11.09.2007
More Media for Witch School
It seems that the hardships faced by Don Lewis and Witch School by moving operations to the tiny troubled town of Rossville, Illinois has been something of a blessing in disguise. Tales of the decidedly unfriendly reactions by the predominately Christian town have graduated from regional papers, to the Chicago Tribune (which in turn prompted a mention at Get Religion), and now USA Today is reporting the story.
"Witch School opened in July on Chicago Street, the main drag here, between the Harris Insurance Agency and Wally's Pub & Eatery. Since then, it has been the chief topic of conversation, rumors and speculation around town. The witches couldn't be happier. 'It's been great for business,' CEO Donald Lewis says. 'I do understand that some people, not understanding what we are, might be afraid, but they shouldn't be. - There are no headless cats, there are no missing children.'"
"Great for business" indeed, you simply can't buy that much sympathetic press. Not only has this flood of publicity helped dampen opposition, it has also provided the school with thousands of dollars of free publicity. Which I'm sure helps when enduring some hostile prayer-circles and billboards targeting your faith. It raises the question of if the Rev. Don Lewis is far cannier than we have given him credit for, or if Witch School just happened to move to the wrong town at the right time.
Now we just have to wonder if all this press is good for modern Paganism as a whole, or simply good for Witch School's profit margin. I'm sure many Witches and Wiccans have decidedly mixed emotions about Lewis and Witch School becoming a major public face of Wicca. Time can only tell if Witch School stays in the spotlight once the controversy fades.
Labels: Don Lewis, Paganism, Rossville, USA Today, Witch School
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