Historical Blindness The Legend of Joan, Popess of Rome
Apr 8, 2025
Explore the myth of Pope Joan, the legendary female pope who disguised herself as a man, and its implications for gender roles in leadership. Discover how this tale illustrates the historical roots of misogyny and its ongoing effects on women in politics. Hear personal stories highlighting a child's awakening to the lack of female representation and the contrasting progress made in the U.S. and Italy. Delve into how the narrative of Pope Joan still resonates today, revealing societal biases against women in authority.
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Daughter's Outrage
- Nathaniel Lloyd's daughter learned about the lack of female U.S. presidents.
- She expressed outrage at the unfairness, prompting a discussion about misogyny.
Lagging Behind
- The U.S. lags behind other developed nations in promoting women to executive office.
- This reflects poorly on the country, aligning it more with developing nations.
Italy's Example
- Italy, despite cultural misogyny, elected a female prime minister, Giorgia Meloni.
- This highlights that even far-right movements in misogynist countries are progressing beyond the U.S.