In my previous post, WOO TAKEDOWN # 001 – The Banda Witchcraft Saga, we saw how sometimes even reputable media houses lend credence to the notion that witchdoctors possess supernatural powers by running uncritical news reports about such phenomena. When the actual reports are examined, however, there isn’t anything resembling good evidence put forward in support of such a notion.
Wow… great shot! It’ll look great on the 9 o’clock news!!!
Once they receive a tip about a witch-doctor somewhere, reporters will typically ‘visit the scene’ and interview bystanders who will offer all kinds of wild tales about what they claimed happened at the scene. Because these stories run rampant in areas where the majority haven’t gone far with formal education, the ‘interviewees’ end up being the likes of peasants, market vendors, small-business owners, taxi drivers, boda-boda riders or idle youths. Naturally, their accounts of events are informed by the pervasive superstitious beliefs widely held in their communities. Such news stories seldom, if ever, feature a skeptical or scientific voice to offer a rational counter-point to the wild claims being made by the typical TV ‘interviewee’.
Sadly, this absence of skepticism is commonplace in the Ugandan media, whether it be television, radio or newspaper when it comes to coverage of stories that have something to do with witchcraft, or witch-doctors. Media houses almost seem to relish covering the spectacle of hysterical villagers as they report these witchcraft-related stories (probably because it makes great news footage for TV, or pictorials for newspapers).
Why should this be of any concern?
As I discussed in a previous post…
As harmless as running such news stories may seem, they are effective in reinforcing superstitious thinking among the general Ugandan public. People will consult witchdoctors for solutions to their problems, after all, even reputed media houses like NTV Uganda are running news stories in prime time called “Witch’s Magic Formula delivers Banda Thieves.” Reinforcing these beliefs perpetuates such horrors as ritual child sacrifice, because people are being led to believe by the local news media that witchcraft is efficacious.
The news media needs to be aware of the fact that by airing uncritical news reports about witchcraft, they worsen an already bad situation.
What could be the problem? Where is the skepticism?
Is there difficulty in finding local experts, or professionals, in the relevant fields to comment on these matters from a scientific perspective? Do the local ‘experts’ themselves believe in the efficacy of witchcraft? Do the reporters themselves believe in the efficacy of witchcraft, hence see no need for the inclusion of a skeptical perspective? Does the pressure of tight deadlines compel some reporters to overlook the inclusion of a skeptical perspective to these stories? Or do they intentionally seek such stories about witchcraft for the purpose of sensationalism, and entertainment value, in which case the inclusion of a skeptical viewpoint might seem counter-productive?
Might it be possible to incorporate a skeptical perspective in future news stories featuring witchcraft?
We wish to meet with members of the media in this month’s Freethinkers’ Night and ask them these questions, and also hear what they have to say about the issue of witchcraft in general. We will be inviting several prominent news reporters and news editors representing a wide spectrum of the local media in a bid to engage them on this very important issue.
There will also be a video presentation, and joining us will be Henry Ford Mirima, co-author of Unveiling Witchcraft.
And as usual, if you are an open minded person whose opinions are formed not by religious or cultural dogma but on the basis of science, logic, and reason and are interested in meeting like-minded individuals – you are WELCOME to join us at the meeting.
The October Freethinkers’ Night is going to take place on Thursday, 28th October 2010 at 4 Points Bar & Restaurant, Centenary Park, Kampala, starting 6PM. Entrance is FREE.
Next month:
Freethinkers’ Night November 2010: Which Religion is the ‘True’ Religion? A Dialogue with Believers
Freethought Kampala 
5 comments
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October 26, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Barbara
This is a topic I just love and sorry I can’t be at Freethinkers Night. Now living in Doha.
But what I can add to your intro, is that even the journalist never frames the reason why the person believes they have been bewitched, or their child has been sacrificed or whatever.
I remember one story when a whole village followed a bereaved woman who’d had a dream about where the head of her child whom she believed to be sacrificed had been buried. She was now trying to find it in a house of the alleged tycoon who sacrificed her child. This was clearly a case of a woman who was in grief. There was no witchcraft involved and her dream that she would find the body of her child was a manifestation of her grief and confusion about her missing child.
But the journalist made out that they were going to find the head. It was annoying showing all those half educated people getting excited about finding the head. This is why people think Africans are stupid. I had to lie down after that shocking piece of reporting.
Keep flying the flag for us sceptics of the world.
Best Wishes
Barbara
October 29, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Marc Alan Di Martino
“Might it be possible to incorporate a skeptical perspective in future news stories featuring witchcraft?”
We ask the same question here in Italy every time the pope comes on the news. They uncritically relate everything he says. There is no balance, and no contrasting points of view are ever presented, no matter how outrageous his words.
Great site!
October 30, 2010 at 2:51 pm
James Onen
Thanks Marc! Just checked out your blog too, its awesome. Bookmarked.
November 1, 2010 at 3:20 am
opheliabenson
It’s the same in the US too – mainstream media often report “psychic detectives” for instance as if there were evidence for such things. That’s not nearly as dangerous as taking “witchcraft” seriously, but it hardly helps to promote critical thinking.
November 1, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Marc
I can’t help but think this is why the blogs have taken up the cause of freethought: because the mainstream media pathologically treat religious/supernatural claims with kid gloves. I guess it’s up to us to be the fork in the rump.