There were of course small group politics before the land, but they got exponentially worse with the purchase of the land.
I first joined in 1994 and attended my last festival in 2004. It was the endless ego-tripping that finally drove me out. And drama for drama's sake. People wanting to recreate something out of Marion Zimmer Bradley or Morgan Llewellyn novel instead of authentic community.
I know how you feelcharlayneFebruary 20 2006, 05:02:48 UTC
I took 4 years off from being "involved" in politics, except for helping with the removal in 03.
I stepped up this year to be rep/lead just to bring back the training. I'm SO outta here once that's over.
My heart hurts. I'm seeing more and more of things that I cannot agree with going on in the community, ego's going on by people I thought were a lot less egotistical.
I just wish that people could embrace the principle of "harm none" and walk it. I see them give lip service to it but then I see that they value their own power (or their perception of power) more than walking their talk.
Yeah, I'm real depressed about it right now. Bruce and I are not running for office next October and we're trying to figure out what else we may have as options.
I love you, cuz. You are so special to me (as are those who I have met through you).
Re: I know how you feeldakotawitchFebruary 20 2006, 06:17:02 UTC
"I'm seeing more and more of things that I cannot agree with going on in the community, ego's going on by people I thought were a lot less egotistical
( ... )
Re: I know how you feelminirthFebruary 20 2006, 19:46:02 UTC
My main theory is that there are many people in our community who don't have power in the secular world, and so they try to make up for it by asserting (imagined/perceived) power in the magickal world.
:applause:
Well-stated. I never managed to state the idea so coherently. Petty little people with petty little lives desperately trying to make themselves feel powerful. It never ceases to amaze me that people will sell themselves and their ethics so cheaply. Ooooh, you're important in a pagan organization of less than 2,000 people! Yeah, that's worth selling your soul for. :snort:
My personal opinion, for the two cents it's worthwaterlillyFebruary 20 2006, 07:03:23 UTC
I suppose it's politics and drama as usual, considering how stuff has been for the past five years or so. I don't know if it's more serious than the last big tempest in this particular teapot or not. And I am not without biases on the people involved. You will forgive me if I speak somewhat in generalities. If you want more particulars, call me. But anyway, what I think, in a nutshell
( ... )
Re: My personal opinion, for the two cents it's worthpixie1771February 21 2006, 17:44:40 UTC
I agree that a lot of the drama escalated once we bought the land. I personally think we should have waited to buy it, but that's how it works.
I agree about the open dissention as well. It is like with some folks they can't understand the fact that if I speak an opinion about something I'm not trying to attack them, I'm trying to offer a different path. That's all. Is it really that hard for some people to just get that, and move on? Apparently so.
The thing is, it isn't just in the pagan community, that's what really worries me.
I like the points you made, Pix! Before I say anything, I want to say that Glen and I will make an effort to be at CMA on Beltane. Last CMA kinda blew though. The politics were bad even for those of us not directly involved, the vibes were all wonky and there was drama everywhere. So we're making an effort to change our own attitude toward things.
Like not letting outside forces book our entire event solid with unplanned for/voluntold activities, keeping a positive attitude, and doing our part to contribute. There are more steps that can be taken to having a better, less stressful festival, but it's late and my head's just not in that space right now.
The point is that last festival seemed to be more dramatic and I think that's where some of this is coming from. ~Dani
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Were the politics this bad before we bought the land>
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I first joined in 1994 and attended my last festival in 2004. It was the endless ego-tripping that finally drove me out. And drama for drama's sake. People wanting to recreate something out of Marion Zimmer Bradley or Morgan Llewellyn novel instead of authentic community.
So sad.
Reply
I stepped up this year to be rep/lead just to bring back the training. I'm SO outta here once that's over.
My heart hurts. I'm seeing more and more of things that I cannot agree with going on in the community, ego's going on by people I thought were a lot less egotistical.
I just wish that people could embrace the principle of "harm none" and walk it. I see them give lip service to it but then I see that they value their own power (or their perception of power) more than walking their talk.
Yeah, I'm real depressed about it right now. Bruce and I are not running for office next October and we're trying to figure out what else we may have as options.
I love you, cuz. You are so special to me (as are those who I have met through you).
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:applause:
Well-stated. I never managed to state the idea so coherently. Petty little people with petty little lives desperately trying to make themselves feel powerful. It never ceases to amaze me that people will sell themselves and their ethics so cheaply. Ooooh, you're important in a pagan organization of less than 2,000 people! Yeah, that's worth selling your soul for. :snort:
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I agree about the open dissention as well. It is like with some folks they can't understand the fact that if I speak an opinion about something I'm not trying to attack them, I'm trying to offer a different path. That's all. Is it really that hard for some people to just get that, and move on? Apparently so.
The thing is, it isn't just in the pagan community, that's what really worries me.
Reply
Like not letting outside forces book our entire event solid with unplanned for/voluntold activities, keeping a positive attitude, and doing our part to contribute. There are more steps that can be taken to having a better, less stressful festival, but it's late and my head's just not in that space right now.
The point is that last festival seemed to be more dramatic and I think that's where some of this is coming from.
~Dani
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Hope things get better.
I miss going to the campouts, but I sure don't miss the drama.
Mel
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