"Burn the Witch" is a haunting and enigmatic song by the English rock band Radiohead. Released in 2016 as part of their album "A Moon Shaped Pool," the track captivates listeners with its dark and brooding atmosphere. The lyrics describe a witch found guilty of her alleged crimes and the punishment she faces as a result. The phrase "burn the witch" is a recurring theme throughout the song, emphasizing a sense of fear, paranoia, and collective hostility towards those who are different or deviate from societal norms. Radiohead cleverly intertwines melodic elements with eerie orchestral arrangements, creating a sonic tapestry that heightens the listener's emotional response. Metaphorically, "burn the witch" can be seen as a commentary on contemporary issues, such as mob mentality, social injustice, and the dangers of collective scapegoating.
The movement for trans rights hits its stride in the early 2010s, but encounters fierce resistance from an unexpected source. J.K. Rowling watches the battle unfold with mounting unease.
Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.
I learned to all the podcast about you horrific saga; and a totally understand your point of view, I was talking about it with my daughter , She grow up leasing to your books I was enjoying them in the other room swing pillows and other projects. I feel like women have to endure a situation that is not acceptable , when men also feel uncomfortable and are not forced to accept the same situation , so the solution is a third option a specific restroom for gender not conforming people.
Metaphorically, "burn the witch" can be seen as a commentary on contemporary issues, such as mob mentality, social injustice, and the dangers of collective scapegoating. It serves as a reminder that history is riddled with examples of societies turning against those perceived as outsiders or threats, leading to tragic consequences. The song's lyrics also play with the idea of witch hunts and the manipulation of fear for personal gain or to maintain control.
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling The Free Press
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling is an audio documentary that examines some of the most contentious conflicts of our time through the life and career of the world’s most successful author. In conversation with host Megan Phelps-Roper, J.K. Rowling speaks with unprecedented candor and depth about the controversies surrounding her—from book bans to debates on gender and sex. The series also examines the forces propelling this moment in history, through interviews with Rowling’s supporters and critics, journalists, historians, clinicians, and more.
- FEB 20, 2023
Chapter 1: Plotted In Darkness
Host Megan Phelps-Roper writes a letter to J.K. Rowling—and receives a surprising invitation in reply: the opportunity for an intimate conversation in Rowling’s Scottish home.
Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.
- FEB 20, 2023
Chapter 2: Burn The Witch
As "Harry Potter" becomes an international phenomenon, it coincides with the culture wars of the 1990s. In the backlash from Christians across America, author J.K. Rowling is accused of mainstreaming witchcraft and poisoning children’s minds.
Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.
- FEB 28, 2023
Chapter 3: A New Pyre
The early days of the internet collide with the feverish fandom of “Harry Potter,” and a sprawling, global community emerges. But the hopefulness of this new technology brings with it the darker impulses of human nature.
Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.
- 1 hr 2 min
- MAR 7, 2023
Chapter 4: TERF Wars
The movement for trans rights hits its stride in the early 2010s, but encounters fierce resistance from an unexpected source. J.K. Rowling watches the battle unfold with mounting unease.
Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.
- 1 hr 1 min
- MAR 14, 2023
Chapter 5: The Tweets
After years of observing the conflict between advocates for trans rights and women’s rights, J.K. Rowling weighs in.
Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.
- MAR 21, 2023
Chapter 6: Natalie and Noah
Transgender fans of Harry Potter share their criticism of J.K. Rowling—and the experiences that inform their views.
Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, Megan Phelps-Roper, and Candace Mittel Kahn, with special thanks to Emily Yoffe.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.
- 1 hr 12 min
The lyrics "We know where you live" and "Avoid all eye contact, do not react" depict a climate of surveillance and suspicion, where individuals are under constant scrutiny and surveillance. "Burn the Witch" resonated with audiences due to its timely subject matter and political undertones. It serves as a reminder of the importance of individuality, open-mindedness, and the dangers of blind conformity. The song's enigmatic and haunting qualities continue to captivate listeners, allowing them to form their own interpretations and reflections on the complex themes it explores..
Reviews for "The Stigma of Burning Witch Sons: Coming to Terms with a Dark History"
1. John - 1/5
I found "Burn the witch sons" to be an incredibly frustrating read. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth or development. The plot was extremely predictable, and I could see the twists coming from a mile away. The writing style was also quite poor, with clunky dialogue and awkward phrasing. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book.
2. Sarah - 2/5
"Burn the witch sons" had an interesting concept, but it fell short in execution. The pacing was uneven, with slow sections that dragged on for too long and rushed moments that left me feeling confused. The world-building was vague and lacked sufficient detail, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the ending felt rushed and unresolved, leaving many loose ends. While the book had potential, it failed to deliver a satisfying reading experience for me.
3. Robert - 2/5
I was excited to read "Burn the witch sons" based on the intriguing synopsis, but unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations. The characters were unrelatable and lacked depth, making it hard to invest in their journeys. The plot was convoluted and felt disjointed, with too many subplots that were never fully explored or resolved. The writing style was also impersonal and lacked emotion, causing me to struggle to connect with the story on an emotional level. Overall, I found this book to be disappointing and would not recommend it.
4. Emily - 2/5
"Burn the witch sons" seemed promising at first, but it quickly became evident that it was not my cup of tea. The writing was overly descriptive and dragged on unnecessarily, leading to a slow-paced narrative that failed to engage me. The characters felt flat and lacked any real development, making it hard to care about their fates. The plot itself was confusing and convoluted, with too many twists and turns that left me feeling lost. Unfortunately, this book just didn't resonate with me, and I would not recommend it.