The author, Kristen J. Sollee is a professor in the Gender Studies department at The New School in New York City, is the founder of slutist a sex-positive website, and she curates the annual charity festival The Legacy of The Witch in Brooklyn, NY. The purpose of this book Witches, Sluts, Feminists: Conjuring The Sex Positive, is the sexual liberation of women. Throughout the book she discussed several occult practices, practiced by witches that were seem with shame and misogyny. I will be talking specifically of three chapters that grabbed my attention.
"Sex Magic Tools of Pleasure" (pg.87)
In this chapter the author stats by giving to her audience details about witches background of masturbation. She discusses the sexual repression that these women had and how they used domestic tools such as the dust buster to "pleasure themselves." Sollee continues by connecting the witch story to recent one, this story is about a woman who contributes with the end of the shame in female sexual pleasure by evolving the dust buster to a magical crystal sex toy.she ends up the chapter with a comparison of a masturbation research done in the 1950's to 50 years later highlighting the point that "masturbation stigma persis," thanks to conservative religious groups that have work to misinform people about female masturbation. but at then end of the day self- pleasure has to have more importance. She concludes by supporting her point with a personal opinion from a witch-identified woman about how masturbation and drugs are still seem like something bad to society. Some of the main issues that are discuss in this chapter are female sexual repression, taboo in masturbation, and the influence of religion. Overall sollee's writing method is great because of how she make connections to past and present times.
"The Spell of Seduction: Sex Work & The Sacred Whore" (pg.93)
The way Sollee starts this chapter is by explaining how strips clubs are for "witches of today" in order to introduce some personal experiences and statistics that proved that sex work is dangerous for trans and women of color. She follows by providing extended details about sex work principally highlighting that this work was not always looked bad or with judgment. The author ends up by ironically explaining how spiritual groups have trivialized women without any type of conservative opinions. This groups give women the title of the "sacred whore" all for the priestesses' sexual desire and satisfaction.the main issues discussed in this chapter are female in sex work, women trivialization, and religion. The writing method that Sollee uses in this chapter is fantastic because as a reader you get from the beginning that female sex work is judged, but at the end you get hit with the irony that for some spiritual or religious groups are narcissists for accepting this work without any type of criticism.
"Queering The Witch: Porn, Pleasure & Representation"(pg.97)
In this chapter the author begins by introducing the different types of pornography and a comparison of "witch sexual liberation" and devil acts as lesbianism. She follows by highlighting the fact that although women has been fighting for sexual representation changes are not noticeable but what does have to stop is the misogynist inherit in pornography and the media promotion of rape and sexism. She ends by emphasizing that woman should be able to fully enjoy their sexuality as long she is not forced to do anything she don't want to. The topics that are discuss in this chapter are female sexuality, pornography, sexual repression and religion.
What I liked about this awesome nobel is the way Kristen J. Sollee connects past witch acts to the present. Let me mention that the drawings/ images that it contains are fabulous. We got to be honest that talking about these topics as she does is something to have respect on. I how the messages are given and the way that every paragraph flows. In my most sincere opinion if you are truly interested in feminism, I really recommend you to read read this book. You'll be fascinating it as much as I was! .
Adrian
May 23, 2018
ATTENTION: Not just "another" feminist book.
Kristen J. Sollée an educator, writer, and editor who created the most thought-provoking book I have ever read, called Witches, Sluts, and Feminists: Conjuring the Sex Positive. As an influential figure and pro feminist with knowledgeable information and well-done research, she was able to overcome the gap between the words defined by a patriarchal society and the meaning that empowered women implement in their vocabulary. The purpose of the book is to give the readers a different perception of what the taboo words such as "witch" or "slut" mean and to acknowledge misogyny as an all-time struggle. The book has and approach to share the dimensions of intersectionality and the herstory of how feminist individuals were able to overcome and enthusiastically embrace the movement.
First, in the chapter "The midwife: bestial bodies and reproductive rights" (p. 39), Sollée starts with a brief description of a midwife labor, and the overall misconception of abortion in the witch-hunting era. She gives an explanation on how they were treated as a menace for the catholic and men in general for being constantly accused for sorcery because they were considered non-traditional healers who had various natural methods to control the birth and death of newborns. The mid-wife herstory is addressed along with the evolution of how the religious system changed over time. Moreover, she starts addressing the fact that people in power nowadays still are misinformed and bias when it comes to sexual and reproductive health. Lastly in this chapter she gives her reasoning about the "midwife" and her own thoughts regarding the misconception and ignorance of the benighted. At the end of the chapter also she contradicts herself by comparing midwives with sluts. The main strength seen in this chapter, is how the author pointed out how this problem existed, and still exists, and directly mentioned that it is because of the men in leadership positions. She also did a good job in depicting the deficiencies in our current gender and patriarchal system by presenting facts.
Next, chapter "Art Witch: Wanton Woodcuts And Domestic Goddesses" (p.63) was really interesting, by reading the first page I asked myself, why aren't women able to express their sexuality and inner desires by an artistic way? Well, the first few pages it discusses how the art in ancient times was characterized for creating witches, and "unholy" characters. Later on, in the chapter she gets in touch with Pam Grossman (artist) on how the modernization of culture changed the way witches were shown in most of art, their representation today, and future insights. She also uses in this chapter ethos by presenting the interview she made with the artist, but however at that point of the reading she didn't mentioned the damages created or believes that influenced the way todays society is represented. The most solid quote in this chapter that gives the most credibility to her work says, "The prurient images of nude witches described above reflect this dynamic, as well as the creative dominion of men in the field of image making." (p.64) I think this quote is so powerful that it explains itself. However, she doesn't go in depth on the transition of art from witches' nudity made by men, to empowered witches made by women.
Lastly, in chapter "Tech Witch: Online Activism & The Digital Mystic," (p.137) it is discussed the relationship between media and how equality was appraised by vanishing identity categories. It also discusses the difficulties of online harassment towards minorities, and how the internet is used as a tool to advocate, giving facilities as an activist. It also gets in touch at a certain extent with millennials and how the digital world is their new magic that can totally change the world we live in. Mentioning a powerful quote that gives a strong sense of essence to the whole chapter mentioning that "As activists organized online in the name of social justice, thousands of self-identified witches, mystics, occultists, and intuitive simultaneously connected though social media to hex and heal..." (p. 141). This quote explains that collectively speaking, if people start a movement through the internet, they would be more likely to receive a response of thousands of people who think alike and create advocacy. Nevertheless, she doesn't mention at all, the harms and dangers that digital media can cause.
I totally recommend this book as a male who advocates for feminism. It is really empowering, and it includes from beginning to end different stories, anecdotes, factual examples, and statistics that make us think twice when approaching equality among genders.
Brenda
May 23, 2018
Such a Powerful Title!
Kristen J. Sollee teaches at the New School and is the founder of Slutist. In her book "Witches, Sluts, Feminists: Conjuring the Sex Positive" she talks about witches lineage and its empowerment towards it. From back then, witches have been trying to fight with the system we still continue to have. At first look, when reading the title you might doubt about reading it, but it's about women fighting for what they believe in. Being called a slut, even a witch might offend someone, but now women are being empowered by getting called like this, hooray for them! ALL women should embrace themselves and feel strong about themselves.
In the chapter "Sex Magic and The Tools of Pleasure" it talks about women using domestic tools only to pleasure themselves, WOMEN were an abomination before everyone's eyes. On page 87 it says the following "Was the witch's broom a dust buster, transportation device, or dildo?"From what I understood was that in order to get away with something, they would use anything in power to pleasure themselves. But as you continue reading this chapter, it mentions how masturbation could be an act that ends up releasing tantamount. "But sometimes a broom is just a broom" states how is just an object that is seen as a cleaning tool only even if it gives pleasure.
In the chapter "The Spell of Seduction: Sex, Work and The Sacred Whore" Sollee writes about women working as strippers and how they are basically healers. Healers maybe for someone who is feeling down and goes to the strip club to get some type of comfort, but she also says how not everyone chose that lifestyle. On page 94 it says "women who defied the sexual status quo were once persecuted as witches, sex workers are persecuted for using their bodies to survive..." Just like you read it. to SURVIVE!! Sollee explains how sex workers are more likely to get killed, but if they try to seek for help there might be a huge possibility of them ending up on jail for living that type of life. By providing examples from other women, this just becomes credible.
In the chapter "Which Slut Are You? The Medieval to The Modern" it mentiones Eve who was the witch's earliest ancestor. Eve being the "bad girl of the bible" it explains how she was ravenous. Witches getting blamed when something bad happened to someone (sorcery). Back then, if you were poor or someone older you were going to be seen as a witch and from there you can just imagine what would end up happening to you. Due to those things, there were more and worst punishments for "future witches".
I highly recommend this book if you are open minded and if you are a woman and don't get offended easily...you should totally read it. Remember, it's all about women empowering others!!!
Gabriela
May 23, 2018
A book worth reading
The novel, Witches, Sluts and Feminists, written by Kristen J. Sollee, is an introduction to the sex positive of the witch. Her purpose is to discuss about the topics of gender issues in our society. The novel includes history of feminism, starting with the witch trials into what it is today. It discusses a lot of the struggles that women have faced in the past and still are facing to this day, which I believe is what gives strength to her novel. Kristen J. Sollee is a writer, curator, and educator exploring the electric intersections of art, sex, and culture. She assumes that women and feminism are still struggling to this day only it is somewhat subtler.
In the Chapter "Tituba's Legacy" (75), she discusses the real story of Tituba and debunking the myths surrounding her. She starts by introducing Tituba, one of the first three women accused of witchcraft in Salem. Later on, she follows by discussing her beliefs, for example, she believed that being a witch was a gift from nature and should not be seen as a negative issue. Sollee strengths lays upon thoroughly telling the story of Tituba, her views on sex and witchcraft, and including feminism. I have noticed that her main findings in the chapter are always filled with interesting facts of history surrounding Tituba and women of color. She talks about the main issues that was back then when women of color were oppressed, and equality is still an issue to our society. Her methods in her this chapter strengthens her argument because it tells a true story of a woman of color who was accused and labeled negatively.
In another chapter called "Sex, Magic, and the tools of pleasure" (87), she discusses the history of sexual needs regarding women. She starts her chapter discussing about the first witch trials in Ireland. Later, Sollee follows the chapter by telling the stories of different women who were accused of witchcraft because they found their sex toys as "evidence" to use against them. She ends the chapter by explaining how masturbation has become more of a sexual pleasure in current society than a taboo. Her claims and evidence rely heavily on the history of women, making her argument more reliable in each chapter. Her main findings in the novel involves the stories of many different women who were accused of witchcraft. The main issues she talks about in her chapter is how women were judged for their sexual needs, considering it a taboo or a sin. By using these methods, her argument is strongly supported with enough evidence. Even to this day, sex can be seen negatively, but Sollee helps turn it around with her writing methods.
Lastly, in the chapter, "Undressing The Witch: Fashion, Style & Sartorial Spells" (103) she talks about the impact that clothing has affected women throughout the years. Sollee starts the chapter by discussing how people were able to 'identify' witches by their clothing or if people were rich or poor. Sollee then follows the chapter by saying, "Hundreds of years later, fashion still speaks louder than words" (104), for example, she mentions how clothing is used for rape cases to use as proof for both the defendant and victim. She ends her chapter by stating that clothing should be one's own self-identity, she also states that the way that one dresses has nothing to do with feminism. Her main findings in this chapter would have to be how clothing has been used as a representation of women, depending on what they wear. She mentions issues such as how such simple clothing could label the life of a women. Her main findings can be found by the many articles she uses and credits to support her arguments and images she adds to give a visual.
My overall impression of this book was that it was better than I expected. It was always filled with interesting topics. I would personally recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the feminist movement throughout history, especially the legacy of the witch. Sollee is a talented writer that brings out facts to support her arguments, which makes her novel even more interesting. As a woman, reading this novel made me respect all women even more, those who have fought and continue to. After everything they have gone through, women keep striving in society. The novel really gives the empowerment feeling as you are reading along, which is another strong quality Sollee added to her book. To do this she turns something that was a bad thing as something to be proud of.
Stephanie
May 22, 2018
Awesome Feminist Book
The book titled Conjuring The Sex Positive: Witches, Sluts, and Feminists is written by Kristen J. Solee. Sollee is a professor of undergraduate students and focuses on gender studies at The New School and "editrix" of the Slutist, an award-wining sex positive feminist website. I found this book to be an eye-catching review of the similarities and relatedness of the terms witches, sluts, and feminists and their histories. Much of the material is not so much new as it is juxtaposed with parallel situations that illustrate the links between events of the distant past, the recent past and, sadly, the present. Sollee uses examples from the present day to appeal to millennial women such as myself in the hopes of understanding the similarities and lack of change regarding women's rights that has happened over the years in this country.
In the chapter, "The Spell of Seduction: Sex Work and The Sacred Whore" (p.93) Sollee begins by bringing in some personal stories from sexual workers themselves. She describes in detail the circumstances that these females work in. She claims that the so called spell of seduction is a power that all women or better said "witches" possess and should not be ashamed of it. The reason she mentions this is because indeed our society puts in major efforts to make women feel ashamed for being a sexual being, something that is completely natural. Women have taken back their power as seductresses and used it to their advantage and made it a job. Sex workers are real workers just like anybody and I believe Sollee interprets this opinion in a sophisticated and empowerful way.
In the chapter named "Undressing the Witch: Fashion, Style, and Sartorial Spells" (p.103) Sollee makes the argument that the way a women chooses to dress and the way a women chooses to express themselves in any eye catching way should not by any means define that women, much less in any negative matter. She states how in the past women who wore long silk robes were persecuted and labeled as witches. She makes this claim to express how society had the tendency even back then to feel the urge to judge a woman simply by the way she chooses to dress. This chapter also stood out to me because it brought up the issue of rape cases. Sollee mentions how in any rape case being tried, the victim will always be asked what they were wearing, or if they considered their actions or appearance to be provocative in any way and just like Sollee i believe that is straight bullshit. By addressing pressing issues like this, Sollee makes this chapter very empowering for women that feel the constant pressure to dress or look a certain way to not care about what society's gender norms are and to do what makes you feel powerful.
Another chapter that stood out to me was the one titled "Music Witch: Sound as Sorcery"(p.125). In this chapter Sollee brings in popular women singers such as Beyonce and Azealia Banks to support her concept of women in music using sound as their "sorcery". She claims that women such as Beyonce among others, have taken an industry that for a long time was dominated by men and have become such an influential and inspirational part of it. They have taken the industry by its horns and made it theirs, an example that Sollee mentions is Beyonce's recent album titled Lemonade, where Beyonce presented herself in a very witch like manner and created music that included many forms of symbolism and feminist empowerment ideas.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. I think Solee does an amazing job of laying out the histories and practices of witchcraft, and how these histories affect contemporary witchcraft in a consumerist and digital age. Although this book is incredibly empowering and in a way controversial, I don't think it's for everyone. It's highly opinionated (with great reason) and some people don't necessarily appreciate views that challenge their views, as wrong as they could be. If you are already engaged in the feminist mentality, this is a great summer read for you as it will expand your knowledge and references of how much society and they way women are seen have not changed much, at all.
