Pandora's Box: Misogynistic View Of Women

It has been long noted that the development of the modern world can be attributed to the Ancient Greeks. From philosophy to modern psychology, the Greek thought has been imposed rather explicitly. Classical Greek stories and value systems have shaped psychology immensely. Classical Greek mythology depicts stories in which the gods and goddesses are not above jealousy and revenge. In one Classical Greek story in particular, Pandora’s box, the first mortal woman was created out of man to ruin mankind. Greek thought has taken a privileged position in the Western world (Cantz and Kalman 485). Has this dominance of Greek thought similarly contributed to the establishment of Western societies misogynistic view of women? Through examining the Classical

Prometheus had warned his brother that all gifts given by Zeus were to be sent back to him, as he feared it would be a great cost to mankind (Hes.WD 86). At the sight of this breathtaking but evil creature, Pandora, Epimetheus forgot his brother warning to never accept gifts from Zeus. Out of his desire and curiosity, Epimetheus accepted Pandora. Pandora was given to Epimetheus bearing a box and was told to never open this box. This box contained all the evils of the world. One day, Pandora decided to open the box, releasing with it all the evils that were contained within. As she tried to close the box as quickly as possible, inside she trapped hope. Thus leaving man kind without hope and with all the evils of the

This evil can be understood as men feeling threatened and impotent by the empowerment of women. A great example of this is Hillary Clinton. Senator Clinton has been the victim of many sexist comments due to her power in Washington. An American radio host has even referred to Hillary Clinton as Satan. If a man were to believe in the same values as Hillary Clinton, he would be viewed as powerful instead of an evil man. It seems that when the roles are reversed, women become this evil entity rather than the embodiment of