Changing a Legitimate Stigma

The LeBeau Plantation House So by now, most everyone in the paranormal field has heard about or seen links concerning the seven young men below:

These fellows are self described "ghost-hunters" who have been arrested for trespassing after they entered the boarded up LeBeau Plantation in Louisiana. The seven have also been brought up on charges of illicit use after smoking marijuana on this historic property. This illegal substance along with their consumption of alcohol probably contributed to the decision that led to the next charge of arson. According to most news articles, the so called leader of this unit became so frustrated by the lack of paranormal activity that he began stacking wood in order to burn the place down. He was then able to convince his cohorts to help him. The fire was set. The plantation home was left a smoldering pile of ash. Only the four chimneys that still stand give evidence that this was once the site of an enormous residence.

This is a historic home which was once part of the largest plantation south of New Orleans. It was built in the 1850's. It's enormous history does not end after the plantation closed up shop as it was also used as a hotel and illegal casino. 

The seven men involved were arraigned recently and their bonds were set between $75,000 and $450,000. 

Let's look at this closer. These young men claim to be ghost hunters or paranormal investigators.

 Do you think they have a right to call themselves either of those things? Do you blame the general population for making negative assertions about all "ghost hunters"?

If I call myself a lawyer, how do you know for sure that I am an attorney. A lawyer would have passed the bar exam. He would have a license. He would have a law degree. Right?

What do we as paranormal investigators have that would prove ourselves worthy of being the researchers, professionals, and the scientists we feel we are. The answer for the overwhelming majority of us is nothing. Well, nothing in a frame anyway. 

Until there is a nationwide recognized credential, degree, or licensure for our type of work, all we have is our reputation. We live and die by it. The stigma that is created by these young men and others will always find its way into the headlines, but your team will only be as good as its weakest link. If you allow yourself to be associated with those with no ethical standards, you will be judged along with them. I truly believe teams who engage their hosts with honesty, trustworthiness, and purpose will find more invitations to do what they love. 

To all those teams who legitimately research claims of the paranormal, who obtain consent for every location they investigate, who make long lasting relationships with clients and property owners, and to the paranormal investigators whose dedication is relentless, let me say thank you! We fight this stigma together and gain the trust of our communities. Keep up the good work!

-Christopher M. Melvin (East Koast Paranormal)