How does cultural mythology about innocence reinforce binary gender norms?
Cultural mythology is the belief system that defines what society considers to be "normal" or acceptable behavior for members of a given culture. This includes ideas about how people are supposed to act based on their sex or gender identity, including expectations about how men and women should interact with each other. One way that cultural mythology can reinforce these norms is through the concept of innocence, which often assumes that women are inherently pure and sexually innocent while men are sexually aggressive. By perpetuating this idea, cultural mythology contributes to a rigid gender binary wherein men and women are expected to conform to very specific roles in order to fit into society's accepted definition of masculinity or femininity.
Consider the classic story of Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis from the Christian Bible. In this narrative, Eve is portrayed as being tempted by the serpent to eat an apple from the Tree of Knowledge, leading her to disobey God and bring sin into the world. As punishment, she is banished from Paradise along with her husband, Adam. In this scenario, Eve is blamed for the fall of humanity because she was seduced by Satan and gave into temptation. This emphasizes the notion that women are naturally weak-willed and easily led astray, while men must exercise control over their sexual desires in order to maintain social status. This idea has been reiterated throughout history in various forms of literature and art, including Shakespeare's Othello, where Desdemona is framed as a promiscuous woman who tempts men into committing adultery.
Traditional fairy tales often feature female characters who are saved from danger by male heroes.
Snow White is rescued by Prince Charming after eating a poisoned apple, Sleeping Beauty is awakened from her sleep by Prince Philip kissing her, and Cinderella is chosen by Prince Charming at the ball. These stories reinforce the idea that women need protection from men due to their lack of agency and power, which further entrenches gender binary norms.
Cultural mythology can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes about transgender individuals through the concept of innocence. Transgender people are frequently viewed as "in between" or confused about their gender identity, which implies that they have not yet reached a state of maturity or understanding. This can lead to discrimination, harassment, and even violence against transgender people who do not fit into society's binary definition of masculinity or femininity. The assumption that being transgender is somehow a choice rather than an innate aspect of one's identity is also rooted in this ideology.
Cultural mythology plays a significant role in shaping our expectations for how we should behave based on our sex or gender identity. By emphasizing ideas such as sexual innocence and purity, it reinforces rigid gender binaries wherein men are expected to be sexually active and dominant while women are supposed to be passive and pure.
These narratives can contribute to prejudice against transgender people by assuming that non-binary identities represent some kind of immature or incomplete stage of development. To challenge these damaging myths, we must work to create new narratives that promote equality and respect for all genders.
How does cultural mythology about innocence reinforce binary gender norms?
Cultural mythologies about innocence often reinforce binary gender norms by creating a dichotomy between male and female identities that emphasizes traditional gender roles. In many cultures, boys are expected to be strong, tough, and independent while girls are supposed to be gentle, caring, and submissive. This binary view of gender is perpetuated through stories and myths that portray these characteristics as inherent and natural rather than learned.