| THE EPISTOLARIAN |
As I've grown older, I've started to notice myself aging out of the male gaze.
I never felt that I made decisions about my looks to please others, but in hindsight, I definitely did. Now, I'm more likely to prioritize how my life feels vs. how it looks. I've noticed dramatic positive changes from this shift and am happier and more confident than I've ever been.
As I've started to age though, I've begun to worry about my young daughter. She is too young for the male gaze, but yet, is so strikingly beautiful, that her beauty is the first thing people mention when they meet her.
I know she will learn her value far beyond her looks, but part of me wishes that her beauty could be for her alone, so that others would comment on her even more special traits sooner: her fearlessness, her humor, her never-ending energy, her curiosity... She's a brilliant and remarkable person.
The thoughts of beauty and aging have me thinking about ugliness, and its virtues.
Society often sees ugliness as a character flaw, and sometimes even a sign of villainy (as in Disney movies). We are taught as a culture that beauty is a prerequisite to success, at least for women. As I've begun to age out of the male gaze, I've learned that the fear of losing my beauty was mostly unfounded.
Of course I miss the few stranger favors here and there, but overall, losing my appeal to others for my youth and beauty alone has been liberating.
Medusa
Misunderstood Monster or Empowered Symbol?
|
|
For centuries, the myth of Medusa has been a source of fascination and fear.
The most common version of the Medusa myth portrays her as a cruel monster who is killed by the hero Perseus. In this version of the myth, Medusa is cursed by the goddess Athena for having relations with Poseidon in Athena's temple. As a result of this curse, Medusa's once-beautiful hair is transformed into snakes, and anyone who looks at her is turned to stone. Perseus, who is sent on a mission to kill Medusa, uses a reflective shield to avoid looking directly at her and kills her by decapitation.
|
|
One of the most famous depictions of this version of the Medusa myth is Caravaggio's painting "Medusa." The painting shows Medusa's severed head, surrounded by snakes and with a look of horror on her face. The painting is incredibly violent, and it is clear that Caravaggio was more interested in showing the brutality of Perseus' actions than in portraying Medusa as a tragic figure. (It is also a self-portrait). |
However, there are lesser-known interpretations of the Medusa myth that portray her as a victim, rather than a monster. One such version of the myth tells of how Medusa was raped by Poseidon in Athena's temple, and was subsequently shamed by Athena for the crime. This version of the myth paints Medusa as a tragic figure who has been victimized by powerful men and then blamed for their actions.
|
One artist who humanized Medusa and portrayed her as a tragic figure is Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Bernini's sculpture "Medusa" shows Medusa with a look of anguish on her face, her hair transformed into snakes. However, instead of portraying her as a monster, Bernini humanizes Medusa and portrays her as a tragic figure who has been cursed by the gods. Look at the sad humanity in her face. |
|
It becomes clear that the myth has evolved over time to reflect the values and fears of society. The common version of the myth portrays Medusa as a cruel monster who was slain by Perseus. However, lesser-known versions of the myth reveal a different story. It's clear that the myth has been used to justify societal norms and to enforce certain standards of behavior.
This is exemplified in the way that feminine beauty is often seen as a marker of how women should be treated. The idea that women must be beautiful to be relevant or useful in society is a pervasive one, and it is reflected in the way that Medusa is depicted. Her ugliness is seen as a sign of her monstrosity, and her transformation into a Gorgon is seen as a punishment for her unattractiveness. This reflects a societal standard that prioritizes feminine beauty above all else and reinforces the idea that women must conform to certain physical standards in order to be accepted.
Featured Wax Color : Medusa
Introducing Medusa, the powerful and captivating sealing wax inspired by the mythological Greek Gorgon. Like the creature, Medusa wax is a dark, snake-like green that evokes both mystery and strength.
The symbolism of using Medusa wax on letters is as rich and deep as the color itself. As a representation of the ancient myth, Medusa embodies the power of femininity, protection, and transformation. Using Medusa sealing wax can give your letters a touch of this symbolism, conveying a message of strength, security, and transformation.
|
|
With love,
Kay