As much as I obsess over the occult (witchcraft, voodoo dolls, ouija boards, crystals) I do so from a kitschy perspective. I'm a pretty staunch atheist- I don't even believe in Jesus so I'm sure as hell not going to believe in this madness. I think the whole thing is silly and entertaining, but it also makes me giddy, much as it did people of the early 20th century who hosted seances in their parlors as soon as dinner parties. It's campy, fun and aesthetically pleasing!
That said, sometimes I'm reminded why I shouldn't dismiss coo-coo spirituality so quickly. I was watching New York 1 this morning when I was treated to a story about a little girl in Queens whose mother and grandmother set fire to her during a Voodoo ritual meant meant to drive out evil spirits.
The mother initially told police that she was boiling water when she was startled, causing her to spill the hot water on the little girl. The truth is much, much worse. The mother, grandmother, and a friend named Sketch (obviously) performed a ritual they referred to as Loa. A circle of rum is poured around and on the head of the person from whom the spirits are being driven and lit on fire.
The grandmother eventually poured water on the burning girl, but not before she was covered in second and third degree burns. Instead of taking her to an emergency room they gave her a bath and sent her to bed. It was a full twenty-four hours before the girl was taken to a hospital where she is now in an induced coma under treatment for her burns.
My condolences to this little girl. Here's hoping someday we've put an end to religious abuse.
I'm reminded of a recent entry on one of my favorite theater blogs, Parabasis, questioning whether or not Christian Scientists had a right to deny their children medical attention because it was against their religion.
Short answer: NO.
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