Hexing the Hivemind: An Exploration of the Ambiguous Witch Archetype in Reddit Communities

Abstract

The figure of the witch has been interpreted in various ways through centuries in Western culture, from a symbol of darkness and femininity to a declaration of independence and feminist empowerment. In this thesis, the researcher explores the discourse about witches on the online platform Reddit, known for its diverse and unconventional communities. I examine how language and visual representations are used to shape, challenge, endorse, or reflect ambiguity in the portrayal of witches on Reddit. The research also delves into how Reddit users negotiate the ambiguity of the witch archetype in their discussions and representations of witches, and to what extent these discussions reflect or challenge broader cultural understandings of witches as an ambiguous archetype. The methodology involves analysing two Reddit communities as case studies: 'r/HillaryForPrison,' a hate page about Hillary Clinton that represents the witch as a malevolent figure, and 'r/WitchesVsPatriarchy,' a subreddit that embraces and challenges the mystical aspects of femininity, representing the witch as a benevolent figure. Through a comprehensive review of literature and analysis of posts from these subreddits, I aim to shed light on the multifaceted nature of the witch as an archetype and its implications for gender and power dynamics in contemporary online discourse.