QUEERING WITCHES: A QUEER FEMINIST EXPLORATION OF WITCHES IN MEDIA

Abstract

This thesis is an exploration of witches, as depicted in entertainment media. "Queering Witches: A Queer Feminist Exploration of Witches in Media" analyzes the way history has contributed to the reinforcement of stereotypes about witches using queer theory and feminist analysis. "Queering Witches" also offers a broad view of the intersectionality inherent to the way witches are presented in media, specifically delving into definitions of witches, Satanists, witches of color, and the intersection of witches and the queer/LGBTQIA+ community. The introduction of feminist analysis and queer theory emphasizes the way stereotypes about witches and performance of power have been demonized by society in much the same way as the performance of gender and sexuality have been demonized.