The idea of a she-wolf has
been circulating for quite some time, but how does this term and idea resonate
in today’s society and culture?
The first idea of a she-wolf
comes from Roman Mythology. One of the most famous of these myths pertaining to
ancient Rome’s legendary origins and religious system comes from the story of
Romulus and Remus, who were sought to be the founder of the city, were left to
die, but instead were rescued and nursed (“suckled”) by a she wolf. This early
Roman myth was still recognized during medieval times as, although it’s
creation is a subject of controversy, there was a statue erected of the Capitoline
Wolf with human twins seen under her belly, nursing in Rome, Italy.
During the Middle Ages, the
term, she-wolf, surfaced again, but this time in a less literal usage. Several Medieval
queens were dubbed as she-wolfs of the time like Eleanor of Aquitaine, Emma of
Normandy, Anne Boleyn, and Isabella of France. Some way or another these women
all earned this notorious label for how their actions went against the typical
norm of the era.
This idea of a she-wolf is
evident in today’s pop culture brought to us by the Columbian pop star,
Shakira, in her song released in 2009. In an interview Shakira reported that, "'She
Wolf' is the woman of our time, the woman who knows what she wants and is free
of prejudice and preconceived notions.” Shakira understands that this is a
concept originating from myths from the past as she uses the term lycanthropy
in one of her verses. Lycanthropy is the supernatural transformation of a
person into a wolf that has been used in folklore. As part of the ongoing feminist movement that
Shakira proudly takes part in, the concept of being a she-wolf is a powerful
positive concept.
There is a direct correlation in Shakira’s song and Queen Isabella of
France’s history. In one verse,
“I've been devoting myself to you
Monday to Monday
And Friday to Friday
Not getting enough retribution or
decent incentives to keep me at it
Starting to feel just a little abused”
Here Shakira is expressing the idea of a women being suppressed by her male counterpart, trying to please, but easily being put to the side. This feeling of being stripped purpose and disrespect is similar to what Queen Isabella experienced with Edward II is what brought out her inner she-wolf. Shakira could be argued as a she-wolf, but this assumption seems to stem more from her feminist core and strong sexuality.
One individual that comes to mind as a modern day she-wolf is Hillary
Clinton, perhaps one of the most powerful women of our time, constantly
redefying women’s role in the political realm. Taking a step back from any
political lenses or biases, lets compare Hillary Clinton’s reputation and
experiences to those of Queen Isabella of Frances.
Both married men of political power. Both suffered from the feeling of neglect from their husbands. Both had husbands who, ignored political and marital responsibilities, and sought fulfillment else where, creating embarrassing situations. Both, regardless of the situation, stayed linked marriage. Both began participating in their own political endeavors, recreating the notion of females. Both eventually succeeded in politically powering over their spouses. Assuming that the two are more alike than different, Queen Isabella also probably suffered, or embraced, however you want to look at it, chronic bitch face.
Here is a Transformation Tuesday of Queen Isabella, the original she-wolf, to Hillary Clinton, the modern day she-wolf. (Notice the HBIC vibe they both give off |
Side note, I found this link of a website completely dedicated to the
idea that Shakira is a she-wolf, she-devil. http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils
in America/Rock-n-Roll/shakira.htm
I find it really interesting the way the idea of being a she-wolf has changed very little over time. To be seen as a she-wolf, a woman is sure of herself and her sexuality and takes control of her environment and the situations that surround her. This has not changed through time, and society's response seems to have altered very little. Feminism is such a delicate and controversial idea that it is hard to say how much things have truly changed over time. There are instances today when a strong woman is praised for her strength and her stance for femininity. But there are also moments when women are condemned for this same behavior. Why is this? Why haven't things changed more?
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