Marine Le Pen: 'Jeanne d'Arc was frowned upon for her masculine attire.'

Jeanne d'Arc was frowned upon for her masculine attire.

In her statement, Marine Le Pen emphasizes the societal disapproval faced by Jeanne d'Arc for her decision to wear masculine attire. This quote highlights the historical context of Jeanne d'Arc's life and the challenges she encountered due to her unconventional choice of clothing. Le Pen's observation sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals who challenge society's prescribed gender roles, bringing attention to their courage and resilience.Jeanne d'Arc, widely known as Joan of Arc, was a French heroine during the Hundred Years' War. Born in the early 15th century, she played a significant role in the French military campaign against the English. However, what made her stand out was not only her military prowess but also her refusal to conform to societal norms regarding gender presentation. Jeanne chose to don men's clothing during her military endeavors, a decision that aroused eyebrows and disapproval from those around her.In the medieval era, rigid gender roles were firmly established. Women were expected to adopt passive roles in society, confined largely to domestic duties and obeying the authority of men. By actively choosing to wear men's attire, Jeanne d'Arc was challenging these deeply ingrained gender norms. Her defiance went beyond a mere sartorial choice - it represented a rejection of societal expectations and a courageous assertion of her own identity.Marine Le Pen's quote draws our attention to the reaction Jeanne d'Arc faced because of her clothing. The public's frowning upon her choice can be seen as a glaring example of how society often struggles to accept non-conformity. It is no surprise that Jeanne experienced disdain and criticism from her contemporaries. The discomfort society feels when confronted with individuals who deviate from established norms often leads to ostracization and condemnation. In Jeanne d'Arc's case, her masculine attire challenged the gender binary and threatened the traditional power dynamics between men and women.But let us now delve into a broader perspective, a philosophical concept that sheds light on the deep-rooted reasons behind society's reaction to non-conformity. The concept of cognitive dissonance, developed by the psychologist Leon Festinger, suggests that humans experience a state of mental discomfort when confronted with conflicting beliefs or ideas. When Jeanne d'Arc challenged societal norms, her masculine attire clashed with deeply ingrained beliefs and expectations about gender roles. This dissonance likely sparked a strong negative reaction from those who encountered her.Moreover, Jeanne d'Arc's unconventional attire may have triggered what social psychologist Erving Goffman termed "stigma" - a negative attribute that deviates from social expectations. Goffman argues that individuals who possess stigmatized characteristics face prejudice and discrimination from society due to their "spoiled" identity. In the case of Jeanne, her decision to wear masculine clothing led to her being stigmatized, resulting in societal disapproval.In conclusion, Marine Le Pen's quote about Jeanne d'Arc being frowned upon for her masculine attire sheds light on the resilience and bravery of those who challenge societal norms. This historical example reminds us of the difficulties faced by those who defy the boundaries of socially prescribed gender roles. Jeanne d'Arc's decision to wear men's clothing ran contrary to deeply ingrained expectations and norms of her time, leading to disapproval and condemnation. By introducing a philosophical lens of cognitive dissonance and stigmatization, we gain insights into the reasons behind society's reaction to non-conformity. Ultimately, Jeanne d'Arc's choice to wear masculine attire is a testament to her courage, as she defied social expectations and fought for her beliefs.