Am I My Sister's Keeper?

Before unraveling the injustice endured by Medusa, let's delve into her story. Despite her monstrous depiction, Greek mythology paints Medusa as a once-stunning mortal. However, her fate took a harrowing turn when she caught the eye of Poseidon, the Greek sea god, who violated her within the sacred confines of Athena's temple. The aftermath of this assault was gruesome, as her beautiful locks twisted into hissing serpents.

In Ovid's Metamorphoses, the event is vividly recounted:

"Neptune saw her and lusted after her, and raped her in Minerva's (Athena's) temple. When the goddess learned what had happened, she changed Medusa's form, making her face so terrible to behold that the mere sight of it would turn onlookers to stone."

(Ovid, Metamorphoses, circa 8 A.D.)

This narrative takes a disturbing turn as Athena, more incensed by the desecration of her temple than the assault itself, inflicts further punishment on Medusa. Not only is she banished, but she is also cursed with a monstrous visage—snakes for hair and the ability to petrify any who dare gaze upon her.

In summary, Medusa endures not only the trauma of rape but also the indignity of blame, punishment, and societal exile. Sadly, her torment does not end there. Seeking refuge in isolation, Medusa is relentlessly pursued by men, each encounter resulting in their petrification and further cementing her reputation as a monstrous figure.

The climax of her tragic tale arrives when Perseus, motivated not by justice but personal gain, slays Medusa to wield her head as a weapon. Some versions even suggest she was pregnant at the time of her death, deepening the tragedy.

Over time, Medusa's story has been twisted, transforming her from a victim into a perceived temptress. Perseus is often lauded as a hero for vanquishing the monster, conveniently overlooking the backstory of a violated woman punished for her victimization and ultimately murdered.

Reading Medusa's saga reveals parallels with society's treatment of rape victims. Victim-blaming questions and statements perpetuate harmful stereotypes:

• What was she wearing?
• What did she expect dressed like that?
• Why didn't she fight back?
• Maybe she shouldn't have drunk so much.

These inquiries not only demean women but also wrongly assume men are incapable of self-control, reinforcing damaging stereotypes.

It's crucial to address Athena's role in this tragedy. Her knowledge of the assault and subsequent alignment with Poseidon feels like a betrayal. Whether fueled by jealousy or misguided protection, Athena's actions failed her "sister" when support was most needed.

Ironically, there are echoes of Athena in our society—judgmental figures quick to condemn women based on dress or behavior, nodding in approval at victim-blaming questions. This inclination, driven by a desire for personal safety, rationalizes away fears of sexual assault. However, this fallacy perpetuates a dangerous narrative.

Rape is an act of power, not attraction, and can happen to anyone, irrespective of appearance or behavior. Children, the elderly, and even nuns can become victims. The blame lies solely with the abuser, not the survivor.

In conclusion, Medusa's enduring myth serves as a poignant reminder to challenge victim-blaming narratives and advocate for a culture of empathy, understanding, and justice.

#NotYourFault #BlameTheRapist #StopVictimBlaming