A specter is haunting worldwide consciousness- the specter of “Xena: Warrior Princess”

The Xenite Manifesto

By Indiana Pihlak

A specter is haunting worldwide consciousness- the specter of “Xena: Warrior Princess”. It has been three years since driving force known as “Xena” ended, but she has lived on in syndication and in the hearts of fans all over the world. By a Brazilian cartoonist, an Australian web-mistress, a New York City gay bar, a Dutch fan magazine, and countless others, her message of peace, acceptance, and defending the greater good is being passed on.

Fans of “Xena: Warrior Princess” are one of the most powerful groups to be considered a sub-culture. Our talents for organization has formed such institutions as The Xenaversity of Minnesota, Whoosh (a news service that specializes in information related to “Xena”), and the Sword and Staff charity fundraiser. The work Xenites (“Xena” fans) have done for charities are some of our proudest achievements. The Sword and Staff has raised $390,000 for various charities and non-profit organizations, such as The Starship Children’s Hospitial and the Kevin Smith Trust Fund, in the six years it has existed. Every Xena Convention includes a charity auction. The 2003 Pasadena Xena Convention raised over $47,000. The continuation of Xenites is therefore important to the betterment of the world.

This is why it is so worrisome that the number of Xenites is shrinking. The number of people who are “getting over” “Xena” exceeds the number of people who are discovering the show for the first time. It is understandable for this to happen when a show ends, but it is not acceptable. The DVDs of the series are coming out every six months and what’s more, the “Xena: Warrior Princess” movie will be coming to theaters in a matter of a few years.

This is the time for new Xenites to be recruited. We can not count on Studios USA or Renaissance Pictures to market the show correctly since they have not even created an ad campaign for the DVD release. We fans have to take it upon ourselves to do what we believe is right for the continuation of the Xenaverse.

1. We must spread the message to friends and family. Suggest that they just watch one episode and then pick the one that best matches their interest. There is something for everyone in our show, we just have to expose them to it. A growing interest is sure to follow.

2. Make references in the show whenever applicable. Many scenarios that can happen in real life were explored during the six seasons “Xena” was on. Everything relates to “Xena” in some way.

3. Link to Xena sites in your email signature and on your websites. Nearly everyone has a website these days and some sort of following. Endorse the good word of Xena there.

4. The last and most revolutionary step to be taken in any subculture- Place print ads and make TV commercials in support of the show and mentioning the DVD release. If it works for politicians, it can work for us.

Together, we can do this. We can spread the ideals set by “Xena” and help the world.

XENITES OF ALL LANDS, UNITE!