Skip to content

Jarret supporters have been known, now and then, to form…

“Jarret supporters have been known, now and then, to form mobs and burn people at the stake for being witches. Witches! In 2032! A witch, in their view, tends to be a Moslem, a Jew, a Hindu, a Buddhist, or, in some parts of the country, a Mormon, a Jehovah’s Witness, or even a Catholic. A witch may…” quote by Octavia E. Butler
Download Open image
““Jarret supporters have been known, now and then, to form mobs and burn people at the stake for being witches. Witches! In 2032! A witch, in their view, tends to be a Moslem, a Jew, a Hindu, a Buddhist, or, in some parts of the country, a Mormon, a Jehovah’s Witness, or even a Catholic. A witch may also be an atheist, a “cultist,” or a well-to-do eccentric.””

Octavia E. Butler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage satirically lists various religious and non‑religious groups as “witches,” exposing how fear and prejudice can target any minority.

In simple terms: Prejudice can label any group as dangerous, showing how fear spreads.

Key Takeaway

Beware of scapegoating any group.

Themes

prejudice religion social fear

Mood

critical analytical ironic

Type

satire social critique

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • social media
  • historical persecution
  • cultural analysis

Key Concepts

scapegoating intolerance stereotyping

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do societies label “others” as threats?
  • How can we break cycles of scapegoating?
A Different Perspective

Prejudices shift over time, but the pattern of othering remains.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Octavia E. Butler

Explore all 131 Octavia E. Butler quotes

More Witch quotes

Browse all 1,112 Witch quotes