I've ranted about this before but in a slightly different context. This time however I feel like I need to put it in perspective and explain why it is bad to be so accepting of something so "negative". I was browsing user profiles today (on Paganspace.net) and I saw someone with the word "Heathen" in their display name. Now granted even the Paganspace profiles have an option for this "Heathen" term but why? Does anyone remember anymore what the original definition of that word is?

Heathen -
1. an unconverted individual of a people that do not acknowledge the God of the Bible; a person who is neither a Jew, Christian, nor Muslim; pagan.

2. an irreligious, uncultured, or uncivilized person.

–adjective 3. of or pertaining to heathens; pagan.

4. irreligious, uncultured, or uncivilized.

Definitions 2 & 4 are the ones I dislike and most closely relate to the word for me. It is a term that the non-Pagans used to indentify people who did not believe or agree with them. So why today should we still accept this term? Just because it is old and somehow because of that, that makes it more accurate? No! This was not a title given to us by our Irish, Scottish, or Celtic ancestors so why should we be openly accepting of such an ugly dirty term? Shouldn't we try and find a different name other than "Heathen" to define ourselves? Heck I thought we were off to a good start with Pagan, Wiccan, and Druid (even though people argue that is a title, but what else would you rather have us call ourselves? Go on I'd like to hear your suggestions other than the word "Heathen" that is not an option). While I can maybe understand and see why people do use the term all the same...

Honestly I want to know why any good Pagan, Wiccan, or Druid in their right mind would accept "Heathen" as an acceptable title with no argument whatsoever. Goddess knows that our ancestors would not tolerate nor stand for it and I know a war or brawl would have ensued over something like this shortly after it was mentioned. If you want to openly accept such a dirty insulting term, go right ahead but I'll stick to calling myself 'Druid' until I can find something that might suit me better that other people might be more accepting of aside from "Heathen". At least 'Druid' is more accurate to what/who I am trying to follow in the footsteps of as far as a magical path of nature.

Thus concludes my tirade. Thank you for reading and while I don't believe I will sway many minds I hope I've at least brought a good point to light.

i am willing to guess that the attitude of taking on the term like that with pride comes from the Punk mindset of being counterculture and achieving shock-value. by not letting it get to them it pisses of those who would refer to them as it, and thus becomes fun.

personally i hate it. >.> people will stick their heads out of cars to call me obscene names like heathen or fag. fucking hate it. but i just don't bother shouting back.

Actually apparently the term had other definitions I was not aware of, which is why people can be accepting of it. I still do not like the term based on its U.S. English definition and that it doesn't sound very nice or polite in general. It instills frustration in me more than anything. Here were the excerpts from my blog on Paganspace.

d'Arqstar wrote:

ROTF!!! MANY Asatru consider themselves Heathen...and it's NOT based on the dictionary term, but from the etymology of being one who lives "on the heath"...(rural type, salt of the earth, simple folk!) Technically? I'm heathen, though I don't use the term much because of this confusion. I'm Norse...and we tend to embrace the terms that predate Christianity...hence the term "heathen". It was NOT a derogatory term until Rome invaded and looked down their noses at people OTHER than themselves. Contrary to popular belief? Heathen is NOT a dirty or insulting term...unless you view it ONLY in the modern vernacular. Remember...PAGAN was "dirty" a few decades ago! LOL! BB d'Arqstar

Azuris-Raen wrote:

Every time I hear that word it reminds me of definition #2. So I am baffled as to where a pagan person would even considered calling themselves one. At least its not as bad as calling oneself a warlock; which shows how much you have failed to learn and grasp. I can see how the meaning of heathen can seem somewhat similar to the original meaning of Pagan (country dweller, "not christian",...)Even the word Pagan doesn't bode well with me either, but it will have to do for now considering the word polytheistic can obviously cause confusion, while the word pagan is more well known. My guess is that someone thought "heathen" sounded cool so they called themselves one. That or their dictionary is bogus... heathen (n) 1. a delinquent, 2. super uber cool spellcaster, see also warlock =P There no point getting angry at this; as it only affects them, hopefully they will eventually learn from their foolishness and change it.

d'Arqstar wrote:

ACK!!! Don't get me started on the term "Warlock"! LOL! It in fact has a very rich etymology as well...and I happen to know one of the most brilliant Warlocks around! NOT the church version of the word, nor the "Bewitched" concept of Uncle Arthur. Please keep in mind that words have different meanings in different areas...what means ONE thing here in the US or the UK may mean something else entirely elsewhere. Anger is a waste of energy...and it may only indicate a lack of communication. As I said, I'm technically "heathen" and I see nothing derogatory about that term. It's all a matter of perception. Foolishness is again...subjective. Should I call myself a heathen it would NOT be in terms of the "irreligous" and frankly, "Druid" calls up images of human sacrifice to many...so what's the answer? Get to know the individual behind the term and go from there...their concept of what they consider themselves is likely truer than the misconceptions of those who have not researched that particular realm. JUST...a thought!

Edanna Selene wrote:

As far as I'm concerned, it's a word used to refer to the Asatru-- those who worship the Norse pantheon. It's no insult and shouldn't be taken as such. I myself might be heathen, I'm still rather torn between the Celtic and Norse pantheons. Anyway, it's not insulting if you know what it means. Just like the word "witch", which for some has such a negative connotation, but for those in the know it just means someone who practices magic. I wouldn't be angry if I were you. No reason for it!

I'm was kind of miffed by the last one. It's a personal beef with me to be "Told" to do anything. I tend to want to do the opposite or they just irritate me and make me angry worse case scenario. So even when people have the best intentions I can still get pissed. It's a personal beef of mine when I think people are being fake about their peppy happy attitudes. I have no idea if they were, but I usually go for worse case scenario. There are a lot of posers out there after all (people who think they understand but don't).

_________________
"For many are called, but few are chosen" - Matthew 22:14 ver. New American Standard.
"Though my soul is born from darkness, it shall rise in perfect light, I have loved the stars too fondly, to be fearful of the night". Unknown
"On those nights that I gazed upon the full moon in longing it was always you that my heart was calling and it is now I realize you are the one." - me

*shrugs.* i'll admit i do think that you are letting unimportant little things get to you right now, but whatever. you've the right. just saying that just cause you have the right doesn't mean you should.

Like I said I'm rather irritated people were so happy to openly and willingly accept the term and it gave me more topics to post about. XP You arguing with a woman's logic? It is typically important because it does somewhat apply to me so...XP ^_^

yeah, i seem to never learn the futility of questioning girl-illogic. (sounds like "girly logic" when you say it! XD )

lol I see what you mean. Good to have an excellent sense of humor about it though. tee-hee

*shrugs.* ... it is still definately a great source of pain for me...

Don't worry I drive everyone crazy one day/way or another. XD lol

XD every girl does Mistress. every single one.

Depends to what extent though. Some you want to kill, some you just want to bash the heads in of, etc, etc. You get what I mean.

O_o; ........ i think i prefer to stick to my generalization... all these thoughts of killing in different ways i turning me on...

lol Sorry I have a very low idiocy tolerance as well as low tolerance for those who can't use common sense when they are capable of it.

i'm too far gone in my illness to comprehend that..