The Witches Are Coming

The term witch hunt has become a popular rallying cry for many on the political right, most recently employed by those who stand accused of anything ranging from making insensitive jokes to committing sexual assault. It’s a favorite expression of President Trump, reminds New York Times journalist West (Shrill) in this sharp, up-to-the-minute, witty collection of essays. Here, West reclaims the phrase, embracing it as a mantra in the ongoing fight against the misogyny, racism, transphobia, and xenophobia ever present in American culture. West’s commentary often finds unexpected connections. For example, her examination of Grumpy Cat is a lens through which we can understand how Americans are “addicted to plausible deniability,” and ready to embrace obvious lies to avoid reckoning with the original sins of our country’s founding. Or her devastating critique of Joan Rivers, who pushed against certain forms of bias in the entertainment industry while ruthlessly enforcing others.