#2209: newspaper article on Haiti Voodoo

[Robert Corbett <bcorbett@netcom.com>]

From: Mary Jane Fine <mfine@edit.nydailynews.com>

[Corbett notes:  Mary Jane Fine is not a list member.  Replying to the
list will not reach her.  Please answer directly to the address above 
this note.  Thanks,  Bob]

Hello. My name is Mary Jane Fine. I'm a reporter 
for the 
N.Y. Daily News, and I'm interested in writing a piece about voodoo. An
acquaintance, who teaches comparitive religion at Montclair State
University, told me that the practice of voodoo has changed somewhat
here in the U.S. -- that it's become primarily a home-based religion
here (rather than taking place in a temple), that the ceremonies are
conducted by mambos more often than houngans, and that it is something
people practice more on a crisis/need basis (loss of job, of spouse, of
health) than on a regular schedule.

I want to assure you that my interest in voodoo is serious, not
frivolous. I know voodoo dolls are a Hollywood thing, etc. (My husband
and I went to Haiti 20-some years ago -- Baby Doc was in power -- on our
wedding trip.)

I'm looking for an introduction to someone in the NYC area whom I can
interview -- and who will guide me in researching this story. My thanks
in advance.