Emily Paige

The evolution of witches as a concept is reflective of the societal progression of women’s rights and freedoms, in a way.

During the Salem Witch Trials, women were targeted for being midwives, widows and spinsters – especially if they were unmarried and seen with men. It was thought that women not educated by the church having control over women’s sexuality and procreation were the work of the devil. It was just another way to instate the power of the Catholic Church and denounce women’s power.

The mockery of the witch figure, this time the one shown in children’s Halloween costumes and stories of the evil witch, is just an extension of these beliefs.

I believe the fascination with witchcraft in modern media is a new symbol of progression and women taking back their power. Although there is still some misrepresentation of the actual Pagan community, I think it is a good thing overall.

Especially the way that social minorities tend to drift towards more of these stories in their youth – speaking from personal observation.

I also think it could be a creation of Utopia itself. As some comments state: it’s hard to imagine a Utopia setting because everyone thinks of something different, but everyone can agree that when conditions are terrible (war, famine, etc.), what comes after is usually Utopia-like. When you think about it, do these characters actually get a bright and happy ending? Or are they just free from the constraints of a broken world?

Everyone has different ideas of what is freedom and happy endings.

This has always been interesting to me. Especially the way that social minorities tend to drift towards more of these stories in their youth – speaking from personal observation.

I also think it could be a creation of Utopia itself. As some comments state: it’s hard to imagine a Utopia setting because everyone thinks of something different, but everyone can agree that when conditions are terrible (war, famine, etc.), what comes after is usually Utopia-like. When you think about it, do these characters actually get a bright and happy ending? Or are they just free from the constraints of a broken world?

Everyone has different ideas of what is freedom and happy endings.

This is so refreshing to see. Often I see websites and news platforms throwing around “woke” and sharing very surface levels ideas (harmful ideas) about diversity in film.

It is so important for children to recognize themselves in the art they consume. Disney has a long way to go but they are definitely making moves in the correct direction.

Great writing.