The thing is, for me and I know for many of the others here, this is a safe, supportive place that has really helped us in so many ways. We share strength, sisterhood, knowledge and support. It’s very valuable and we’re protective of it.
Witchcraft is still vilified in many ways. Narratives include the image of just being a bit ‘woo’ and silly (I’ve seen other threads here making fun of us) and being ‘dangerous’ and not knowing what we’re messing with. Both of these and other stereotypes that exist are insulting and frankly tedious. It’s why I don’t talk to people about my beliefs and practices IRL.
None of us are under the illusion that our actions don’t have consequences (as with any action)
A public forum is not the place to have a sensible discussion about this without attracting lurkers with a point to prove (that we’re all wicked/stupid enough to not know what we’re messing with)
So when someone comes along to ‘warn us of the dangers’ or perpetuate any given (usually negative) stereotype we’ll close ranks and protect our space. If we didn’t, then I think we’d lose something that’s important to us. It would become a bunfight between opposing views- us and those who want to prove us what they have decided we are. There’s plenty of space elsewhere on MN for that kind of dialogue, and as previously suggested, there’s nothing stopping anyone starting a new thread along those lines.
The culture we’ve created here is one of mutual support and knowledge sharing. We chose to keep it that way.
We have many different views, belief systems, and follow different traditions. In order to have a supportive space for all we communicate from a place of respect. A ‘I’m right and you’re wrong’ style of dialogue doesn’t fit within that. And that’s what conversations starting with a ‘warning’ or an invitation to defend your practices/actions tend to lead to.
I feel very strongly about keeping this space in line with it’s original aims (see OP) and for that reason will not enter a debate that will detract from the point of the thread.
That’s all I’ve got to say on the matter.