Witches as glitches: A response to Leszczynski and Elwood

Abstract

This commentary critically engages with Leszczynski and Elwood's conception of the glitch, which is put forth as a way to grapple with digitally mediated spatialities that appear to be mistaken. By doing so, they reframe the glitch as a disruptive ‘signal’ of systemic oppression and as productive divergences. We argue for historicizing the glitch/glitch by engaging with feminist marxism, making possible the connection to previous forms of disruption and generative frictions. In response, we apply this approach by connecting the glitch to both witches and the industrial revolution in the home. We suggest epistemological clarity by connecting glitches to the capitalist orientations. We remain positively receptive toward Leszczynski and Elwood's work on the glitch/glitch as a vital endeavor to identify and exploit the spaces of rupture.