24 Apr 1999

From: Simon Bailey <stb@xalanth.demon.co.uk>

I hope to send this to the Independent Television Commission in Britain.
Could anyone proof read it for me, correct any inexactitudes, and see
what you think...

------------------ Cut Here -------------

Complaints Officer,
The Independent Television Commission,
33 Foley Street
LONDON
W1P 7LB

Xena: Warrior Princess; Episode: 'The Way' (not yet shown in UK)

Sir/Madam,

I would like to bring to your attention an injustice in the
censorship of a particular television show, which has unfairly prevented
its broadcast in this country.
The programme in particular is a particular episode of the
series Xena: Warrior Princess called 'The Way' which was due to be
screened on Sky One on Saturday 24th April, and on Channel 5 next year.
Sky are unable to show the episode due it being withdrawn by its
distributor StudiosUSA, after its first, and to date only screening in
the United States and the world; because a number of stations receiving
a barrage of emails from Hindu fundamentalists, a significant proportion
appearing not to come from the US.
This episode revolves around Xena fighting the evil Indrajit
with help of the Hanuman, the monkey god and Lord Krishna. The Hindu
fundamentalists objected on the grounds that it fictionalised their God,
and that Krishna gives his blessings to homosexual relationships i.e.
between Xena and her sidekick Gabrielle. The powers that be at
StudiosUSA subsequently withdrew the episode from US domestic and
international distribution, and will not reinstate the episode without
alteration subject to approval by Dr. Sunil Aghi, president of the Indo-
Americans Political Foundation, effectively censoring the episode.
This has upset, upset not only a number of fans of Xena: Warrior
Princess, but also the lesbian/gay community. Having seen the episode
from a copy of the TV when it was aired, although there was some
violence, Krishna did not appear to be demeaned in the story, and there
were no acts of homosexuality. In fact the writers, have not
specifically stated that Xena and Gabrielle lovers; there are only faint
suggestions, innuendo and double entendre known as 'subtext' that may
suggest this. The accusation of the episode suggesting that
homosexuality is acceptable suggests that the accusers consider
homosexuality an abomination, and is therefore unacceptable since this
discriminates against homosexuals. There is also no hard evidence that
Krishna existed. The Hindu faith has also been known to add deities down
the years, the latest being in the 1980s. Finally from the people
emailing in their complaints, it appears that a good percentage of them
appear not to have seen the episode before complaining. They surely
can't have proven the pudding if they haven't eaten it.
I, having seen this episode, do not feel it contravenes any
guidelines, and feel that a bunch of religious fundamentalists should
not dictate what I should watch. If they do not like it, they have the
option of not watching it at all. They should not have any powers of
censorship, be it up front, or by the back door. I feel that the episode
should be reinstated in its original form. If the episode is allowed to
remain withdrawn, the implications could vibrate through to other TV
shows and films. A counter protest been started up and information on
this, including the full story can be found on the World Wide Web at
http://www.tsoft.com/~cmwilson/ListOfArticles.html
Although I reckon it is not within your powers to do so, mainly
because the matter is out of your jurisdiction, I would like you to
investigate the matter, talking with Sky and Channel 5, and if you
decide uphold this complaint you would take steps to help the
reinstatement of the episode, including a possible strong advisory to
Studios USA.
Thank you very much.

Yours faithfully,

Simon Bailey (Mr.)

Simon Bailey, | No strawberry-blonde bards
Carrera AMD K6 with modem, | were harmed during the composition
Waterlooville, Hants., England | of this message.
http://www.xalanth.demon.co.uk |

21 Apr 1999

From: dtr <donnat@hooked.net>

At 02:46 AM 4/21/99 -0700, you wrote:
>From: "George Bone" <george_bone@hotmail.com>
[Re: your letter to Sky, and their response]
>

>As you can see - it's as if they didn't even read my message and are
>just sending out a automated reply which is probably what they are
>doing. In other words the whole issue is not being taken seriously at
>the moment.

I'm not sure whether you were on XAC when discussion first
happened regarding canned responses such as the one you
received, but Kit (and I, actually), posted that these responses
are to be initially expected, and they can be used as an excuse
to continue dialogue with the company. I've managed to
solicit human responses from a number of stations by
answering this sort of thing by saying something to the
effect of:

"It is clear that you didn't read my first letter. So I
am taking the liberty of sending it again."

And then I make sure to add that since it was the pressure
of stations that pushed Studios U.S.A. to withdraw the
episode, it is important that they hear from all stations
(or whatever Sky would be called) who are willing to
pledge their support if the studio chooses to return
the show to syndication, uncut and uncensored.

And then I try to end with a question, to try to get
a further response from them:

"Are you willing to contact the studio and tell
them they have your support if they do this?"

I have had stations actually apologize to me for their
canned response, and two have told me that they
have indeed contacted Studios U.S.A. about this matter.

The important part is for them to realize that we
won't go away, if they try to give us the kind of pat
response you received.

As for starting a boycott of the sponsors: unless
we are sure that it was the sponsors who pressured
for the show to be withdrawn, I think it would be
working against our present strategy of thanking
the sponsors for their support of the show, and
for sponsoring "The Way" when it was shown

Donna

From: i e <stand-in@juno.com>

'Xena' is an internationally known character now
after almost 5 seasons. Mention of the Warrior
Princess has been made on just about every hit
tv series, talk show, entertainment news program,
etc. that you can think of, including 7th Heaven,
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, ET, etc.

With that in mind, I'd like to suggest all of you post
this message or one very similar to all the tv and
entertainment mailing lists, newsgroups, etc.

Following message for post wherever you think it
might garner petition signatures:
---------------------------------------------------------------

SIGN THE PETITION!

The Xena: Warrior Princess series has suffered
a terrible blow this past month when fundamentalist
Hindu groups protested one of its episodes, 'The
Way, ' that dealt with several characters from the
Hindu religion. These groups claiming to represent
1 billion Hindus worldwide were able to fool Studios
USA/Renaissance Pictures into pulling the episode
from worldwide syndication. A movement by fans
is currently underway to reinstate that episode.

Become a part of that movement, help Xena, by
signing the petition along with thousands of others
who already have at:

http://starpoet.com/names.html

19 Apr 1999

From: "Lynne Gearhart" <lynnieg@tir.com>

This is an alert to the UUA regarding the Lesbian/Gay community and
censorship in the media. Several weeks ago a television show, Xena:
Warrior Princess, and specifically the episode entitled, The Way became the
target of a small fundamentalist faction of the Hindu faith. The Way
depicted, in a favorable light, in the opinion of many mainstream Hindu
followers, several of their deities. The hew and cry created an act of
censorship on the part of the distributers of this highly acclaimed
syndicated television program, and it was due to the outlandish tactics of
these vocal but misguided people. The original "paper" describing the
concern over this episode was clearly homophobic, referring to the main
character, Xena, and her friend Gabrielle as Lesbian lovers. Within the
past two to three weeks, over 3000 people have signed a petition to protest
the censorship of this program on all levels. The following website
will give you an extensive background on the events, including letters from
Hindu supporters of this cause.
http://www.tsoft.com/~cmwilson/ProtestCensorship.html

As a Unitarian Universalist and a Lesbian I would appreciate any support you
might offer. If you care to contact me further, please do as I feel very
strongly about this issue. Please take the time to look at the website
above, sign the petition offered, and encourage other concerned Unitarian
Universalists to do the same. Thank you for your assistance as we are
resolved to continue the battle against homophobia, censorship, and
oppression........ Sincerely, Lynne Gearhart

18 Apr 1999

From: MGJ586878@aol.com

Why only the Trekkies? Isn't anyone on a X-files ML, club, board or
whatever?
X-files deals with themes that put it in risk of censorship much more
than Xena's... What's happening to The Way now can happen to an X-file
ep. tomorrow.
I think many X-files fans would sign our pwtition if they only knew it
exists...
Storm
>>

Hi,

I'm a huge X-Files fan and I would be interested in posting a message on the
the X-files newsgroup I go on, and the many other I know about, to get them
to sign the pentition. I don't write very well so I would need help with it.
I have this so far;

Don't let this happen to the X-Files

As a loyal X-Files fan I am worried that what happened to Xena can happen to
our show.

.. This is were I need all the correct info of the hindu protest and our
counter protest. I want to get all the right information..

Then I'll write the current amount of signatures on the pentition, (2700?).
How it's fast and none of your information is given out to anyone. That we
need to show our support so this never happens to our show.

I'll also need a couple of web addresses they can go and see for themseleves
everything about the hindu protest and the counter protest against this
censorship/ freedom of speech, and as I see homophobia.

This is very rough, but with the information and help I can get from anyone
I'll sit down and write it up.

I'll post it on Monday or Tuesday, cause there's a new episode tonight that
everyone is very excited about and the newsgroups/message boards will be
flooded with threads about it and most likely mine will go ignored.

I look forward to your help,

From: Lynne <lynnieg@tir.com>

Thank you so much for the interesting Xena article on your
website....For those of us who have been fighting this battle for just
the past few weeks we have accomplished much....One of the more
interesting aspects for me personally is finding out about organizations
such as yours. I have bookmarked your site, and I appreciate all the
work you do...for all of us who protest against those promoting hatred,
and bigotry we can learn much from you...thank you again,
A "Xenite" Unitarian Universalist Atheist, Lynne

From: Virginia V Kelly <vkellyian@compuserve.com>

While I've written to Girlfriends, Out, Curve and lesbian Connection, I
have only received a reply from Lesbian Connection, which is considering
printing the info. Lesbian Connection has done a brief article about the
censorship of the Indian movie "Fire."

I'll be contacting the other magazines again this week.

17 Apr 1999

From: i e <stand-in@juno.com>

Regarding the current battle to reinstate The Way, if
you are mentioning the opposition, it might be a good
idea not to refer to them merely as 'Hindus'. If there
are 1 billion Hindus in the world, you can bet the
protestors are just a small minority of that total.

Think of the protestors as the Jerry Falwell segment of
Hindus as Jerry Falwell is a minority of the mainstream
Christians. Refer to the protestors, if you will, as
fundamentalists as Dr. Palat does to those who protested
the Lesbian movie that caused riots in India. Or, use
the comparison Dr. Mehra did of the protestors to Jerry
Falwell.

I think this is important if you are going to refer to the
protestors as anything else than protestors. I know we've
had discussions about not referring to the protestors as
anything other than protestors and speaking only about
censorship, but I notice some of your websites do talk of
them. And, I think it's understandable, because how can
you avoid the issue of referring to their religious slant if you
are going to explore the issue in-depth, because that is so
much of their claim, as misrepresentative (that they represent
1 billion Hindus) as it may be.

With people like Dr. Palat reviewing your website and perhaps
others of the Hindu community, it might be insulting to see
that Xenites think of all Hindus supporting the censorship of
the way, just as Christians would feel slighted if everyone
thought that they support Jerry Falwell banning of Tinkie
Winkie the Teletubbie.

Stand-in

15 APR 1999

From: "Catherine M. Wilson" <cmwilson@wildestdreams.org>

Laura J. Nielsen wrote:
> Everyone knows that more people participate in something when it's made
> easy. I am not a great letter writer, so I'm on my third draft of my
> protest letter. Suffice to say that, despite my best intentions, they
> haven't gone out.
>
> Would someone be willing to post examples that we could cut/paste and send
> off? I think it would help a lot, and for those who want to personalize
> them, fine, but it would give a good structure and format.

Sample letter to send to local TV stations:

Dear [name of TV station or contact]:

I am writing to express my concern that the Xena episode,
'The Way,' has been withdrawn from syndication. This
decision was made by the distributor, StudiosUSA, in
response to an aggressive campaign by a group of Hindus
who claimed to represent all Hindus worldwide, but who
evidently represent only a very small group.

I believe that allowing any group to determine what can
and cannot be seen on American television sets a very
bad precedent.

Many local stations were targeted by the Hindu protesters
with aggressive e-mail campaigns. (Many of those e-mails
came from outside the U.S.) Those stations in turn put
pressure on the studio.

I am writing to you to express my concern about the
issue of censorship and to urge you to contact StudiosUSA
and let them know that if they decide to restore 'The
Way' to syndication, your station will support their
decision to stand firm against the protesters.

[Your name here--a real name, not your Internet handle]

Sample letter to StudiosUSA:

Dear [name of a real person at the studio],

I urge you to reconsider your decision to withdraw the
Xena episode 'The Way' from syndication.

I support the right of anyone to protest when they feel
that they have been misrepresented in the media, but
I do not believe that anyone has the right to force the
removal of any material they find offensive. The price
we pay for free speech and freedom of expression in a
free society is that we will be exposed to things we
find offensive. But if we want those freedoms for
ourselves, then we must grant them to others.

StudiosUSA has set a very bad precedent by removing
'The Way' from syndication, and I urge you to reconsider
your decision before every other group that has ever
been offended by something on television takes heart
and follows the Hindu example.

[Your name here]

Go to the Top

11 Apr 1999

From: "Sarah Kathleen McKeithen" <lawless_love@zdnetmail.com>

On Sun, 11 Apr 1999 13:58:47 Catherine M. Wilson wrote:
>Aida makes some excellent points.

I can't possibly tell you how much I agree with that point. I was looking through the Hindu Kids Universe Book and I noticed how there were so many angry and biting remarks there that carry no weight.

Our goal is to get our point across, and although those kinds of posts may make us feel better, lets keep that amoung ourselves. THat will only anger the Hindu's becuase not only is that hurtful and causes resentfullness, the Hindu's had also requested that there was no foul language and the like in that book.

I'm just saying that those kinds of letters and posts can only make things worse.

Being calm, collected, and rational yet honest will keep this whole thing from going totally out of control. If we keep up sending such an angry and unflexable message we'll just make it even harder to see reason.

>I think we should also start making our letters a bit
>shorter. By now they have heard the various facts of
>the case. The challenge now is to get them to keep
>reading our letters.
>

yes! Also, again, if we keep sending hate messages to them, pretty soon they won't read them anymore and then where will we get? No where... we won't be heard.

>I'm about to write my own letters now to StudiosUSA
>execs. I intend to make the following points.
>
>1. I was alarmed to learn that StudiosUSA withdrew
> The Way from syndication.
>
>2. It has become clear to me that the Hindu protesters
> did not represent more than a small group of Hindus.
>
>3. I believe a terrible precedent has been set, and
> that the door has been opened to anyone who finds
> anything they see on television offensive, to
> launch a protest with the hope that they can force
> removal of whatever offends them from the public
> view.
>
>4. I urge StudiosUSA to reconsider their decision and
> restore The Way to syndication.

I think that the homosexuality point should be very strongly stressed. That people do not want to be discriminated against simply for being who they are. That can't be right, no matter what you believe.

>I'm not suggesting that anyone else follow this example,
>although if you're allergic to letter-writing, you're
>welcome to use it.

God, I hope that for all of you that nobody is allergic to it. If you are, than take some tylonal. Letters are important in this case. :)

>I do encourage everyone to settle on a few (maybe 3)
>important points you wish to make and make them as
>simply as possible.

Really. All they have to do is glance at a letter and see the length of it to decide whether to read it or not.

>A calm, rational tone, devoid of outraged rhetoric, will
>probably be most effective.
>

Yeah. Showing anger will only make them angry in return. Keep your cool, people! We can yell plenty around the list.

Battle on!
Sarah

"Even in death, Gabrielle...
I will never leave you."

Xena (One Against An Army)

From: "Aida" <aida@intercomm.com>

I'd like to caution everyone with their letter writing -- some of the ones
I've read have sounded resentful (even tho we feel that way, we really
don't want to sound that way) and inaccurate . Please be very careful about
using phrases like "splinter group of Hindu radicals," "religious fanatics,"
"cult," or "small group of extremists." This type of wording sounds
antagonistic and unprofessional -- and these type of letters risk being
ignored.

From: "Joanna Logothetis" <jujus@bigpond.com>

Hi everybody,

Just finished watching the 60 Minutes interview with Lucy Lawless & Kevin
Sorbo and it was great!! However, unfortunately no mention was made of whats
been happening with "The Way"!!! :(

Since these stories are always filmed well in advance perhaps they didn't
get a chance to work anything in........but they always do a follow up the
following week by discussing fans viewpoints from various e-mails that they
send in. Maybe if we all sent in a quick message regarding the unfair
censorship forced on our show by a small minded religious splinter group we
could get some good out of it!!! At the moment they are offering a
discussion/chat forum regarding the show. There address is :

http://sixtyminutes.ninemesn.com.au/news/60m_front.asp

I urge at least all the Aussie fans out there to send some message and if
some of you guys from other countries did as well it might make a bigger
impact.

Thanks
Jo

**remember this is "For The Greater Good"!!!

From: "Catherine M. Wilson" <cmwilson@wildestdreams.org>

Please remember that local stations don't make the decision
about what to air. If you write to them insisting that they
show The Way, they'll just tell you they can't do it if the
studio doesn't send it. That much is true.

If you complain to them that it was the local stations that
pressured the studio to withdraw the show, they'll just tell
you, "It wasn't us. We didn't do it." That may or may not
be true.

The most effective tactic, in my opinion, is to *ASK* the
local stations to contact StudiosUSA and tell them that they
oppose allowing content to be censored by anyone, much less
religious organizations, that they encourage StudiosUSA to
restore The Way to syndication, and that if StudiosUSA does
that, they (the local station) will support the studio.

Whether or not the local station put pressure on the studio
doesn't matter a bit. You can say that *some* local stations
pressured the studio without accusing the people you are
writing to. Then you can say that *because* some local
stations pressured the studio, it is vitally important for
the local station you are writing to to pledge their support
for the studio if they decide to air the show.

By asking the station to send the studio messages of support,
you are asking them to do something that is:

1. within their power to do.

2. perfectly reasonable to do, if they oppose censorship.

Some people have been getting letters back that state
either, "We didn't withdraw the show" or "We have no say
in the matter." Getting a reply like this will give you
the opportunity to write back to them and say, "Clearly
you didn't read my letter. I'm only asking you to let the
studio know that if they decide to oppose censorship, the
station will support them." Then ask them if they will
do that or not.

Some key things to remember when you write to someone
about something like this are:

1. explain in as few words as possible what you're
writing about and why you're writing them about it.

2. give a few cogent reasons why you want them to
take action

3. ask them to do something concrete that is within
their power to do

4. ask them to let you know their decision about doing it.

Kit

Return to Top

From: "Catherine M. Wilson" <cmwilson@wildestdreams.org
> Reply-To: cmwilson@wildestdreams.org
To: XAC@onelist.comSubject: Re: [XAC] comment on letter writing campaign

Aida wrote:
> I'd like to caution everyone with their letter writing -- some of the ones
> I've read have sounded resentful (even tho we feel that way, we really
> don't want to sound that way) and inaccurate . Please be very careful about
> using phrases like "splinter group of Hindu radicals," "religious fanatics,"
> "cult," or "small group of extremists." This type of wording sounds
> antagonistic and unprofessional -- and these type of letters risk being
> ignored.

Aida makes some excellent points. I think we should also start making our letters a bitshorter. By now they have heard the various facts of the case. The challenge now is to get them to keep reading our letters.I 'm about to write my own letters now to Studios USA execs.

I intend to make the following points.

1. I was alarmed to learn that Studios USA withdrew The Way from syndication.
2. It has become clear to me that the Hindu protesters did not represent more than a small group of Hindus.
3. I believe a terrible precedent has been set, and that the door has been opened to anyone who finds anything they see on television offensive, to launch a protest with the hope that they can force removal of whatever offends them from the public view.
4. I urge Studios USA to reconsider their decision and restore The Way to syndication.

I'm not suggesting that anyone else follow this example, although if you're allergic to letter-writing, you're welcome to use it. I do encourage everyone to settle on a few (maybe 3)important points you wish to make and make them as simply as possible. A calm, rational tone, devoid of outraged rhetoric, will probably be most effective.

Kit

Return to Top

From: "Catherine M. Wilson" <cmwilson@wildestdreams.org>

Please remember that local stations don't make the decision about what to air. If you write to them insisting that they
show The Way, they'll just tell you they can't do it if the studio doesn't send it. That much is true.

If you complain to them that it was the local stations that pressured the studio to withdraw the show, they'll just tell
you, "It wasn't us. We didn't do it." That may or may not be true.

The most effective tactic, in my opinion, is to ASK the local stations to contact StudiosUSA and tell them that they
oppose allowing content to be censored by anyone, much less religious organizations, that they encourage StudiosUSA to
restore The Way to syndication, and that if StudiosUSA does that, they (the local station) will support the studio.

Whether or not the local station put pressure on the studio doesn't matter a bit. You can say that some local stations
pressured the studio without accusing the people you are writing to. Then you can say that because some local
stations pressured the studio, it is vitally important for the local station you are writing to to pledge their support
for the studio if they decide to air the show.

By asking the station to send the studio messages of support, you are asking them to do something that is:

1. Within their power to do.
2. Perfectly reasonable to do, if they oppose censorship.

Some people have been getting letters back that state either, "We didn't withdraw the show" or "We have no say
in the matter." Getting a reply like this will give you the opportunity to write back to them and say, "Clearly you didn't read my letter. I'm only asking you to let the studio know that if they decide to oppose censorship, the station will support them." Then ask them if they willdo that or not.

Some key things to remember when you write to someone about something like this are:

1. Explain in as few words as possible what you're writing about and why you're writing them about it.
2. Give a few cogent reasons why you want them to take action
3. Ask them to do something concrete that is within their power to do
4. Ask them to let you know their decision about doing it.

Kit

Return to Top

10 April 1999

From: "Lynne Gearhart" <lynnieg@tir.com>

Please consider doing a report on the current censorship in the media
problem that has the Internet buzzing......I am sure you will have heard by
now of the Xena: Warrior Princess episode that has been pulled by the
StudioUSA organization due to an unfortunate, terribly unjust writing/email
campaign by a splinter group of Hindu radicals. This radical faction
managed to instill fear into the organization under the guise of religious
sensitivity and outright lies regarding who they represented. As
usual a small, vocal, minority has created problems for the many by using
typical tactics, and religious overtones to couch a deeper need to censor
the media and it's interpretations. Please do what you can to
investigate this matter, my fear is that if this issue goes unchecked it
will lead to further attempts to manipulate the media, destroy artistic
freedom and set up a climate of religious paranoia........The fact that
these religious fanatics are denounced by the majority of their faith would
have been detected had further investigation been done sooner. This
group is also attempting to manipulate the American media, long distance,
through the Internet, and the implications there are interesting. I
suppose I could go on and on, however, I will stop now with the fervent hope
that you may consider this worth looking at with your dedicated,
professional group of investigative reporters.
Sincerely, Lynne Gearhart

From: "Solari 02" <stargazer_10@hotmail.com>

How about writing to Rosie O'Donnell? She did have Lucy on the show
TWICE! And she was an official Xenite... mmm:) So how 'bout it? The
more people we tell, no matter who, the more sucessful our cause will
be!!!

http://rosieo.warnerbros.com/cmp/contact.htm

From: "Catherine M. Wilson" <cmwilson@wildestdreams.org>

It wouldn't hurt, when we see that our cause has been
mentioned in online media (or anywhere else, for that
matter) to write back to them thanking them for
covering our protest. There is almost always an
email address or feedback form on their page somewhere.

Not only would it be the polite thing to do, but it
would also indicate to them that there really are a
bunch of us out here who give a sh*t.

It also can't hurt for us to applaud articles like
the one on dailytv.

In response to their very humorous article:
http://www.dailytv.com/news/1203.html
I wrote:

Thank you for your wonderful article about the Hindu
group led by Tusta Krishnadas getting a Xena episode
pulled off the air.

Xena fans have learned that Tusta Krishnadas is a
white, European-born convert to Hinduism who now lives
in northern California. He was formerly a member of
the Hare Krishna movement but was allegedly tossed
out because he was too 'out there' even for them.
He has ashrams in Eastern Europe and Russia, which is
where many of the e-mails to local stations and
StudiosUSA protesting the episode, The Way, came
from. A coincidence? I think not.

FYI, Xena fans have launched a counter-protest.
There are many Protest Censorship websites up now.
Mine is at:
http://www.tsoft.com/~cmwilson/ProtestCensorship.html

Catherine M. Wilson
cmwilson@wildestdreams.org

From: "Solari 02" <stargazer_10@hotmail.com>

okie, okie... sorry for taking up your time. here's my little protest
letter, can someone tell me what it needs? email me at
stargazer_10@hotmail.com

P.S. don't worry about my lowsy spelling

I am sending sending this letter to make you aware of a current
situation involving the apparent censorship of an episode of "Xena
Warrior Princess" intitled "The Way" by a cult of Hindu
fundamentalists known as the American Hindus Against Defamation
(AHAD), The World Vaisnava Organization (WVA), and Sunil Aghi of the
Indo-American Political Foundation. A small minority of people that
do not reflect the whole Hindu community. Many Hindus don't even
approve of these right wing splinter groups in the first place. As
you may have known this is the same group that protested Areosmith's
use of Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom and remover of
obstacles, on their cover of their "Nine Lives" CD and Madonna for
useing the Mehendi and sanskrit sholakas.
In the episode Xena sought out the help of the Hindu god Krishna in
order to rescue her friend and sidekick Gabrielle. The protests from
this group were told before the airing of this show based or rumor
alone, before seeing the episode for themselves, about the possible
"fictionalization of Krishna" and that "Krishna would never help Xena
rescue her lesbian lover". First of all the program has never stated
what type of relationship is between Xena and Gabrielle, so this is
clearly a homophobic response and a point around which the protesting
party rallied to stop the national and international distrabution of
the show. Most of the protest letters didn't even come from United
States viewers but from Poland, Russia, New Zealand, Australia, and
other countries, where the show has not aired! The "fictionalization"
of any deity, Hindu, Christian, or Pagan is the only way
they can possibly be portrayed on television. Futher more, one of the
show's producer, Robert Tapert, has appologized to these people and
yet they still demand an appology.
The lucky fans that have seen the ep saw nothing anti-hindu, as the
protestors would claim, about the portrayel and rather wanted to learn
more about the Hindu culture, something all the preaching and / or
protesting they could ever do. I believe that that is a rare thing
amoung an indavidual at times in this hectic age. Many other cultures
have been portrayed in the same way on both Xena and it's brother show
Hercules in the past and there has never been such a protest. So why
is it that now these groups can tell the majority of viewers what to
watch? This is downright censorship, isn't it.
The whole Xena community would be greatly pleased if you would help
us tell the real story of how all this came to be. Thank you for your
time.

signed, Helen R.

From: i e <stand-in@juno.com>

After the airing of the Xena/Herucles segment on 60
Minutes this Sunday, April 11, it will be the time most
opportune to get publicity going on a nationwide
scale through tv shows such as 60 Minutes, 20/20,
etc.

My contacts at 20/20 up to a year ago, were Geralyn
Lucas and Joanna Jacobs. You may call:

20/20 ABC News in New York at 212-456-2020 COLLECT.

Ask to speak to either of these 20/20 staffers. If they
are not available, ask for another staffer. More than
likely you will be given voice mail. Leave a message
something like:

"Hi, 60 Minutes just aired a special segment on my
favorite show Xena: Warrior Princess. Unfortunately, the
segment was sadly lacking in the most current and
volatile issue surrounding the series -- the recent
censorship of an episode, 'The Way' which was forced
upon the Producers, Robert Tapert via Studios USA
through a small but vocal faction of Indian Hindus. I
just thought you might want to know about this and
possibly consider doing a segment on it since it is sure
to blow up into a major Freedom of Expression in the
Arts issue, especially if you've been following the daily
trades in the Industry."

Here's the way it works. The staffers sift through the
hardcopy letters they get and whatever pieces of
info from e-mail and phone messages. Usually, they
pay attention to the mail but that's a slower process.
If enough feedback is given on a particular topic with
enough potential as far as timeliness, popularity, with
the basis for factual research, interviews, etc. they will
make a 'pitch' at a staff meeting. I can write a pitch
as I have done in the past and present it by e-mail/fax,
so in that respect I might be able to help alot especially
if I get through to Dr. Achal Mehra and even the Indian
Ambassador (even if he is an extremist himself, remember
the producers will want to present BOTH sides of the
story).

Well, guys, spread this information put this on the official
Netforum, the alt.Xena and wherever else true fans who
will act on the behalf of this cause may see it. It's a good
shot at PUBLICITY, the likes of which you may be lucky
to partake and promote once in a lfetime. Become a part
of history!

Stand-in

9 Apr 1999

From: "xinda.wang" <xinda.wang@cwix.com>

I've just sent a letter to TVGen, please, tell me if it's good enough to
send to the other media blitzt people.

To whom it may concern,

I don't know if you have heard, but there is a certain Xena episode
called "The Way" that has caused great controversy between the Hindu
community, and the Xenaverse. The Way featured a Hindu god named Krishna,
who helped Xena defeat Indrujid. The Hindu community feel that Krishna was
treated as fictional, and Xena treated him an equal at best. First, the show
Xena is meant to show that people can live without the help of something
bigger, that people can determine they're own destiny. When Xena's in
Greece, she shows absolutly no respect for her own gods. If fact, she treats
them like dirt! But, that's what so good about the show! In fact, Xena has
never prayed to the Greek gods, but infact she has prayed to Krishna. The
fact that she prayed at all should indicate that Xena does respect Krishna,
and if Xena treats Krishna even as an equal, that's better than she treats
anyother god. Also the show itself is fictional. We have no reason to except
faith
believe that Krishna, the Greek Gods or anyone of that of that nature even
existed, but not everyone believes in the samething. Which
brings me to another issue. Just because a certain group doesn't agree with
one thing, doesn't mean that the majority of the people watching are going
to protest.

They also feel that because Krishna helped unite Xena and Gabrielle,
that
Krishna approves of Lesbians, and such. First, the fans who have watched
Xena from the begining don't even know if there is anything happening
between Xena and Gabrielle, besides best friend stuff. We don't even know if
they're lesbians, so how could someone who just saw one episode of one
season decided if Xena and Gabrielle share more than close friendship?

Further more, the executive producer, Rob Tapert, has sent out a letter,
apologizing and explaining all of this, yet these groups are still
unsatisfied, saying that they want a personal apology from Rob, when infact,
the man has done nothing wrong.

Also, the majority of the Hindu community isn't even bothered by this
issue, it's just a few groups named World Vaishnava Association, and such.

I ask you, as a loyal Xena fan, to, if possible, print an article in one
of your TV Guide issues about this controversy. No doubt, you have gotten
other letters concerning this issue. So, please, don't let this controversy
go unnoticed. We, Xena fans, feel that if we have enough media blitzt then,
perhaps Studio USA will put The Way back to it's rightful place -
syndication on National and International television.

Sincerely,
Yin-Yin Wang
Loyal Xena Fan

(NEED FEEDBACK!!)

> To whom it may concern:
>
> I am a concerned WGN viewer who learned recently that StudiosUSA
> pulled an episode of "Xena: Warrior Princess" from repeat circulation
> in the United States, as well as from first airings throughout the
> world. This was done as the result of a pressure group, commonly known
> as the Hare Krishnas. This group objected to the fictionalization of
> Krishna and of the purportedly homosexual relationship between the two
> leading characters in the series.
>
> StudiosUSA claims they had done so because of pressure from the
> American TV affiliates. I am asking if WGN received emails, faxes,
> telephone calls, etc., from this group in an attempt to force the
> station to cancel the repeat airing of the episode, "The Way."
>
> Right now I am grieving over the loss of a very precious freedom, the
> right to view a TV program, whatever that program may be. Many years
> ago I worked for WSNS-TV and quickly learned that those who work in
> the media abhor censorship and are ready to fight against it.

I am including the telephone number and the fax number of StudiosUSA.
Please contact them to let them know that WGN strongly disagrees with
this act of censorship and want to see "The Way" in the repeat schedule.

The telephone number of Studios USA is

310-360-2300

Their fax number is

310-360-2666

Because WGN is a superstation, its opinions carry a great deal of
weight. By letting them know that you strongly disagree with the pulling
of the "Xena" episode, "The Way," you will help prevent further demands
of censorship in the future.

Thank you so much for listening.

A loyal WGN Chicago viewer,

Cherie A. Pleau

From: simahoyo <simahoyo@blarg.net>

I wrote to NOW (National Organization of Women) in the USA at this
address. This group fights for women's rights worldwide.
http://www.now.org/comments.html
Simahoyo

Dear friends:

I have been trying to send you a copy of a letter that I send to several places today, I think I have been having problems with my e-mail today so if you get two of this please read one and delete the other, and if possible give me your feedback.

I do not intent to take to much of your time and e-mail space. This is a long letter.

Hope to hear from you all,

Beboman

April 9, 1999

A letter of protest:

What am I protesting? I am protesting the fact that a group of religious fanatics have taken away my opportunity to enjoy a very good and uplifting episode, "The Way" from one of my favorite programs, "Xena: Warrior Princess". I am protesting the fact that this same group has managed to take this episode off the air and millions of people around the world will miss the opportunity to also see and enjoy it. I am protesting the fact that because this group has forced a major USA distributing company to withdraw the episode from its affiliates, many millions of people around the world will not be able to really decide if this episode was offensive or not. Because of the actions of "a few", the majority of us have been stripped of the right to see something on television we like and have been deprived the right to make up our own minds about the nature of this episode. Because of the actions of "a few", we, the majority, have been treated as less than second class citizens worldwide. Then, I ask, is this the path to our future. Is this the legacy we are going to leave to our children?

To those of you interested in hearing the other side of the story or how the other side of this controversial issue feels, I provide one of those voices with this letter of protest. I am responding to what I think is an atrocity committed because of what "a few" think is "The Greater Good". We have been saturated with ratings for television, CD's and movies for years, but now we have moved into a much bigger area. Now we pull episodes from a program because "a few" say it is offensive. When did "a few" dictate what the majority could and could not see? I think this is an outrage.

As a parent and a grandparent, I do agree that we have the responsibility to watch and monitor what our children are watching on television, movies and hearing on the radio. But our zeal to protect our children and our religious beliefs does not give us the right to take away something other people may want and are entitled to see or hear.

Maybe at the beginning of the show there should have been a warning stating that parts of the episode may be considered offensive to some people. This would afford the opportunity to those who now claim they were offended to change the channel or just turn off the television and read a book. Maybe that is where the mistake was made.

However, I do not think that a mistake was made in the filming of the episode. As a mother and a grandmother, I watched that particular episode very closely because I wanted to make sure nothing in it would be bad for the younger members of my family to view. What I saw was the love and friendship of two people who would give their lives for each other. I saw a merciful God willing to help those in need to save the life of a person pure of heart and soul. I saw a God so merciful that he was willing to help a warrior who was fighting on the side of goodness and love. I saw a God who was willing to give advice and help to a warrior so she could help bring a dear friend to safety and, in doing so, be able to defeat an evil God who was on the warpath against a new Devi, a new prophet, a good soul who needed protection.

Since when is the portrayal of a God who is full of mercy and understanding offensive. Since when is fighting for love and understanding and helping those who cannot help themselves an offensive act? I did not see any mocking of a God or making any God into a fantasy figure. On the contrary, what I saw was a valiant effort to elevate that God to the highest standards, making the viewers respect and desire to know more about this God and his followers. Because of the censorship of "a few", that door to knowledge and understanding has been closed.

Throughout the series, Xena has been a stoic character who needs no God to save her or protect her. She fights her own battles and relies only on herself to survive. This time, however, she prayed not to a Greek God, but to Krishna, a Hindu God. She called upon his strength and good heart to help her, to give her the strength to fight evil and save not only the life of a dear friend, but the lives of many. What better way to elevate a God to a high standard than to have the heroine of the show pray to Krishna; something she never does. This displays absolute reverence and respect.

Because of this show, the curiosity to learn more about this religion and its ideas was sparked in me. I thought it would also be good for the younger people in my family to learn more about this beautiful people. But, as the events of the last few weeks unfolded, I have noticed that a small group of people have turned something potentially instructive for both sides into something low and ugly.

In their protest, the "few" state they were offended because the portrayal of their God aiding Xena in rescuing her "obvious" lesbian lover. I have a problem with this statement. I have been a fan of the show for several years and I have never seen or heard the lead characters state that they are lesbians or lovers. They have stated throughout the show that they are "best friends". Now I ask, is this something so repulsive that it merits the pulling of the episode. I thought friendship was something that was approved by all religions. I thought that being able to love another human being was also something that was approved by all religions. Or is it that the "few" considers love for others, as well as friendship, offensive. If this is so, what a sad and lonely religion the "few" belong to.

However, as I write this letter of protest, it has come to my attention that, while protesting loudly and indignantly, this hypocritical "few" are selling bootlegged copies of the very episode they just condemned. So I have to ask: How exactly is it right for these "few" to see this episode and pass judgment, but it is wrong for the rest of us to see it and make up our own minds about it. In addition, doesn't it taint one's protest to profit from that which you are so loudly protesting.

What I am asking for with this letter is to please allow the rest of us to enjoy the opportunity to see the episode, especially now that "the few" are watching it and are reaping the economic benefit of selling it to their own contingent. Don't you think it would be right to let the rest of the world enjoy what, at this time, just "a few" are enjoying.

Please lift the ban and let the world decide for themselves the true value of this episode.

Sincerely your,

Beboman

8 Apr 1999

From: Lynne <lynnieg@tir.com>

Please investigate the serious problems of censorship visited upon this
popular television series by some splinter group of American Hindus...It
has caused quite an uproar in the "Xenaverse" and should be looked into
by an organization with a nationwide base such as yours.....Certainly
would be appreciated by the world wide audience of this terrific,
entertaining program that embraces diversity and has been a leader in
the field of syndicated television....Sincerely, Lynne Gearhart

7 Apr 1999

From: KSZoneW@aol.com
To: XAC@onelist.com

Tell me how I did.

----------

Dear WGN Channel 9,

This letter is in regards to the recent protest of an episode of
"Xena: Warrior Princess" called "The Way." The fans of the show
were very upset to learn that stations decided not to air the
episode in the upcoming week's series of replays. I am writing to
support the show and episode and ask you guys to reconsider not
airing it.

The episode means alot to us fans, and is not offensive in any
way, shape, or form. "Xena" is fantasy and mythology, which the
particular episode indeed was formed after. It had a magic carpet
ride, several gods, an ape man, a mosnter who grew six hands, and
come very powerful and dramatic events. It was a true piece of
art and was one of the best action packed hours of the entire
current season of the show.

I've been a major viewer of all the action/adventure shows on
your station. I love Xena and Hercules. I got up extra early to
watch Sinbad. I gained intrest in Star Trek and Final Conflict
by checking out the ads during the Bulls and Cubs Games.

Please don't censor XWP by not airing the episode. It will break
the hearts of many fans and maybe even hurt the chances of the
series lasting. Please reconsider.

Sincerly
K. Simmons

better knows in the xenaverse as HBKid

Loyal WGN viewer since I was born.

http://members.spree.com/kszonew/intro.htm

Once I get my final copy, or if this is my final, I will spell
check and mail it and also email it to them.

To: hx@usanetwork.com
CC: xac@onelist.com (xac)

From: "Lynne Gearhart" <lynnieg@tir.com>

Please show concern for the loyal viewers of Xena:Warrior Princess as this
controversy continues to get play in the media. A vocal minority has
succeeded in having an episode, The Way, pulled from further distribution,
worldwide. To those of us who have served in the military for the
principles of freedom, the thought of a group of religious fanatics having
this power is truly frightening. I would urge the USA Network to balance
all sides, with input from more than the loudest factions, from the voices
of reason, the creators, and of course the most important your viewing
audience.
Sincerely, Lynne Gearhart (USNavy 66-69)

To whom it may concern:

I am deeply concerned over reports that the pulling of the Xena episode
"The Way" from national syndication was in response to demands from the
local affiliate stations due to a well organized blitz by a Hindu religious
group. According to the information I have, local stations which air the
program demanded that this episode be pulled on the basis of
religious/cultural defamation.

Since I am not Hindu, I cannot say whether the episode was disrespectful of
their deity or not. I do know that as a viewer, I have the option to turn
the channel if I do not agree with the message I feel I am receiving from a
program. To me, this feels allot like censorship--one small group of
people dictating what can and cannot be seen by a large viewing audience.
I cannot help but imagine what kind of precedent this will set. Any small,
well organized group can protest anything and a program can be pulled from
national syndication?? What kind of power are we allowing small radical
groups?
What has happened to the rights of those of us who would like to have the
opportunity to make up our own minds as to whether something is derogatory
or defaming? Does this not impact on my freedom of speech, or do I as an
ordinary viewer without a religious or political agenda no longer have a
voice?
I watch TV for a variety of reasons. I watch Xena not only for the
entertainment value, but because it has introduced me, or reintroduced me,
to different ways of thinking, different cultures and different religions.
I was enthralled with the India arc that "The Way" was a part of. I found
Hinduism intriguing and began to research it, until I found that the dogma
of the religion is a far cry from it's representatives. Something that
could educate and fire a mind to search out information would, to me, be a
good thing. Instead, this group based their protest over a program they
had never seen, making assumptions that it fantasized or defamed one of
their deities and promoted homosexuality. If the entire issue/protest was
based on a purely religious ground I would agree that some negotiating
might be in order.
But a major part of their protest centers around the supposedly homosexual
relationship between the two lead characters, and that that "type" of
relationship in itself was distasteful, offensive, and unexceptable to
them. In my book that is not only homophobic but discriminatory as well.
The relationship of the two leading characters has always been open for the
personal interpretation of the viewer. But, according to the information I
have, the local affiliates caved to this blatant discrimination and
misinformation, insisting that the episode not be run again, or in many
cases, never run at all. What a tragedy for so many to be deprived of the
opportunity to use their own minds and make decisions for themselves as to
what they are to watch, what they are to believe, and what they are to be
exposed to.
I would be very interested in your feedback about this issue. I will
continue to watch the shows I find entertaining, but because a small group
with a prewritten agenda has the power to have a show or episode of a
program pulled I will be leery of becoming a fan of any show that might
cause me to use my own judgment about an issue that might or might not
become controversial.
Thank you for your time and I anxiously await your response.
Sincerely,

Becky Calvert
<lostkiwi@worldnet.att.net>
San Antonio, Texas