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Aloysius writes "When the Satanist decides to come out of the "Satanic closet", so to speak, expect a variety of reactions from those around you...and not always of the pleasant variety. Needless to say, Satanism is the least accepted of the magical practices. Thanks to the media hype in general, most see it as "dangerous", even "criminal". And also no thanks to the "pseudo Satanists" who, through their lack of understanding and knowledge, perform criminal acts, and put a "satanic" seal on it. Obviously, due to the "dark" nature of Satanism, the media is attracted to it as much as it is repelled. Once a Satanist becomes public, be prepared for questions, and perhaps even contact with one or more forms of the media. This article is a helpmate for the Satanist who finds themselves under the glare of the spotlight. How to handle the media with decorum and grace, as befitting any true Satanist.

How To Present Yourself On Television:

The most important thing to remember when dealing with a televised program is to understand the specific viewers that show attracts. Some shows are more "newsworthy" while others deal with a more sensationalized view. It is the Satanists responsibility to take this in consideration and decide if this is the venue he wishes to represent himself and his belief in. Keep in mind, even the most newsworthy shows are looking for tantalizing tid bits. Shock and schlock sell, and not always the truth. Be prepared for this. The newsporgrammers will certainly be thrown off if you are wearing your best suit and tie, or other professional wear. They want you to come attired in flowing cape and horns, brandishing your skull and ritual dagger...remember, "never give them what they want". Give them shock, but not what they expect and now you have won the first round. Television enjoys exploiting Satanism. Your goal as a spokesperson for Satanism is to represent it truthfully and help to put an end to the myths of what Satanism is. Certainly the interviewer will be disappointed you have no babies to sacrifice or cats to skin; now is the time to show your intelligence and cunning you have acquired on your Satanic journey. So if you know the audience, you have an idea what the target of the show is. The second hurdle is the style of the interviewer. Many hosts of shows like to monopolize the conversation. They have their mind set on the direction they wish to take the interview, and it is up to you to keep it in the direction YOU desire. Also the third hurdle is editing. As the old saying goes about "even the best made plans go awry"...editing can destroy all your hard work. You can speak with the grace and tact of a politician, and end up looking like a clown once the piece is edited. It is in your best interest to speak very clearly on your topic, and keep it simple. The more words you use the more likely something can be edited to change your meaning. You may be speak of the woman used as your nude altar being merely a visual image to assist in a magical working. But the editors focus on the word ?nude altar", and suddenly it becomes another thing. Also be aware that the piece may be ingrained with images that are more fitting with the interviewers and audience preconceptions of Satanism. So while you are talking a good game, images totally opposed to your presentation may be flashing to the viewers.

One thing you should be increasingly reminded of, in media situations or any situation: Never tolerate religious discrimination. If someone, especially a media person, asks you a question that makes blatant assumptions of criminality about our religion (i.e., that we do human or animal sacrifices, that we act as a front for drug trafficking and child pornography, that we recruit teenagers into drug use and suicide, that we vandalize graveyards, etc.) don't let them get away with it. Keep drumming into them that we are a religious organization - not recognized political subversives, not a "hate group", not a cult, or a criminal cartel. Satanism is not a growing scourge that must be wiped out. It is your religion that gives your life meaning and happiness. You have a right to be gravely insulted by presumptions and false information promoted by those who feel threatened by us. Inflict perspective on them; see how it sounds if you substitute "Jews", "Negroes", "gays", or "Mormons" into what they just said about Satanists. Jews have, in the past, been painted as villains who drank the blood of Christian babies, in order to justify pogroms and purges. There is always the "Other" and, in our predominantly Christian culture, that's us.

We do not wish to discourage anyone from doing an interview by my warnings. But do wish to prepare you for the underhanded techniques that may be implemented. Our first priority as representatives is to present Satanism as a real belief, and not something Hollywood created. We desire to be taken seriously and respected. Sensationalism has taken oven the perception of what is Satanism and it is the responsibility of the individual Satanist to change that. So to help assist any Satanist who is preparing to be seen in a public forum I have prepared some tips that might be useful.

The first impression is the lasting impression, no matter what your situation. So present yourself is the best possible way. Dr. LaVey stated that himself. Your attire says a lot about you. Keep in mind, you are not merely representing yourself in a public forum, but the entire Satanic Community. While Gothic clothing and full on vampire makeup can be lovely and interesting, it is after all what is expected. So throw the interviewer and the audience a curve and dress very conservatively. It is a form of lower magic to do this. Present yourself as sane, serious and intelligent. Be above those around you in your attitude and manner. They want a freak show and your job is to not give them one! You are there to represent Satanic beliefs in the best possible way. To show Satanism is legal, safe, and even healthy for the individual. Look like someone who is to be respected, conduct yourself in the same manner, and bring respect to yourself and Satanism.

It is in your best interest to find out beforehand what questions will be asked of you. This will give you time to prepare your responses. The more smoothly you reply to a question, the more intelligent you appear. Interviewers like to fluster their guests. Their goal is to make you lose control, it adds up in ratings points to have an angry Satanist ranting and raving. But you are not there for their entertainment. You have a job to do, and being cool and calm is your objective. While you might get some positive reactions, expect mostly negative. Satanism is controversial to the majority. Keep your personal life as private as possible during the interview. Do not use your last name or give out such things as your home address and phone number. There are many crazies out there...many are waving Bibles. They like to think the Satanists are devils...but the scariest ones usually are the religious zealots who might come knocking on your door. I think many of them would like a "good witch burning" being they haven't had any for a few hundred years after all! And the hangings at Salem weren't all that long ago come to think of it.

Once you enter the studio you are their property. Everything you say and do may and can be recorded. Watch your actions and words. Be especially careful once the microphone is attached. It may be turned on without your knowledge. After all they only edit out what THEY cannot use in THEIR program. Unfortunately it won't work the other way.

Be certain you see in writing what to expect. Read everything thoroughly before signing any contracts for the program. You also can set up your own contract which is preferable. They must adhere to all you have presented to them, or you simply refuse to go on the show. This is for your protection. Without a contract you leave yourself open to any sort of attack. With documentation you are protected legally and have retribution if need be. Do not be surprised if your interview is denied. The media desires sensationalism, and you are not going to provide it, therefore they will seek out someone who will. There are many out there who will do anything for a few minutes of "fame". Leave them to being the clown in the circus. You have important business to attend to and will eventually find the proper vehicle to do this.

By all means avoid live television programming. Live television is like delivering yourself to the audience on a platter. You are a Satanist, not a sacrificial lamb. In a live television setting, the only one who knows the script is the host. Therefore the host will "lead" the program the direction THEY desire.

Performing a ritual for television is one of the most lethal mistakes a Satanist can make. What we do in ritual is secretive. Think of the ritual tools we implement, the language, etc. The audience firstly will have no understanding of what it is all about. Their minds will drift toward the "fantastic", and not what is actually occurring. Ritual is for the initiated and no one else, media or otherwise. Also it is not practical to perform a true ritual while cameras are focused on you. To totally detach yourself from all that is happening around you and only focus on the ritual is nearly impossible. It would be merely a show, and any idiot can wear a black robe and thrash a sword around muttering mumbo jumbo over candles. That is not what we are about!

Satanism in the written press:

Here we talk about a much safer medium. In the written press other rules apply than with television. It is, also important to check out what kind of publication it is. Most of the time the interviewer will take his own initiative to discuss a sudden subject. The benefits of this, is that the interviewer has an interest in Satanism that will result in a more informative article. The important part of the written press is the research and details the interviewer has to present in order to get it clear to the readers or they will have no clue what the article is stating. This is already working in your benefit so use it in a positive and productive way. Make sure you know the facts and don't go spread around half truth or lies or in the end your goal will not be the result you wish! So here you will find some more tips to deal with the written press.

Make sure you get the question list before starting the interview it will help you a lot to avoid stupid mistakes that can be fatal to your goal.

Have a contract stating that you have the right to see the entire article, (with pictures, etc.), before it goes to print. This should also include your right to have edited anything that has been misconstrued. Make sure this happens far before the deadline or they may use the excuse; "It's already in the press and can not be edited". The visual aspect is not as important as on television. But keep in mind that the interviewer will give a description of how you look and what you wear. And be prepared, this description will come from the interviewers perception, and not necessarily what YOU wish to project. The written press is good for the Satanist who prefers to "keep in the shadows". Granted, there may be a photo opportunity. But consider this carefully. Photos may pop up in other articles not so flattering and objective. Also consider the privacy and safety of your family and friends...consider how much of your personal self you truly desire to reveal. While Dr. Anton LaVey published many photos of himself, his personal belongings and family, he also had the financial means and contacts for self protection. It is best to do the interview in a neutral and public place. Giving the interview in your home is not recommended. Perhaps in time, if you forge a certain trust with a given interviewer, you may choose to go this route. But in the beginning, neutrality is safer.

Know the interviewer and the style in which they write. Research previous articles and see if they meet YOUR standards. Many writers are freelance; research what publications they deal with. Some publications may not meet your qualifications into how you wish to be presented. As in television, publications also have a "target audience". It is easier to find an accepting audience through written publication. Choosing one that meets your interests gives you more control in the end result of the interview. These are only a few of our tips and suggestions to the Satanist who wishes to step into the media. We did not reveal all of our knowledge because a real Satanist can think for himself. When you take the step into the media spotlight remember that you take a big responsibility toward benefiting Satanism. When you are a really serious Satanist I can only give you a warm welcome to help us get rid of the bullshit stories. That's why I hope that this small guideline may be of help with your own intellectual input.
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