In "The Witches Are Coming," author Lindy West takes readers on a journey through the complex landscape of modern feminism and gender politics. Published in the wake of the #MeToo movement, this book offers a sharp and often humorous critique of patriarchal structures, misogyny, and the ongoing struggle for equality. West tackles a wide range of topics, from pop culture and social media to politics and reproductive rights, weaving together personal anecdotes, cultural analysis, and biting commentary.
The book's title is a play on the phrase "witch hunt," which has been co-opted by powerful men claiming victimhood in the face of legitimate accusations. West reclaims this language, suggesting that it's time for women to embrace their power and challenge the status quo. Through her essays, she encourages readers to think critically about the world around them and to recognize the ways in which sexism and other forms of oppression continue to shape our society.
The Misuse of "Witch Hunt"
West begins by addressing the frequent misuse of the term "witch hunt" in contemporary discourse. She points out the stark contrast between historical witch hunts, which resulted in the torture and execution of thousands of women, and the modern usage of the term by powerful men facing consequences for their actions.
The author highlights how figures like Donald Trump have repeatedly claimed to be victims of witch hunts, despite facing no physical harm or legal repercussions. This false equivalence not only trivializes the historical suffering of actual witch hunt victims but also attempts to paint legitimate criticism and accountability as unfair persecution.
West argues that this rhetoric is part of a broader pattern of men in power attempting to deflect responsibility and maintain their privileged positions. By invoking the language of victimhood, these individuals seek to undermine the credibility of their accusers and garner sympathy from the public.
The misuse of "witch hunt" is particularly ironic given that the original witch hunts were primarily targeted at women, often as a means of controlling and punishing those who didn't conform to societal expectations. West encourages readers to be critical of this language and to recognize it as a tactic used to avoid accountability.
The Patriarchy Problem
One of the central themes of "The Witches Are Coming" is the pervasive influence of patriarchy in modern society. West argues that many of the challenges women face are not due to individual shortcomings or "likeability" issues, but rather stem from deeply ingrained systemic biases.
To illustrate this point, West draws an unexpected comparison between Adam Sandler movies and the way society treats mediocre men. She points out how films like "Billy Madison" celebrate male incompetence and immaturity, while still rewarding the protagonist with success and romantic relationships. This, West argues, is a reflection of the real-world tendency to give men the benefit of the doubt and multiple chances to succeed, even when they fall short.
In contrast, women in positions of power or seeking leadership roles are often subjected to intense scrutiny and criticism. West cites the examples of Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren, accomplished politicians who faced constant questions about their "likeability" during their presidential campaigns. This double standard highlights how deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes are in our culture.
The author also touches on the disturbing case of Ted Bundy, a serial killer who, despite his horrific crimes, was often described as charming and intelligent. West uses this example to show how even the most egregious male behavior can be excused or romanticized, while women are held to impossibly high standards.
By exposing these disparities, West challenges readers to recognize and question the patriarchal structures that shape our perceptions and judgments. She argues that true progress can only be made when we acknowledge and actively work to dismantle these systemic biases.
The Problem with "Getting Along"
West takes aim at the notion that we should always strive for civility and "getting along" in political discourse. She argues that this emphasis on politeness and avoiding conflict often serves to maintain the status quo and silence marginalized voices.
The author uses the example of Chip and Joanna Gaines, popular TV personalities who faced criticism for their association with a church that supports conversion therapy for LGBTQ individuals. When this information came to light, many defenders of the Gaines family argued that their private beliefs should not be subject to public scrutiny. West challenges this perspective, pointing out that such an approach allows harmful ideologies to go unchallenged.
West contends that the call for civility is often wielded selectively, used to shut down criticism of oppressive systems while ignoring or excusing more severe forms of "incivility," such as discriminatory policies or human rights violations. She argues that in the face of injustice, remaining silent or polite is not a neutral act but one that tacitly supports the oppressive status quo.
The author encourages readers to recognize when calls for civility are being used as a shield against legitimate criticism. She suggests that there are times when being "uncivil" – speaking out, protesting, and refusing to quietly accept injustice – is not only justified but necessary for social progress.
The Wellness Industry and Privilege
West turns her critical eye to the wellness industry, examining how it intersects with issues of gender, race, and class. While acknowledging that self-care and wellness can be positive concepts, she argues that the industry often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and exploits women's insecurities.
The author points out that the wellness trend, exemplified by brands like Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop, primarily caters to and benefits wealthy, white women. This focus on luxury products and expensive treatments ignores the more pressing health concerns faced by less privileged women, such as lack of access to basic healthcare or safe living conditions.
West argues that the emphasis on personal wellness can be a distraction from larger systemic issues. By focusing on individual self-improvement through consumption, the wellness industry often sidesteps discussions about structural inequalities that impact women's health and well-being.
Moreover, the author suggests that the wellness industry reinforces patriarchal values by emphasizing women's appearance and youth as their most valuable assets. This perpetuates the idea that women's worth is primarily tied to their physical attractiveness, rather than their intellect, skills, or character.
West encourages readers to think critically about the messages promoted by the wellness industry and to consider how they might be reinforcing harmful societal norms. She suggests that true wellness should involve not just personal care, but also caring for others and working towards broader social change.
The Problem with "Edgy" Humor
West dedicates a significant portion of her book to discussing the role of comedy in shaping cultural attitudes, particularly focusing on the impact of shows like "South Park." She argues that while such programs often present themselves as equal-opportunity offenders, their brand of "edgy" humor can have harmful real-world consequences.
The author critiques the false equivalency created by shows that claim to mock "both sides" equally. She points out that this approach often trivializes serious issues and creates a sense of nihilism, suggesting that all viewpoints are equally valid (or equally ridiculous). This, West argues, can lead to a dangerous apathy towards real-world problems and injustices.
West also takes issue with the notion that being offended is inherently uncool or oversensitive. She argues that this attitude, popularized by shows like "South Park," has been adopted by certain online communities, particularly in alt-right circles. The result is a culture that values shock value over substance and dismisses legitimate concerns as mere "political correctness."
The author encourages readers to think critically about the media they consume and the messages it conveys. She argues that truly subversive humor should challenge power structures and punch up, not simply offend for the sake of being edgy.
The False Narrative of Political Correctness Killing Comedy
West tackles the common complaint from some male comedians that "political correctness" is killing comedy. She argues that this narrative is not only false but also serves as a smokescreen for comedians unwilling to evolve with changing social norms.
The author uses the example of the character Apu from "The Simpsons" to illustrate how humor that was once considered acceptable can become problematic as society becomes more aware of stereotypes and representation issues. She argues that good art should be able to respond to valid criticism and evolve over time.
West is particularly critical of comedians who present themselves as progressive while behaving problematically behind the scenes. She cites the case of Louis C.K., who was lauded for his feminist-friendly material before being exposed as a serial sexual harasser. The author argues that C.K.'s subsequent pivot to anti-PC material reveals the shallowness of his previous stance and his unwillingness to genuinely engage with criticism.
The author contends that comedians who complain about political correctness are often simply resistant to changing their material or considering perspectives other than their own. She argues that truly great comedy should be able to make people laugh without relying on lazy stereotypes or punching down at marginalized groups.
West encourages readers to be discerning consumers of comedy and to support comedians who are able to create humor that is both funny and socially conscious. She suggests that the future of comedy lies not in doubling down on offensive material, but in finding new, creative ways to make people laugh while also challenging societal norms and power structures.
The Need to Normalize Abortion
West dedicates a chapter to discussing the importance of destigmatizing and normalizing abortion. She argues that the current framing of abortion, even by pro-choice advocates, often reinforces shame and stigma around the procedure.
The author critiques the common refrain that abortion should be "safe, legal, and rare," arguing that the emphasis on rarity implies that there's something inherently wrong with the procedure. She points out how media representations of abortion often focus on the emotional turmoil and regret of characters who undergo the procedure, reinforcing the idea that abortion is always a traumatic experience.
West argues that this approach is counterproductive to the pro-choice movement. By accepting and perpetuating the idea that abortion is shameful or should be rare, pro-choice advocates inadvertently strengthen the anti-abortion narrative. The author suggests that a more effective strategy would be to present abortion as a normal, non-shameful medical procedure.
To illustrate how this might look, West discusses the #ShoutYourAbortion movement, which encouraged women to share their abortion stories publicly. This campaign aimed to counter the narrative that abortion is always a source of shame or regret, instead presenting a range of experiences and emotions associated with the procedure.
The author emphasizes the urgency of this issue in the face of increasing threats to reproductive rights in the United States. She argues that now more than ever, it's crucial for women to speak openly about their experiences with abortion and to challenge the stigma surrounding it.
West encourages readers to rethink their own attitudes towards abortion and to consider how they might contribute to normalizing and destigmatizing the procedure. She argues that this is not just a matter of personal choice, but a crucial step in protecting women's reproductive rights.
Men's Role in Dismantling Patriarchy
In one of the book's most crucial sections, West addresses the role of men in combating sexism and dismantling patriarchal structures. She argues that while women have been at the forefront of feminist movements, true progress cannot be achieved without active participation and accountability from men.
The author critiques the tendency to frame gender inequality as a "women's issue," pointing out that this perspective absolves men of responsibility for a system they created and continue to benefit from. She argues that asking women to solve the problems of patriarchy is akin to asking the victims of oppression to fix their oppressors' behavior.
West acknowledges that some men responded positively to the #MeToo movement, expressing a desire to be better allies. However, she points out that even this response can be problematic if it places the burden on women to educate men about sexism. The author argues that men have a responsibility to educate themselves and each other about these issues.
The book offers several suggestions for how men can actively work to dismantle patriarchal structures:
- Refusing to participate in workplaces with significant gender pay gaps
- Striking on International Women's Day to show solidarity
- Taking on an equal share of domestic labor
- Calling out misogyny when they encounter it in various spheres of life
West emphasizes that these actions should not be seen as extraordinary, but as the bare minimum of what's required to create a more equitable society. She encourages men to use their privilege to amplify women's voices and to challenge other men's sexist behaviors and attitudes.
The author extends this call to action beyond gender issues, encouraging readers to use whatever privileges they have (whether based on race, sexual orientation, or other factors) to support and advocate for marginalized groups. She argues that true progress requires intersectional solidarity and a willingness to challenge oppressive systems even when we benefit from them.
The Power of Social Media in Feminist Movements
Throughout "The Witches Are Coming," West acknowledges the significant role that social media has played in modern feminist movements. She discusses how platforms like Twitter and Facebook have provided spaces for women to share their experiences, organize movements, and challenge dominant narratives.
The author highlights the success of hashtag campaigns like #MeToo and #ShoutYourAbortion, which allowed women to break silences around sexual assault and abortion, respectively. These campaigns demonstrated the power of collective voices and helped to shift public discourse on these issues.
However, West also acknowledges the double-edged nature of social media. While it provides a platform for marginalized voices, it also exposes women and other vulnerable groups to harassment and abuse. The author discusses the relentless trolling that many women face when speaking out online, particularly about feminist issues.
Despite these challenges, West ultimately sees social media as a powerful tool for feminist activism. She encourages readers to use these platforms responsibly, to amplify important voices, and to challenge misogynistic rhetoric when they encounter it online.
The author also emphasizes the importance of offline action to complement online activism. While social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and organizing, West argues that real-world actions – from voting to protesting to changing personal behaviors – are crucial for creating lasting change.
Intersectionality and Allyship
Throughout "The Witches Are Coming," West emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in feminist movements. She argues that true progress cannot be achieved by focusing solely on gender, but must also address issues of race, class, sexuality, and other forms of marginalization.
The author critiques "white feminism" – a brand of feminism that primarily serves the interests of white, middle-class women while ignoring or sidelining the concerns of women of color, queer women, and other marginalized groups. She argues that this approach not only fails to address the full spectrum of women's experiences but also perpetuates harmful power dynamics within feminist movements.
West encourages readers to practice active allyship, not just in terms of gender issues, but across all forms of oppression. She emphasizes that being an ally is not about perfection or receiving praise, but about consistently showing up, listening to marginalized voices, and using one's privilege to challenge oppressive systems.
The author provides several examples of what effective allyship can look like:
- Amplifying marginalized voices rather than speaking over them
- Educating oneself about issues affecting different communities
- Calling out discrimination and bias when witnessed
- Supporting businesses and organizations led by marginalized individuals
- Recognizing and challenging one's own biases and prejudices
West argues that true allyship requires ongoing commitment and a willingness to be uncomfortable. She encourages readers to view allyship not as a destination, but as a continuous process of learning, growing, and taking action.
The Importance of Representation in Media
West dedicates significant attention to the role of media representation in shaping societal attitudes. She argues that the stories we see in film, television, and other media have a profound impact on how we view ourselves and others.
The author critiques the lack of diversity in mainstream media, pointing out how this reinforces harmful stereotypes and limits the range of stories being told. She discusses how the dominance of white, male perspectives in media creation leads to narrow and often problematic portrayals of women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups.
West emphasizes the importance of not just having diverse characters on screen, but also having diverse voices behind the scenes – as writers, directors, producers, and decision-makers. She argues that authentic representation can only come when people from marginalized communities are given the opportunity to tell their own stories.
The author also discusses the impact of positive representation, citing examples of how seeing diverse characters in empowering roles can inspire and validate viewers from underrepresented groups. She encourages readers to be critical consumers of media, to support diverse creators, and to demand better representation from media companies.
The Role of Language in Shaping Perceptions
Throughout "The Witches Are Coming," West pays close attention to the power of language in shaping our understanding of the world. She examines how certain phrases and terms are used to reinforce patriarchal structures and minimize women's experiences.
The author critiques the casual use of terms like "witch hunt" to describe legitimate criticism or accountability, arguing that this trivializes historical atrocities and attempts to paint powerful men as victims. She also examines how language is used to shame and control women, from terms like "slut" to phrases like "asking for it" in discussions of sexual assault.
West encourages readers to be more mindful of the language they use and to challenge problematic terminology when they encounter it. She argues that changing our language is a crucial step in changing our thinking and, ultimately, our society.
The author also celebrates the power of language to create positive change, discussing how terms like "mansplaining" and "gaslighting" have given women vocabulary to describe and challenge common experiences of sexism. She encourages the continued development and use of language that accurately describes women's experiences and challenges patriarchal norms.
The Importance of Voting and Political Engagement
While much of "The Witches Are Coming" focuses on cultural critique, West also emphasizes the crucial importance of political engagement, particularly voting. She argues that while cultural change is important, real progress also requires changes in policy and legislation.
The author discusses how issues like reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and healthcare access are directly impacted by political decisions. She emphasizes that voting is not just a right, but a responsibility, particularly for those who have the privilege of easy access to voting.
West critiques the notion that all politicians are the same or that individual votes don't matter. She argues that this kind of cynicism often serves to maintain the status quo and benefits those already in power. Instead, she encourages readers to thoroughly research candidates and issues, to engage in local politics as well as national elections, and to view voting as an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time event.
The author also discusses the importance of staying politically engaged beyond just voting. She encourages readers to contact their representatives, attend town halls, and participate in protests and other forms of civic engagement. West argues that consistent, collective action is key to creating lasting political change.
The Power of Collective Action
Throughout "The Witches Are Coming," West emphasizes the power of collective action in creating social change. She argues that while individual actions are important, real systemic change requires coordinated efforts from many people.
The author cites examples of successful collective actions, from the #MeToo movement to labor strikes. She emphasizes how these movements have been able to challenge powerful institutions and bring about concrete changes in policy and behavior.
West encourages readers to find ways to get involved in collective efforts for social justice. This could involve joining local activist groups, participating in protests, or coordinating online campaigns. She emphasizes that everyone has something to contribute, whether it's time, skills, money, or simply amplifying important messages.
The author also discusses the importance of building coalitions across different social justice movements. She argues that many forms of oppression are interconnected, and that progress in one area often requires addressing multiple issues simultaneously.
West acknowledges that collective action can be challenging and sometimes disheartening, especially when change is slow. However, she encourages readers to persist, arguing that sustained, collective effort is the most effective way to create lasting social change.
Embracing Feminism and Moving Forward
In the concluding sections of "The Witches Are Coming," West makes a passionate case for embracing feminism and continuing the fight for equality. She acknowledges that the current political and social climate can feel discouraging, but argues that this is precisely why feminist activism is more important than ever.
The author encourages readers to reclaim the term "feminist," arguing that the negative stereotypes associated with feminism are often used to discourage people from advocating for gender equality. She emphasizes that feminism is not about hating men or seeking superiority, but about creating a more just and equitable society for everyone.
West also discusses the importance of intersectional feminism, emphasizing that the movement must address not just gender inequality, but also issues of race, class, sexuality, and other forms of marginalization. She argues that a truly inclusive feminism has the power to create profound and lasting social change.
The author encourages readers to find their own ways of contributing to feminist causes, whether through activism, education, art, or simply challenging sexist attitudes in their daily lives. She emphasizes that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger movement for equality.
West concludes by returning to the book's title, suggesting that the "witches" – women and other marginalized groups who have been demonized for challenging the status quo – are indeed coming. But rather than being a threat, she frames this as a promise of positive change, of a more just and equitable future for all.
Final Thoughts
"The Witches Are Coming" is a powerful call to action, challenging readers to critically examine the world around them and to actively work towards creating a more equitable society. Through her sharp wit and incisive analysis, Lindy West tackles a wide range of issues, from pop culture and social media to reproductive rights and political engagement.
The book serves as both a critique of current patriarchal structures and a roadmap for dismantling them. West doesn't shy away from difficult topics, instead encouraging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about gender, race, and power in our society.
While the book primarily focuses on issues facing women, West consistently emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and collective action. She argues that true progress requires addressing multiple forms of oppression simultaneously and working together across different marginalized groups.
Throughout the book, West balances righteous anger at injustice with hope for the future. She acknowledges the challenges facing feminist movements but consistently emphasizes the power of collective action to create change.
"The Witches Are Coming" is not just a book about problems – it's a book about solutions. West provides practical suggestions for how readers can contribute to feminist causes, from changing their language and consumption habits to engaging in political activism.
Ultimately, the book is a rallying cry for a more inclusive, equitable future. West challenges readers to embrace the label of "witch" – to be the ones who question, who challenge, who refuse to accept the status quo. In doing so, she offers a vision of feminism that is powerful, inclusive, and capable of creating real change in the world.