Cambridge talk claims early male writers introduced idea real beauty is within to control how women dressed
Photograph: thelittlegreyartist/AlamyPhotograph: thelittlegreyartist/AlamySome called the women who put on makeup and dyed their hair, deceptive and artificial. Others said women who wore jewels and fine clothes could not be trusted, even by their husbands. But they all agreed: if a man ever encountered one of these unchristian women, and wanted to rape her, it was her fault – not his.
While the Romans thought it “much more normal” for upper-class women to wear makeup, lots of jewellery, and “very elaborate” hairstyles, Zhirnova said this behaviour was perceived to be in conflict with Christian ideals. Zhirnova said: “These writers try to use this principle that ‘beauty should be within’ to say enhancements to a woman’s appearance should not be allowed. Women are perceived as ‘dangerous’ visually, to men.”
Women who do not follow these edicts are portrayed as regretful. For example, Saint Paula, the first nun in the history of Christianity, learns the teachings of Saint Jerome and starts “washing with tears the face she once disfigured with makeup”. Zhirnova added: “Saint Ambrose, for example, addresses married women who think maybe they should put on makeup for their husbands. His answer is a firm no, because wearing makeup is deceptive and the purpose of enhancing your appearance can only be to attract male attention. Therefore a woman who does that must be sexually promiscuous.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Inclusivity shouldn’t be controversial’: will a radical art rehang give Cambridge an unwanted ‘woke’ row?Fitzwilliam Museum keen to avoid kind of criticism that has hit Tate and National Portrait Gallery with shake-up of displays
Read more »
Police swarm German home in urgent search for associate of Madeleine McCann suspect, Christian Brueckner7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Christian Horner accuser believed to be appealing against inquiry verdictThe appeal will reignite the controversy which has dominated F1 after an investigation had dismissed a complaint made by a female employee
Read more »
Guenther Steiner speaks on Christian Horner texting scandal and F1's great divideFormula One. It's a sport where no one is short of cash but the gulf between the top and bottom teams has increased as former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner knows all too well.
Read more »
Spice Girls take action as ‘horrible’ F1 storm engulfs Geri Halliwell and her husband, Christian Horner7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
F1 five quick hits — Christian Horner plays down Red Bull rumours, Oliver Bearman shines for FerrariA British debutant shows class beyond his years, Haas scores its first point of the season, while Christian Horner continues to play down rumours of trouble at Red Bull.
Read more »