Witches

The witch stereotype has been something our culture has been manipulating and adapting since the begging of time. The stereotype we have with witches is really annoying. Its basically our society saying we are terrified of women, and the only way we can conquer them and be bigger than them is to basically put them down and make them feel worthless. Salem with trials is a huge example of this; women were slaughtered and tortured because they were feared. People would accuse them of bewitching them and torturing them with their witch powers. 

Most of the stereotypes witches have a lot to do with the witch being a force that’s not human. They wear black and have a deal with Satan to receive supernatural powers. Many witches are associated with Satan and the imagery that Satan is associated with, like the pentagram.

I ended up watching Kiki’s delivering service, which so happens to be one of my favorite Mayazaki films. I feel Mayazaki sees witches in a positive light, which is really different from most of the stereotypes witches have. Kiki is a sweet inexperienced witch who has to take her goals and travel and learn from others. She has a hard time adapting to the culture where she decides to choose. Most people don’t understand witches and don’t want one in their town, but Kiki doesn’t give up and is consistent on finding her calling. Kiki’s delivery service seems to break the stereotype that other movies and novels say about witches. I think the way she is integrated into society makes it feel very normal. Most towns understand the role of a witch and for the most part invites witches to join their town. Most witches are used to create potions and bring useful spells to help the town folk. Even though Kiki is appreciated by lots of people in the town, I still think there is a negative attitude by some people towards her, because she is a outsider and basically a unknown force to them.