In Greek mythology, sea sirens lure sailors to their deaths with irresistible songs. Then they drown ‘em and eat ‘em.
I relate to sirens in several ways. First of all, I am an irresistible singer*. Second, I want to the patriarchy to drown. Third, I am usually hungry. And fourth, as a femme person, I technically share a gender category with sirens.
The Greek siren has its Christian counterpart in original sin, or the idea that mankind is fucked because a woman got hungry for fruit one time and wanted to share with her boi. The concept of hungry, nefarious creatures who “trick” innocent, good- hearted men obviously drips with misogyny, but a girl’s gotta eat. The siren hunting strategy just makes sense. Have you ever tried to drag someone into a pool who does not want to be in the pool? Very hard to do. Much easier to lure them into the water and drown them afterwards. Plus, psychology studies prove time and time again that positive re-enforcement works better than negative re-enforcement, so why not use a little sweetness? The conclusion holds up across gender, by the way. Everyone prefers a treat to a punishment.
Call me crazy, but I think the first step in conquering sexism and misogyny is acknowledging that men and women are not that freaking different. I recently met up with a writer’s group. One writer had a female character with a unique perspective, and he struggled with writing her. I could not believe the wisdomosity that came out of my mouth. I said, “You know, I’m nonbinary, and I don’t think men and women are that different. We’re socialized differently and we have different bodies and those have their issues, but we all have the same emotions, desires and needs. And we’re all gonna die. So I wouldn’t get too in your head about writing a woman.”
Mythology uses hyperfeminization to dehumanize the sea siren. Sea sirens are often depicted as naked and busty with long hair. They conceal strength, a “masculine” trait, by posing as damsels, a “feminine” trait. I talk more about the damsel/siren dichotomy in my Wet Girl video essay. Another example of dehumanization through hyperfeminization appears in Mars Attacks! Martian Girl is a Martian disguised not only as a human woman but also as a prostitute, with vivacious curves, juicy red lips and a swishy walk.
I try to see the humanity in all mythical creatures, man, woman, beast or other. Humans dreamed them up and they, like all human constructions, represent something about us. Sirens must eat, just like humans. I believe sirens, like sailors, need not only food, but also love. Why else use it as bait?
*no evidence exists to support the claim that I am an irresistible singer