed was horrible...and HURTFUL to Many Pagan Americans.
To me this is no different than a racial Slurr...I know your shows will no longer be watched in my home and I will advice the 100's of Pagans that I know to also stop watching you Network. You should be ashamed, what you allowed was horrible...and HURTFUL to Many Pagan Americans.
# 5,618:
7:58 am PST, Feb 18,
Stephanie Lindhe, Nevada
Pagans are involved in a natural and peaceful religion. We are having our kindnesses mistaken for weaknesses. We are not just some joke that other religions can make fun of because it is not as widely speread as "Christianity," (even though our practices are far older and much of the "Christian" religion has roots in pagan and celtic beliefs), or "Judaism." I hope that this issue is resolved soon and that it will open the eyes of the public as to where religious persecution really comes from and who is responsible. Tolerance and understanding are demanded by every other belief system in the world, Pagans, Wiccans, Druids, and all other people who have to hide their worship should not be made to feel ashamed of our beautiful religions by ignorant and hypocritical members of teh entertainment (or any other) community. I feel that we absolutely deserve an apology. That is the least that she can do. Sincerely, Stephanie Lindhe
Pagans are involved in a natural and peaceful religion. We are having our kindnesses mistaken for weaknesses. We are not just some joke that other religions can make fun of because it is not as widely speread as "Christianity," (even though our practices are far older and much of the "Christian" religion has roots in pagan and celtic beliefs), or "Judaism." I hope that this issue is resolved soon and that it will open the eyes of the public as to where religious persecution really comes from and who is responsible. Tolerance and understanding are demanded by every other belief system in the world, Pagans, Wiccans, Druids, and all other people who have to hide their worship should not be made to feel ashamed of our beautiful religions by ignorant and hypocritical members of teh entertainment (or any other) community. I feel that we absolutely deserve an apology. That is the least that she can do. Sincerely, Stephanie Lindhe
# 5,617:
4:38 pm PST, Feb 16,
Angelina Guzman, North Carolina
# 5,616:
7:57 am PST, Feb 16,
Sarah Maxwell, Arkansas
Compare the histories of the number of times pagans have gone on Christian killing sprees to the times Christians have killed pagans. Think the facts speak for themselves.
Compare the histories of the number of times pagans have gone on Christian killing sprees to the times Christians have killed pagans. Think the facts speak for themselves.
# 5,614:
3:53 pm PST, Feb 4,
Cindy Barrale, Hawaii
Mrs. Gifford's statement is yet another attempt to alienate those of us who live differently than the Christian norm. We are constantly fighting against the widespread misconceptions of the populace, and unfortunately one misinformed opinion spoken on national television can influence many who watch. If she had said anything against Judaism or Islam it would have made widespread headlines and Mrs. Gifford would be held accountable for her actions. Paganism is a nationally recognized religion and as such is entitled to the same benefits and freedom of religion as recognized under the constitution. Shame on you, Kathy Lee.
Mrs. Gifford's statement is yet another attempt to alienate those of us who live differently than the Christian norm. We are constantly fighting against the widespread misconceptions of the populace, and unfortunately one misinformed opinion spoken on national television can influence many who watch. If she had said anything against Judaism or Islam it would have made widespread headlines and Mrs. Gifford would be held accountable for her actions. Paganism is a nationally recognized religion and as such is entitled to the same benefits and freedom of religion as recognized under the constitution. Shame on you, Kathy Lee.
# 5,613:
11:23 am PST, Feb 2,
Ken Hurley, Oregon
# 5,612:
5:48 am PST, Feb 2,
Karen Brooks, Massachusetts
I am not Pagan but several of my friends and family members are and I take personal offense when I found out about this. I would have thought that in today's enlightenments and the Unity that the USA is supposed to project to others that this sort of hate speech would be forbidden. This has obviously upset many people and an apology should be issued by Kathie Lee Gifford herself. She should also sit down with people of the Pagan faith and learn that they are NOT nasty as she thinks.
I am not Pagan but several of my friends and family members are and I take personal offense when I found out about this. I would have thought that in today's enlightenments and the Unity that the USA is supposed to project to others that this sort of hate speech would be forbidden. This has obviously upset many people and an apology should be issued by Kathie Lee Gifford herself. She should also sit down with people of the Pagan faith and learn that they are NOT nasty as she thinks.
# 5,611:
1:13 pm PST, Jan 31,
Sara Goessel, Illinois
Comments like that are what fuel religious intolerance and discrimination. That is not acceptable. As a Wiccan I will forever look at the Today show in a different way. I don't think they understand how many of us there truly are and how many viewers they just lost.
Comments like that are what fuel religious intolerance and discrimination. That is not acceptable. As a Wiccan I will forever look at the Today show in a different way. I don't think they understand how many of us there truly are and how many viewers they just lost.
# 5,610:
8:58 am PST, Jan 27,
Edward Baker, Pennsylvania
I believe the network should apologize or at least apologize for the Christian Atrocities done throughout the years .Christian Crusades ,The Killing of Ottoman Turks and so forth .I`ve never heard of Pagans doing anything other than not believing in a Sky -Fairy .
I believe the network should apologize or at least apologize for the Christian Atrocities done throughout the years .Christian Crusades ,The Killing of Ottoman Turks and so forth .I`ve never heard of Pagans doing anything other than not believing in a Sky -Fairy .
# 5,609:
11:22 am PST, Jan 26,
Kimberly Dobson-nesti, Michigan
This would never have been allowed to air had it been directed towards christians, jews, muslims..... Why is it acceptable for a minority faith??? Ignorance is not an excuse for slander. An apology cannot correct the wrong-doing, but it will at the very least acknowledge that the pagan faith WAS wronged.
This would never have been allowed to air had it been directed towards christians, jews, muslims..... Why is it acceptable for a minority faith??? Ignorance is not an excuse for slander. An apology cannot correct the wrong-doing, but it will at the very least acknowledge that the pagan faith WAS wronged.
# 5,608:
5:41 pm PST, Jan 20,
Kiera Khameneh, Montana
How dare anyone belittle anyone's beliefs! We do not live in a theocracy, but in America where we have the freedom of religion. And I have the freedom to proudly say I am a neo-pagan. This comment is outright slander, it's offensive and sickening. And just because I don't agree with another person's beliefs doesn't mean I can, or even have the right to, say publicly that they are bad. I am both shocked and insulted by Gifford's staement. An apology is definetly in order for all pagan.
How dare anyone belittle anyone's beliefs! We do not live in a theocracy, but in America where we have the freedom of religion. And I have the freedom to proudly say I am a neo-pagan. This comment is outright slander, it's offensive and sickening. And just because I don't agree with another person's beliefs doesn't mean I can, or even have the right to, say publicly that they are bad. I am both shocked and insulted by Gifford's staement. An apology is definetly in order for all pagan.
# 5,607:
10:56 am PST, Jan 18,
Whitney Seabrooks, New York
Pagans are just as good of people as anyone else. I'M PROUD TO SAY I'M NEO-PAGAN! These people are wrong to call Pagans that. NOT EVERYONE WANTS TO BELIEVE IN A GOD WHO DOESN'T HELP THE WORLD!
Pagans are just as good of people as anyone else. I'M PROUD TO SAY I'M NEO-PAGAN! These people are wrong to call Pagans that. NOT EVERYONE WANTS TO BELIEVE IN A GOD WHO DOESN'T HELP THE WORLD!
# 5,606:
7:44 am PST, Jan 17,
Rose Payne, Tennessee
Her comment shows her ignorance. If you are going to comment on something, you should at least have knowledege of what you are commenting on. And obvously she doesn't. I am a Pagan and Proud of it. Comments like that breed religous intolerance, and definately do not come from the mouth of a person who walks the walk of their faith.
Her comment shows her ignorance. If you are going to comment on something, you should at least have knowledege of what you are commenting on. And obvously she doesn't. I am a Pagan and Proud of it. Comments like that breed religous intolerance, and definately do not come from the mouth of a person who walks the walk of their faith.
# 5,605:
3:54 pm PST, Jan 16,
Sarah Fyfe, Massachusetts
I am wiccan and i find it VERY offensive that this is what our America is turning into. I've been rejected from jobs, hurt and pushed around and schools and called mean and embressing names not only in school but out in public because i wear wiccan appeal
I am wiccan and i find it VERY offensive that this is what our America is turning into. I've been rejected from jobs, hurt and pushed around and schools and called mean and embressing names not only in school but out in public because i wear wiccan appeal
# 5,604:
2:37 pm PST, Jan 2,
Katrina Trainor, Illinois
# 5,603:
8:06 am PST, Jan 2,
Jennifer Gardner, Florida
# 5,602:
7:53 pm PST, Dec 31,
Anne Jernigan, North Carolina
# 5,601:
7:16 pm PST, Dec 29,
Patricia Stevens, California
