Document Type
Honors Thesis
Publication Date
Spring 5-2017
Abstract
This thesis examines the discourse surrounding cultural appropriation in contemporary witchcraft and neopaganism, particularly online. The aim of this thesis is to look at how cultural appropriation became such a central topic in the witch and neopagan community and to see what can be learned about the community as a whole from this discourse. Definitions, neutralization techniques, and the development of alternative practices and terminologies are all discussed, as well as how cultural appropriation relates to the history of witchcraft as a whole. Seven witch/neopagan members of the popular blogging platform tumblr.com were interviewed for this study to examine how the discourse affected them in their personal lives and spiritual practices. Their experiences are examined in relation to the culture of tumblr as a whole and in the context of the history of modern witchcraft and neopaganism.
Recommended Citation
Gottlieb, Kathryn, "Cultural Appropriation in Contemporary Neopaganism and Witchcraft" (2017). Honors College. 304.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/304