Women, Witches, Stereotypes
Women and Witches: Stereotypes from Long Ago
“Late in the fifteenth century, the authors of the notorious Malleus Maleficarum declared that there were “three things in nature, the Tongue, an Ecclesiastic, and a Woman, which know no moderation in goodness or vice” — (Garrett, 1977).
Have you ever wondered why all the witches in children’s books and cartoons are women? Why do they all have the same characteristics? They are old, walk with a magic wand stirring something in a large cauldron, and live deep in the forest like people who isolate themselves.
No, you are not alone. A week ago, this question suddenly popped into my head and led me to this interesting discussion. In fact, several articles answer my question. Interestingly, the reasons mentioned in those articles made me realize that the term “witch” is still often encountered in daily life, usually referring to women.
Historically, women have been known for three main strengths: their hearts, their words, and their talents in fulfilling domestic needs. These traits were considered inherent and expected of women — even to this day, for some people. Unfortunately, not all women have always agreed with this perspective.
Women who choose not to conform to these three roles are often seen as deviating from the ‘primary function’ of women in society. Unfortunately, this difference in perspective is not always viewed positively. According to Garrett (1977), women who end up living alone due to this different mindset become powerless — often ostracized by society because of socio-cultural expectations that demand women excel in domestic roles. This social exclusion can even impact their economic status.
There were no equality activists and women’s rights advocates as vocal as there are today. In fact, demanding the recognition of ‘wealthy widows’ was considered taboo and against social norms.
Interestingly, when I read a sentence in one of the references, I discovered the shocking fact that not all women accused of being witches were guilty. Oh no, I should have known that misogyny exists and that many women are still fighting against it to prevent more victims. However, the deeper I delve into this reality, the more terrifying it becomes.
“We knew they made no mistakes,” Africans said of one cult, “because the men and women they spotted as sorcerers were people we had been afraid of all along.” (Richards, 1935).
Stereotypes from the past often identified women who chose to live by their own standards and in isolation in deep forests as witches and troublesome individuals who were dangerous to others. Although I haven’t found strong references to the existence of real “witches” casting spells and causing chaos in a region, I still see that women are frequently blamed by society even today.
Dominant women who were unwilling to do domestic work and chose to live independently might have been seen as a “threat” to some people in the past. However, this is no longer the case today. Although it cannot be denied that some people still consider women who are too dominant and choose to live alone as “strange” and against the natural role of women in domestic matters.
Witches, whom we once thought of as terrifying figures flying on brooms and laughing maniacally, were often victims of misogyny and the cultural structures of society. Many of them were women who wanted to be independent but were labeled as evil and troublesome due to their non-conformity and societal limitations.
It is a good thing that women today can do whatever they want without worrying about others’ opinions. It is a freedom for everyone to discern right from wrong due to the ease of access to information. However, for all the witches and innocent women who have been stereotyped by many, it is a grave mistake that should not occur in the present day.
Reference
Garrett, C. (1977). Women and Witches: Patterns of Analysis. Signs, 3(2), 461–470. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3173296
Karlsen, C. F., 1940-. (1987). The devil in the shape of a woman : witchcraft in colonial New England. New York: Norton
Richards, A. I. (1935). A modern movement of witch-finders. Africa, 8(4), 448–461.
Sharpe, J. A. (1991). Witchcraft and women in seventeenth-century England: some Northern evidence. Continuity and Change, 6(2), 179–. doi:10.1017/s0268416000001326
