Chattel
Diversity is a wonderful thing except, when the worst bits, of the various cultures we enjoy, are put together. The worst parts of any culture being discrimination and lack of respect for the “the other.” A lot of traditions were established at a time, for instance, when women were treated like chattel: that is when women were no more than possessions. History teaches us many valuable lessons but, it is painful to see these traditions shared with, apparently, no consideration to their origins or implication. In addition, overconsumption, and conflict, in all cultures, is having an adverse impact on our environment.
It is difficult to understand some of the aspects of our cultures but misogyny or hatred/discrimination against any individual or group of people, that does not directly impact one, seems particularly illogical. Misogyny is a pet hate because of its impact, on arguably, half of the world’s population, because it can be hard to disentangle and address. Many people see nothing wrong, for instance, in calling a grown woman, a girl or referring to a young boy as “the man of the house.” I have seen disaster movies where the “hero,” must leave a family, but before doing so tells the little boy, look after them! This infantilising of women/adults must stop! Hollywood and our consumer culture, is forever telling us that women love to shop, particularly for shoes and handbags. In addition, when it comes to marriage, “it’s all about the dress.” It was wonderful, when in the South Korean drama “Coffee Prince,” the “prince” proposes and the “princess” says not yet, I need to sort my career out.
Women in medieval society provides an interesting reflection on why this may be (Alixie Bovey 2015)
Original sin
According to the Bible, Eve was created from Adam’s rib and, having eaten the forbidden fruit, was responsible for man’s expulsion from paradise. In medieval art, the responsibility of women for this ‘original sin’, is often emphasised by giving a female head to the serpent who tempts Eve to disobey God. The story underlined the belief that women were inferior to men, and that they were morally weaker and likely to tempt men into sin.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the place of women in society was often dictated by biblical texts. The writings of the apostle Paul, in particular, emphasised men’s authority over women, forbidding women from teaching, and instructing them to remain silent. However, the Virgin Mary was a contrast to this negative image: as the mother of Christ, she was the channel through which Christians might be saved. She was sometimes described as the ‘second Eve’, as she was seen to have made up for Eve’s sins. Throughout the Middle Ages, Mary was seen as the most powerful of all saints, as well as a strong (if paradoxical) model of chastity and motherhood. ….
Wives and nuns
Yet however powerful some women were in the Middle Ages; it is important to remember that the overwhelming majority were not. Most women, even those in privileged circumstances, had little control over the direction their lives took. The marriages of young aristocratic women were usually arranged by their families (but here it is worth noting that their husbands, too, had little choice in their partners). ….
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It is important to note that it is not simply Christian writing, that has been used in this way but the story of Adam and Eve and the way it has been popularised, is difficult. I, personally prefer the simple truth that we all came from one single source: whether that be a Creator, a cell or an exploding star. The reference to marriage is also interesting because it is a reminder that women and children, were seen as possessions that were there to enhance the interests of the family. A woman is traditionally walked down the aisle, by her father, and the priest asks “who gives this woman to be married to this man?” “The custom dates back to the Middle Ages, when daughters were considered their father’s property and, quite literally, sold to the groom” so why do we wish to perpetuate it?
I was asked, just the word the day, why bother looking into things, when nothing will change. Well things do change: for instance, brides and their families have made different choices including, not walking down an aisle, walking with other significant people in their lives or giving the bride space to show her autonomy, by walking alone. The main reason, why I bother, is that history and traditions interest me and the positive impact of being able to form an opinion, articulate and share it. Thank you for reading.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/chattel
https://www.bl.uk/the-middle-ages/articles/women-in-medieval-society
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/02/women-hollywood-starring-role-equality-diversity/
