Selina Chen, Period 7, 11/27/2023

Selina Chen

Modern Mythology, Period 7, 11/27/23

Literacy & Learning

     On October 17, we had our lesson on Natalie Haynes’ exploration of women empowerment through her storytelling, and more specifically, through the story of Metis and Zeus. In Bibliotheca by Pseudo-Apollodorus, in [1.3.6], the events that occurred during and after the rape of Metis by Zeus revealed a distressing pattern of mistreatment and victimization of women in ancient Greek mythology. Metis, despite transforming into various forms to evade Zeus's advances, ultimately faced a tragic fate, swallowed whole along with her unborn child due to a prophetic fear of the child taking over his crown. Metis, a symbol of intelligence and cunning, became a victim of male dominance.

      Another instance of this in Greek Mythology is the rape of Medusa which was much overlooked in the myths. I remember our first discussion in class regarding Medusa and our original thoughts surrounding her and her story. Almost everyone portrayed her as the scary evil woman who had snakes for hair. Although I’ve read various works of Greek Mythology, I didn’t know the full story as well. Medusa was made out to be the one in the wrong who was rightfully punished, but she was really the unfortunate victim of the gods. The transformation of her beautiful locks into snakes and the petrifying gaze were inflicted upon her as a result of her violation by Poseidon in Athena's temple. In Ancient Greek culture, when a woman was raped, the laws mostly addressed the punishments that the husband would be able to issue to the rapist, but almost nothing for the victim. The stories of Metis and Medusa depict women as victims of male dominance and power, mirroring societal attitudes that have persisted through the ages. Both narratives showcase the pervasive tendency to blame and punish women rather than holding the male figures accountable for their actions.

     I would like to say we have progressed as a society but this would be a blatant lie. However, it is not to say that we have not tried. As we transition from myth to reality, a disconcerting parallel unfolds. In my history class, I learned that in 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in Roe v. Wade marked a crucial milestone for women's rights by legalizing abortion within the first two months of pregnancy. This may seem unrelated to the subject at hand, but it goes hand in hand. Before this legalization, rape victims were forced endure it, carry out the child to full term, and raise it for the rest of their lives, serving as a constant reminder of what happened. This decision was a giant leap toward granting women agency over their bodies and reproductive choices. Yet, over five decades later, in June 2022, the overturning of Roe v. Wade sends shockwaves through the progress made, echoing the cyclical nature of women's struggles seen in mythological narratives.

      This issue's reversal extended far beyond the legalities, instilling fear in women all around the world as they would be forced to grapple with the idea of being forced to carry an unwanted child. This decision, in nature, meant that a woman who received an abortion would receive the same criminal consequences as one who strangled her born baby. Pregnant woman who were raped could not receive abortions and doctors who perform it would be punished legally as well. To further complicate this, abortions are denied even in instances where medical professionals recommend it because the birth would be life threatening. Even in the voting of the overturning of Roe V Wade, there were males voting against this, although it is not their place to do so. They are not the ones who must live the rest of their lives with this decision and reminder of their disgusting act. Now, women are encouraged by one another to speak out about their assaulters, in the #MeToo movement, but even then, they are called attention seekers and people who are trying to ruin the lives of others.

     It is important to recognize the connection between Greek mythology and modern realities. The myths of Metis and Medusa, echo in today's struggles, especially in areas like sexual assault and reproductive rights. This pattern highlights deep-rooted biases that persist through time. Reflecting on these myths show not only the universality of these issues but also the urgency for change. The stories of Greek mythology, rather than fading into the past, remain reflections of our shared consciousness, compelling us to address and challenge injustices that have persisted through the centuries.