I recall reading about that and another similar story.

Really, it makes me worry a little.

The news gave me quite a giggle since in mine even with religions became common the old time believe still practiced in the corners of our lands.

But, otoh, will this news got covered by outsiders if it's not whimsical/funny? It sounds like "Hurr durr look at them backward people and their silly believes" kind of news.

No, it wouldn't, and yes, it is.

However, I do think it's justified, since it really is horrible to think that ancient naïve superstitions actually influence the politics of large nations in this day and age. If it can affect internal political matters, then it can affect foreign policy too, and that's when it starts getting scary.

Coconuts do black magic? That's racist!

Not really, I'm speaking from experience. In Indonesia there's 5 big religions and yet the so called "black magic" believe still exist as well here. There are some politicians who actually trying black magic to gain status and position but it ended up we shrug and laugh at them.

I believe most people in Maldives don't even care about this event but some outsider saw this and decided to made it publish worthy news.

I was actually talking about the USA. The coconut thing is indeed probably only a laughing matter ;-)

You people laughing at those who think one can use a coconut for black magic... They're more reasonable than the Americans who believe the month they were born in has some mystical effect on their everyday life. At least coconuts CAN cause harm if thrown hard enough.