Tempest Smith- "Gone, but not forgotten."
~ Silver Ravenwolf
RIP Tempest Smith (1988- 2001)
Age: 12
Cause of Death: Suicide by asphyxiation.
Date of Death: February 21, 2001
Place of Death: Her bedrooom, outside Lincoln Park, Michigan, USA
We often hear of the many school shootings, and of course we heard about the girl who was killed because she believed in Jesus. But how often do we hear of suicides or killings because of Christians mocking Wiccans. Does the Bible, and Jesus, not teach to love your neighbor as yourself? Is he proud of the thousands of school children and adults that discriminate people of other religions, and races, and genders? I would like to think not, but Tempest Smith is just one of the thousands of suicides caused by religious prejudice. Statistics show that the traditional age of those who commit suicide are older teens; however, atleast 300 children ages 10-14 kill themselves annually \nationwide\. In Michigan, the number of suicides in the 10-14 age group has TRIPLED since 1995! From this, we learn that Christian hymns don't kill people; rather, it is that the children of another religion that can no longer take the verbal (and sometimes physical) abuse of Christian hymns kill themselves. Remember: "Thou shalt not kill." But does it say anything about, "Thou shalt not drive others to kill themselves"?
Tempest Smith was only twelve years old when she died. The day of her death was like any normal day: she woke up on time, went downstairs and had breakfast, came back upstairs and got ready for school. The only thing that went wrong was when she kissed her reflection goodbye. The lipstick smear on her mirror was still there when the ambulance arrived. Tempest was like any other girl, except that she wore dark, "Gothic" clothing, and was Wiccan. Her classmates said that she was very talented (she played the flute, and was an excellent poet) and a very sweet soul to be around. What really saddens me is that there was an administrator at her school that knew about the teasing: "I knew she was being teased at school, but I didn't know it bothered her that much. She never told me."
'Her lips were blue.'
AC (name will be disclosed), a family friend, was to drive Tempest to school while her mother was at work.
"At around 11:30, I hollered that it was time to go, but she didn't answer." She didn't get to worried until she noticed the family dog acting wierd.
"He was walking around in circles and whining," she said. "That's when I knew something was wrong." AC ran up to Tempest's room, and saw the girl hanging from her bunk bed.
"At first, I didn't believe what I was seeing," AC said. "Then it hit me, and I got a knife and cut her down. Her lips were blue; I was freaking out." AC immediately called an ambulance.
When they arrived at the hospital, doctors guessed that Tempest was braindead, but couldn't make an official prognosis. At 5:30 PM on February 20, the doctors told Tempest's mother that her daughter was suffering from irrepariable brain damage. The next morning, at 10:55 AM, Tempest was taken off life-support and died.
The imprint of her lips still remains on the mirrors of our hearts, a silent reminder of the prejudice that is thriving in our community today.
I hope this story affected you, and opened your eyes to the ugliness of the world today. (But, don't forget the beauty.) Sadly, religious discrimination happens everyday, mostly because religions teach that their religion is the only valid religion. In honor of Tempest Smith and all other victimes of such torment, please make the following pledge (by the Pagan Pride Project, taken from SilverRavenwolf's book, 'Solitary Witch'):
----Note: You do not have to be Wiccan to make this pledge!!!----
I remember Tempest Smith.
I remember that it's never right to make fun of someone's beliefs.
I remember that sticks and stones can break my bones, but names are
words of power that can wound the soul.
I remember that many mocked - and one died.
I remember Tempest Smith.
I remember that it takes all types to make a world.
I remember that nature likes biodiversity. This is true of beliefs and ideas as well.
I remember that I make a better witness to my own beliefs by simply living them, not belittling others.
I remember Tempest Smith.
And I remember that another person’s belief (or non-belief) is just as sincerely held as my own.
I remember to have the courage to say, "Hey, that's not right," when I see someone being ridiculed.
And the next time I am tempted to go along with the crowd and tease someone who is "different," I will remember Tempest Smith, and I will remember my pledge.
*The* *Pledge*:
I pledge my word and my honor to accept that another's belief, or non-belief, is just as sincerely held as my own.
I pledge that when I see prejudice based on religion, be it taunting on a playground or whispered in a board meeting, I will stand and say, "No. This is wrong."
I pledge that to the best of my ability, I will respect practitioners of other spiritual paths and treat them with kindness and courtesy.
"What is remembered, lives."
::EDIT::
This is NOT to degrade Christians. There are plenty of good Christians (while I do not believe what they do, I myself am an atheist, NOT a pagan.), there are also very bad Christians. There are very good and very bad people of every age, race, religion, and gender. I know that. This story is meant in dedication of Tempest Smith, to let her story be known that SHE HERSELF could not handle the constant abuse of the arrogant kids at her school. Throughout history, Christians have tormented Pagans, witches, and anyone who disagreed with them (within the hierarchy) because they, in general, were afraid of losing their power. I, personally, think religion is bullshit (I have my own reasons.), and that they all only grasps self-serving pieces of what little truth might be out there.
THIS ESSAY IS NOT AN ATTACK ON CHRISTIANITY OR ITS FOLLOWERS!!!!!
I wrote it with one intent, and one intent only:
To let Tempest's self-silenced voice be heard once again.
Sites where I got info from:
www.angelfire.com/realm2/amethystbt/wiccasadbuttrue.html
In Loving Memory of Tempest Smith
Included in the list
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Comments
1 - 43 of 43
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..I am a woman, btw. But I am glad this so greatly touched you. -
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Blessed Be to all the souls out there.
I greatly appreciate you for writing this colmn. It will be thought among my friends and I. It has to be the most touching thing we have ever read on here. -
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tears-of-an-angel
... I am glad; she deserves to be remembered
thanks for reading =) the more people know, the better.
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thanks kitty, im glad someone realizes the importance of tempest. :hug:
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I am compleatly disgusted that some christians find even this as a reason and way to promote "their religon" hurtfull words and phases laced two comments from self avoed chritains. if there are other chritains who feel that it is derogitoty to put such things on a memorial for such a beautiful young woman then I please eurge you to adress these two feinds. If I were to adress them, I would be accused of religous intolerance.
_panther, i know you loved this girl deeply, you mentioned her to me many times and i have read some of her beautiful work. It is ashame that such things drove her off of the edge into the abyss of depression that only few know well. May her body decay quicly and nurture the earht she loved so much
-your poiosn -
thank you for raising awareness on the hurt... what a beautiful piece
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wow, im shocked, amazed, hurt, i could go on, thanks for making us aware i will never forget Tempest.
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whom shall we blame? the christians, the catholics, the peers, the school, society????...all of them? none of them? in the end does the blame really matter?....let's remember a beautiful soul, and comport ourselves with love and kindess. ~tryst
Edited on Feb 23, 4:57 p.m. because ''. -
Speaking as an experienced occultist, my heart goes out to Tempest. I"ve had to put up with being teased nearly as much as she has and I can honeslty say that I've taken that pledge and apologized to those I've teased in my time. Thanks for writing that..some people needed it.
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I was brought up a Roman Catholic amongst a streetful of Protestants. As children, we battled and jeered for years about things we did not understand and today I am of the opinion that ALL religions are the same.Whether we believe or not in God makes little difference, every religion has its share of suicides, murders and other nasty things. Before we critisise anyone for their beliefs we should take a good long look into ourselves. If you can honestly say,with your hand on your heart, that you haven't teased someone in some way and hurt them, then you are dreaming. In my opinion Tempest Smith should be left to "Rest in Peace"
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this is really hitting home for me. my daughter has a friend leaving school for the teasing and at 7:45am, today a boy got shot at her school. i am a bit astounded by all of that so i am sorry that i can not really comment other than to say that no one should be teased for any reason. viyanna r langager
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pitiful
Trite.
Ridiculously trite.
I myself am a christian, but quite open minded.
I consider myself hardcore. The boy who doesnt object to wearing eyeliner or girl pants. Many of my friends are goth (not to mention atheist and wiccan), and I love them. Interesting and unique. Keep that in mind...
No one is going to kill themselves because they are surrounded by people with a different religion, even if they are teased. They were other matters at play in this story, but its been turned into bull shit propaganda at a lame atempt for sympathy for pagans.
When she was being teased, why didn't she turn to her religion.
Circumstances such as this should ground you in your faith. It's apparent that there is no salvation in "wiccan".
No one, christian or otherwise, should come on here and post petty things such as this.
THIS IS THE WORST PART.
The fact that "pagans" have taken this sad story and are trying to use it simply for their own gain is pitiful. If a 12 year old knows how to hang herself and does it, she has other issues besides some teasing about her religion.
Edited on Feb 23, 1:31 p.m. because 'clear things up'. -
im a wiccan and a goth. i get all sorts of abuse daily from others. i juat take it as part of my life now its just something i have learnt to accept. does that sound wrong to some one? should it sound wrong to some one?
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i am speecless by this. I can't even begin to describe how i feel about all this. I was raised as a christian, and i have always felt that no one religion is better than any other. I get so tired of people claiming to be christians, putting down other religions, i mean, where in the bible does it say you have to be this paticular religion or you don't go to heaven? There are so many different churches out there anymore that it is hard for a kid to decide what to believe. I hate it when people push their beliefs down your throat. I am letting my children make their own decisions. I feel realy bad that that little girl will never grow up because of some stupid children that wasnt taught the values of other human beigns.
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I was at first very shocked to hear that a 12 year old killed herself. i will be praying for her. I myself am Catholic, which is Christian... I personally believe that Wicca and all of that other "religions" are somewhat crap... I don't mean to be rude or whatnot, but you asked for a critical review and that's what you are going to get. Not everyone is a good Christian. Most people really aren't. Don't blame there imperfections on someone's bad choice to end there life. Wicca is correct me if I'm wrong, a "religion" that worships the earth and things of that nature?!? Well I don't think that they earth will be very good to her now that she is dead. Her body is probably rotten already. He casket is rotting away and her body is now exposed being eatten by worm and things of that nature. Myself as a Catholic believes that after my death my soul will go up into Heaven or will go to puratory and will be judged there. Why would you worship something that will defeat or destory you later on. I myself made the pledge. I promise to be fair and stop the discrimination. I am sorry that this has happened, but you can't directly relate her death to the Christian religion. Then you yourself are discriminating... I was truly offended that you blamed my religion for this horrible thing. i do see that this is something that was very shocking and whatnot, but you shouldn't just point the blame onto people! I don't know what religion you are, but maybe you should know the greatest command from God... Love your neighbor as yourself... Love me for who I am and I will love you...
God Bless
-cait
I will be praying that God allows her soul into heaven... like i said before i was not trying to be rude and mean or discriminating in anything that I said. If I have offended you in anyway I am sorry. -
cant reallt find the words i want to express at the moment for this truly amazing write.filled with so much emotion.
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I really appreciate you posting this. It does something that we are in dire need of; it opens our eyes. A wonderful thing you've done intwined with a terrible act of prejudice here. Thank you.
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A sad tale you tell here, one that happens more than we realize. We have no idea of the impact of our words or actions on others - do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
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Wow. Very very powerful people should be well aware of different people that are around them! i liked this alot
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This is so sad and yet so real. I am a follower of the earth traditions and I go to a catholic school. I see prejudice against Wiccans every day as there are some within my school. So this really hit home for me.. I would like to promote this if you don't mind. The world needs to open their eyes to the things in front of them..
Moon Bless.
~Kenaz~ -
that was so sad. how can people be that cruel and heartless. just because one girl had different beliefs. i know how she feels. i am from a small town in minnesota and im an atheist which is a big deal to every one and i get ridiculed for it almost every day. that story truely touched me and i hope it touches others just as much.
greenfairy -
aw this is horriblely horrible. i hate when people are so horrible like this. it really should be against the law or something. No one should have to live through that, no one at all. poor tempest Smith, but she won't ever be forgotten because of people like you panther, your a great person for posting this. its very sad, but now we can see what can happen if you push people too far. Its so sad, i think i might be crying. I hate when people have to suffer because of other people's meaness. I try so hard to be such a nice person adn never make fun of other people and such, but i can't change other people, no matter how hard i try. why can't people just be nice?
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This is so sad... when I was younger (actually about her age) I nearly did the same thing. People never realize how great of an affect words have on others especially in Junior High.
I'm sure she's watching out for you now. Only someone who really loves you would make such a sweet gesture.
You're a better person then most of us for bringing light onto such a touchy subject. -
Ya, I read that before on a diff. site, it's really sad how people just go around making fun of people, wheather it's for their religion, of obesity, facial features, clothing options, ectetera... It makes me depressed inside when I find a little kid who can;t defend themselves... I tell my little brother to ignore them and if they hurt him, to come and tell me and that I will set them straight, wheather it be from lecturing the kids who picked on him or even setting them straight with a little slap or two. I really love my brother and whenever we can't find him, I get all insane. I'm really overprotective of my brother because I don't want him to lose me that same way I lost my sister. He barely knew her and doesn't remember much, but I went into a state of depression and I'm still there.
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dear god! thats a terrible thing to happen to anyone! im about to cry, which takes a lot. i would hope that those people got a good slap off karma. im not trying to be funny but i will not live in a world where stuff is happening and things are not being done about it. this is sadder than any poem or story can show- this is the cold hard truth.. no rhymes or twists, just truth.
May Tempest Smith Live Forever In Elysia With The God And Goddess, Here Is Yet Another Flower On Your Pre-mature Grave. May You See The Light From My Candle And Hear My Words.
Goodnight Tempest Smith, Goodnight.
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Hey this really really affected me because I have been treated badly like the girl and I have tried suicide but I survived. I feel so bad she died and I wish I'd known her and perhaps helped her! I'm so glad someone is realising that these types of things happen more often now. Thanks for posting this, it really did mean something to me!
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What a beautiful, moving write... I often write about the ugliness of the world myself, and because of religious intolerance, I've opted to follow Atheism.
"Sadly, religious discrimination happens everyday, mostly because religions teach that their religion is the only valid religion."
I couldn't agree with you more. This is a very striking story, and I hope it can touch others as much as it has me.
~Nixx -
I agree with you whole heartedly and even though I'm not wiccan, I would definitely make this pledge. Religion has harmed so many...How many has it saved? It doesn't make sense, which is why I don't believe any of it. Lovely story. I hope it affects many.
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OMG YOU HAVE THE PLEDGE HERE.
I've been looking everywhere for that. I haven't been able to find it. Nice work on this piece. It's nice to know someone is still trying to remind the world what we do to each other over stupid things like religion and sexuality.
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This is soo sad! I see discrimination every where I go, sometimes I wish that it could just stop. But people never learn...so stubborn..
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People will never learn... I'm sad to say that many people do this on a daily basis due to discrimination of all types... This was very touching.
Coconut
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I can't imagine how horrible those who pushed her to do such a thing feel now that they realize how much their words truly hurt. I know that I've wanted to kill myself numerous occasions because of discrimination but it wasn't from the fact that I was Wiccan or bisexual but that I was raised without a mother and I was the last person to see my mother alive. That was the one thing that people knew would hurt me and it almost turned me into just another suicide statistic. Thank you very much for writing this; people need to realize before it's too late that their words can hurt so much more than they think.
Hugs
Jess -
I's sorry DarkenedRainbow, I didn't mean for it to make you cry. I just meant to open people's eyes to the discrimination so real in our current world.
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This is so sad. It honestly made me cry. This was so sad. Thank you for sharing. This is so incredibly sad. Oh my gosh. Write on. ~*~SpydurPoet~*~
Here's a rose for her memory.
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This is sooo sad xxxx
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This piece made me cry. It's so sad. I'm reminded of a younger me...
Thank you so much for sharing this. I never heard of her until now.
Blessed be,
Kate. -
What a moving write. We all see what's going on in the world, but we tend to close our eyes and save us the pain. Good of you to write about a part of it, so that we can open our eyes to it.
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Crafted well
You know what I do not believe that people who commit suicide go to hell necessaryly and I have told others in my church that it is not in the bible despite their efforts to say so. I do remember these children and this was a really finely crafted write. -
This read has affected me more than anything I've read on this site. It is very difficult for me to not direct my anger towards the Christian faith, but now, more than ever, I am completely and utterly afraid of Christianity. My three years in the Bible Belt were the worst of my life. I was completely stifled from any original thought, physically threatened for believing in evolution and nearly fired for being an athiest. This wasn't High School, Ladies and Gentleman, this was between the ages of 26-28. All it takes is one glimpse at the billion-dollar, government-aided "Reclaiming America for Christ" campaign and you will discover the honest representation of the Christian agenda (Google it and gag, my friends). BT, you are my hero. Thank you for sharing this horror story so eloquently and further fueling my World Faith Watch. Take the pledge, huddle together, form a circle facing outward and be ready to defend your ideals to the end. Much respect and much love. Grazie mille!
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Sad.
That is so sad... And I agree... Some people are just cruel and heartless and evil and don't deserve any respect. My heart goes out to the family and to Tempest as well. God bless all. -
wow- she was only 12?? it's really sad that this happened. i don't believe in discrimination of others cuz of religion- and it happens to many of my friends when they travel- cuz we're Muslims. i don't have to agree with what u practice- but i will respect it and as long as u have a good heart- what's there to fight about? i hope we can all learn from this and become more open and tolerant ppl.
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This is a sad piece..especially after reading romantic poetry...I agree with masterblaster...people haven't learned much in over 2000 yrs...or will we ever...Peace Muddy
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Hi, This made me feel so sad that at 12 years old a child commited suicide, you are right people can drive others to take their lives,even an adult due to cruelty mentally or phisicly can reach the point of no return, why do people have to be so unkind, does it matter if she was Wicca?or I am Jewish or you are buddist,I don't think it matters at all,it is how we behave that is important,thank you for posting this I hope some people learn from this write, all the best Di.
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