Archetypes represent all aspects of human nature and are typically used in literature as a character, an action, or a situation that represents universal patterns of human nature. Carl Jung believed that at the root of every archetype is the “collective unconscious” of mankind. This “unconsciousness” may vary from race or culture, but it is shared by the entire culture or race. Today, it is fair enough to say that there is a very prevalent “collective unconsciousness” about Age in most cultures.
What are the literary archetypes for Aging Women? According to Jung, the older woman was known as the “Wise Old Woman”, or the Crone. In the United States, these two terms negate any femininity or sexuality. The implication of these are in fact, primarily asexual, and unattractive women that are no longer beautiful.
In European cultures, the Queen would also serve as an archetype of strength and experience. However, the Queen, arguably, has many more connotations of femininity. First, one must assume that she would have once been a princess. She also has earned the right to wear her crown of jewels and robes of the finest fabrics. Not only does she have the right to wear her riches, but she is a powerful State Head to whom people must bow down and show respect.
There is obviously a stark contrast between the Archetype of the Crone and the Queen. This lack of having the Queen as an Archetype can be seen in so many aspects of American culture. Not only are older women not thought of as powerful or commanding respect, but little respect is shown for women who even do carry a title. Most American would probably agree that women, especially in today’s political climate, are not respected
Looking at Queen Elizabeth, we see a woman respected for her leadership of England throughout the world. Queen Elizabeth wears the diamond jewels and robes of the finest fabrics. She is the one who wears the full Crown of diamonds while the Princess wears only the tiara. People bow down to the Queen out of respect and reverence Even the princess must bow down to the Queen.
It is fair to say that really few women in the United States are looked upon the same as a Queen. No one would dare comment on the Queen’s clothing as we do here about the First Lady, no matter who she is. If there were ever an icon or archetype of style, it would have been Jackie Kennedy, who is still talked about today. However, she did not remain in the public eye long enough to become an Archetype, in my opinion. People have never forgotten her and the impact she made on style, but she moved to Greece and our chances to ingrain an Archetype were dashed.
Hence, we, as a newer democratic nation without a queen, are left without a female archetype of any real strength or beauty. At best we have the wise grandmother who bakes cookies and stays home dressed in a “house coat” Women past a certain age are discounted not just by men, but by other women. We have never developed respect for the wisdom, strength, and fortitude of an older woman Sadly, it is “youth” that has become the Archetype of almost everything good. We have seen women go to ridiculous lengths to try to stay younger looking, such as the Housewives of “Whatever ” City. The plastic looking woman is almost becoming an Archetype of the American Culture which is a very sad statement, because it means that some women will do whatever it takes to hold on to something that is impossible to hold.
With all eyes on England this weekend, perhaps Americans will take away something valuable. Megan Markle will undoubtedly be wearing an amazing dress designed by a top designer with the finest fabrics. However, it is the Queen, who will be sitting somewhere in the audience, who has the ultimate power and respect. So no matter how gorgeous and “youthful” Megan will look, which she will, we all know it is the Queen that is most revered. Perhaps an American or two will see the importance of this ancient tradition of respecting your elders!!
I am a California woman, who has lived in London for the past 23 years and I beg to differ with you. My experience is that English women are not more comfortable with being over 50, they are more resigned. While much has changed over 20 years, they still criticise women for colouring their hair, wearing jeans over 50, and even criticise people for having their teeth fixed (ie straightened). Please read all the criticism of Theresa May wearing leather pants. This is a very conservative society, and more interested in fashion (read H&M, etc) then style. Do not imagine that the Queen represents anything other than the monarchy. She’s the Queen. I also live in the South of France, where women of every age dress to please themselves and make themselves attractive to others. The women over 50 look fabulous… because they are dressing for themselves and in very personal ways. I know very conservative women, as well as women in their 70’s (and I am thinking of a doctor I know) who happily wears a lacy bra under her very light blouses…. and she looks great. I hope you will not see this as negative comment, but rather a celebration of the European woman……
Hi,
I must say, I don’t think the British women are all that stylish to begin with. It amazes me that European style has not had more of an influence. I do believe however, that having Queens who continue to dress with style no matter what age, does have na influence. I did say in my article that European women are more comfortable with being OverFifty. Are British women considered European? I have done a lot of research in this area. You had the Fabulous Fashionistas way before we had anything like it. These are women who defy society’s mandates, and dress however they want. In the US, the Idiosynchratic Fashionistas copied yours. Since they started there has been a huge movement in the US, due to a young man, Ari Seth Cohen, where older people are dressing quite ridiculously sometimes. London definitely opened the door for this movement. Your universities actually study in their social studies courses about how women OverFifty feel about themselves. When I was first doing this about 6 years ago, there was no such research in the US. Now, however, I am guessing that there must be people here who are doing it. If you look at all of the Queens in Europe, like Greece, Netherlands, Denmark, etc., they all dress beautifully. Princess Diana was in her 40’s and looked great. Other than Jackie Onasis, there really hasn’t been a style icon for the American’s to look up to. Let me know what you think. Best, Wendy