Effects of Mermaid in Psychology of Women

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

A.  Background of the Study

Mermaid has been the talk of town around the world for many centuries. Mermaids, a marine creature with an upper body of a female human and a lower body of a fish, appeared in every single culture in most of the countries. Tales and stories have shown that people and cultures viewed mermaids as symbols of men’s admiration and fear to women. (http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mermaid.html)

Mermaid’s existence gives people different perception. Despite the fact that the existence of mermaids has not yet been proven, many people still believe in them. In fact, there are recent evidences captured by some citizens and researchers in the other countries which were shown in one of the famous discovery channel, Animal Planet. People researching and gathering facts and evidences about mermaid changes their perception towards the real characteristics of mermaids.

Women and mermaids share the same characteristics. Women who have strong water aura and mermaids tend to share common traits. These traits and qualities may vary in strength and intensity. Some women may not possess all the characteristics of a mermaid. A mermaid’s astral body is analogous to water in nature. She knows how to let go. She feels pure, freely gives of herself and innocent. Her connection to water produces highly developed feelings of peace, happiness, contentment, vivaciousness, empathy, and the desire to heal and benefit others. (http://www.williammistele.com/finaltraits1019.htm)

Mermaid brings different psychological meanings and perception to people. In general, people represent mermaids as love and seduction to men because many tales said that mermaids lure men especially sailors. Mermaids also represent as wild creatures because of the image they portray and destruction because they bring heavy rains and storms that kills people. (http://novelnovice.com/2010/10/13/all-about-mermaids-myths-legends-pop-culture/)

Mermaids do not only give psychological importance to men but also to women.  Most of the topics discussed are about the representation and symbolism of mermaids to men because of the admiration and affection mermaids give to them. Therefore, having enough knowledge about the importance of mermaids to women will help them towards their perceptions in life.

This research paper focuses to explain the effects of mermaid on women with regard to their importance, meaning, symbolism and psychological aspects of living.

B.  Statement of the Problem

      This study aims to answer the question:

1.      What are the effects of mermaid to women’s psychological mind?

C.  Significance of the study

Researchers.  The study will be very beneficial to the people conducting their research about mermaids. The paper will benefit the researchers because it will serve as additional information to know the significance of the existence of the mermaids. This study can help them think more and find the importance and effect of mermaids in people’s lives.

College Students.  The research paper would help the college students who conduct research about mermaids. This study can help them to know more about mermaids that will give ideas and knowledge that can benefit in the student’s research study.

Women.  This study would help women know the importance and meaning of mermaids in their life. This study can also help women change their perspectives in life in a better way in solving their problems and in facing their life.

D. Scope and Limitation

This study focuses on the effects of mermaid on the psychology of women. Articles related to the significance and symbolism of mermaids that affect the psychology of women will be considered.

This study will no longer discuss the history, origin, superstitions and the effects of mermaids to men’s psychology because many stories and articles already said that mermaid symbolizes as seduction, love and death to men where there are cases that most of them drowned and have been lured. Some also said that these mermaids are destruction that causes heavy rains and storms.

The researcher concludes that topics about mermaid discusses mostly about the effects of mermaid in men. This study will benefit to places and countries where people believe about the existence of mermaids. This study will also benefit those women or even other people who give important meanings about mermaid to their lives.

E. Materials and Methods

The researcher attempts to make a connection method between the mermaid and female psychology to identify the effects of the meanings and importance of a mermaid on the lives of people especially women.

Information gathered are from different references such as articles and books which are related to the effects of mermaids and female psychology. Articles from online resources were used to strengthen the information and observations of the study.

F. Definition of Terms

Mermaid.  An imaginary sea creature that has a woman's head and body and a fish's tail instead of legs.  (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mermaid)

Folklore.  Traditional customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings. Ideas or stories that are not true but that many people have heard or read.  (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folklore)

Psychology.  The science or study of the mind and behavior, the way a person or group thinks.  (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychology)

Analogous.  Similar in some way.  (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analogous)

women-mermaids-and-mystique-why-we-dont-really-want-to-be-part-of-your-world.html).”

Symbolism. The use of symbols to express or represent ideas or qualities in literature and art, the particular idea or quality that is expressed by a symbol.  (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolism)

Admiration.  A feeling of great respect and approval.  (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/admiration)

Astral Body. Theosophy denoting or relating to a supposed supersensible substance believed to

form the material of a second body for eachperson, taking the form of an aura discernible to certain giftedindividuals.  (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/astral+body)

Superstition.  A belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck: a belief that certain events or things will bring good or bad luck.  (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superstition)

Seduction.  The act of persuading someone, something that interests and attracts people.  (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seduction)

Lure.  An appealing or attractive quality.  (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lure)

Destruction.  The act or process of damaging something so badly that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired: the act or process of destroying something.  (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destruction)

Creatures.  A person usually of a specified type, an imaginary or very strange kind of animal. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/creatures)

Chapter 2

DISCUSSION

What are the effects of mermaid to women’s psychological mind?

I. SYMBOLISM OF MERMAIDS

1. Seduction

            People in ancient times see mermaids as seduction. With their enchanting voice, they hypnotize and manipulate men’s mind most commonly sailors.

In an article entitled “The Mermaid” by Heinz Insu Fenkl, mermaids are said to seduce sailor with the sound of their beautiful singing voice to consume their souls. Not only their voice is seductive but also their physical appearance, a very beautiful creature with a very long hair, beautiful and attractive face, and an alluring body that every man wants.

"Mermaids are said to seduce sailors with the sound of their beautiful singing, luring them into shipwreck and death in order to consume their souls. In horror film, “She Creature”, this mermaid seduces men and literally eats them, and her sexual power also influences the sexuality of other women (http://www.endicott-studio.com/jMA03Summer/theMermaid.html).”

Men see mermaids as perfect women. Sailors travelled the sea for a very long period of time that’s why they are looking for mermaids to lessen their boredom and lust. Mermaid’s enchanting voice and sexual power seduce men to follow them.

This idea of the mermaid being a seductive creature implies that certain mermaid characteristics are attractive to men. Men are seduced by a wonderful voice and a sensual body. Because of that many women think that they too should have those qualities.

In an article entitled, “How to Create a Sexy Voice,” by Kate Peters, a famous study by Gardon Gallop from the University of Albany says that:

"A study showed that both men and women with attractive voices also had more attractive bodies, and a larger sex life.  The researchers were able to show that women felt that low voices were more attractive in men, but they were unable to conclude what makes a woman’s voice sound more attractive to men (http://katepeters.com/blog/2012/02/14/how-to-create-a-sexy-voice/).”

            This shows that mermaid have certain characteristics that attract men. Because of this, women who have good voice and attractive body cause more attraction to men.

2. Destruction

            Mermaids are traditionally known for their beautiful voice. They sing lullabies and chants that distract and enchant the people sailing especially sailors. They were blamed for causing shipwrecks.

According to myths, mermaids would sing to men on ships, hypnotizing and manipulating minds with their beauty and song. Those affected would rush out to sea only to be either drowned or eaten by these creatures. These evil-intentioned mermaids were not only seen as dangerous but also destructive. (http://www.gods-and-monsters.com/mermaid-mythology.html)

According to the article, “Women, Mermaids, and Mystique: Why We Don’t Really Want to Be Part of Your World”, by Rachel Motte says that:   

 “Mermaids have usually been depicted as dangerous, unlucky creatures whose appearance bodes ill. Ancient merfolk were thought to lure men to watery graves through their songs and spells.  Though modern merwomen are, by contrast, known for being playful and affectionate, they can do just as much harm as their fiercer ancestors—and more (http://evangelicaloutpost.com/archives/2010/05/women-mermaids-and-mystique-why-we-dont-really-want-to-be-part-of-your-world.html)."

Some believed that mermaids would cause great danger to men who believed they saw a woman drowning and would dive into the waters to save them. And later on, pull them down into the depth of the sea that cause the men to drown and eventually died.

Mermaids are seen to be so attractive that they are able to manipulate men. Given that, women believe that the more control they have over a man, the more attractive they are.

According to the article, “Women Who Control Men”, by Michelle Shannon says that:

                        “Women who control their men are in a much larger power struggle within themselves than they are with the men they control (voices.yahoo.com/women-control-men-128757.html).”

This shows that mermaids, like women, manipulate men to control them. Because of this, women want to control men to get what they want. This gives them the power to overrule men. They want men to follow them and respect them.

3. Temptation

            Mermaid also symbolizes as temptation. Because of their natural beauty and beautiful voice, men can’t resist looking how attractive they are and how beautiful their voice is. A famous story, “Odyssey”, written by Homer tells about one adventure of Odysseus where they encounter mermaids or sirens when they pass the Sirens’ Island. Because of his smartness, Odysseus demands his men to stuff balls of wax into their ears while approaching and passing through the Sirens’ Island. In order for them to escape the temptation he had himself tied to the mast in order to hear the Sirens' music. To avoid diving off of their ships to get to the Sirens and lead to their deaths by way of the sharp rocks off the coast of the island. (http://kittythedreamer.hubpages.com/hub/Sirens-Beautiful-Yet-Dangerous-Mythological-Creatures)

According to the article that was given earlier, “Women, Mermaids, and Mystique: Why We Don’t Really Want to Be Part of Your World”, by Rachel Motte says that:

           “Mermaid has all the power that comes with being desired by men, without the need or ability to ever submit herself to that desire. Women naturally long to be admired, and it’s normal for girls to gravitate towards feminine images which inspire such admiration
(http://evangelicaloutpost.com/archives/2010/05/women-mermaids-and-mystique-why-we-dont-really-want-to-be-part-of-your-world.html)."

This shows that mermaids have tempting characteristics that men admire. They have these sexual characteristics like their sensual body that causes men to be tempted to come to them. Because of these, women who have sensual body are more attractive to men.

During the ancient times until now, mermaid symbolizes different things to people. Despite of their false existence, many people still admire mermaids and continue their fascination to them. Mermaids see men as food and they are seducing and manipulating men to follow them, be drowned and eventually died.

Women admire mermaids not just because of their beauty and attractive body, but because of how these mermaids seduce and manipulate men’s mind. They see mermaids as their strength to have a confidence over men. According to Heinz Insu Fenkl, mermaids’ sexual power also influences women. Like what Medusa, Eve, Delilah and Cleopatra did. Because of their seduction and confidence, they have the ability to overrule men and lose important things to them. Women see mermaids as symbols that not only men can hurt them. Those women can bring men down.

II. WOMEN’S INFLUENCE ON MEN

1. Medusa

            In an article entitled “Story of Greek Medusa in Greek Mythology”, written by Martha Leonard, Medusa was known as the “serpent goddess” with hair full of snakes, a body of a dragon and a face that turned those who looked at her to stone. Medusa’s beauty was so stunning that many men courted her, but she became a priestess in Athena’s temple. Her golden hair and her beauty attracted the lustful eyes of the sea god, Poseidon. They coupled in Athena’s temple, a terrible violation of a sacred place. Stories differ as to whether he raped Medusa or she enticed him first. Either way, she got pregnant. When Athena learned what had happened she flew into a rage and cursed Medusa.(http://www.humanities360.com/index.php/story-of-medusa-in-greek-mythology-5-56110/)

            Because of Medusa’s beauty, many are attractive to her that even the powerful sea god fell in love to her. And because of the curse, whoever who looks and stare will immediately transformed into stone. As a woman, medusa’s attractive appearance makes her seduce men. Because of her seductive appearance like what the mermaids symbolizes, many men fall in love with her.

2. Eve

In an article entitled “Adam and Eve Bible Story Summary”, written by David Peach, God gave Adam and Eve one tree from which they were not to eat. This was the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil”. God’s command to them was that if they ate from that tree they would die. But Satan told Eve that God knew that she would become enlightened and possess the same knowledge as God had if she ate from the fruit of the tree. This is much like Satan’s temptation to man today, that he does not need God. The fruit was beautiful and looks delicious. Eve fell to the temptation and took the fruit from the forbidden tree. Finding it delicious she took it to Adam. Adam also ate from it. At the time he ate their lives, and that of all future humanity, changed. They immediately knew they had done wrong. They disobeyed God and would be punished. (http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/adam-and-eve-bible-story-summary/)

Because of Eve being tempted she disobeyed the rules and pleads Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. And because of Eve’s seducing words, Adam finally gave up and followed her to eat the forbidden fruit. Eve is example of the symbolism of mermaid, temptation. Because of Eve, Adam was tempted to eat the forbidden fruit that causes them to change their perspective in life.

3. Cleopatra

            In the article entitled “Cleopatra Guide”, written by N.S. Gill, Cleopatra, “Serpent of the Nile”, is known for her beauty and love affairs over the two most powerful men, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, where she had three children. And when Mark Antony took his life, she killed herself by inducing a venomous snake to bite her. (http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/cleopatra/a/CleopatraGuide.htm)

            Because of Cleopatra’s seductive characteristics, she was able to make two powerful men fall in love with her. Her beauty and confidence makes her overpower men.

4. Delilah

In the article “Samson and Delilah, Bible Story Summary, written by Mary Fairchild, Using her powers of seduction and deception, Delilah persistently wore down Samson with her repeated requests, until he finally divulged the crucial information. Having taken the Nazi rite vow at birth, Samson had been set apart to God. As part of that vow, his hair was never to be cut. When Samson told Delilah that his strength would leave him if a razor were to be used on his head, she cunningly crafted her plan with the Philistine rulers. While Samson slept on her lap, Delilah called in a co-conspirator to shave off the seven braids of his hair. Subdued and weak, Samson was captured.(http://christianity.about.com/od/biblestorysummaries/p/samsondelilah.htm)

Being discussed, we can see that Delilah seduced and manipulated Samson’s mind to fall in love with her and later, to know the weakness of Samson that will bring him down because of money. Delilah is an example of the symbolism of mermaid as seduction, temptation, and destruction; Seduction, because she seduce Samson to fall in love with her; Temptation, because Samson was finally tempted to tell Delilah his weakness, and Destruction, because of her, Samson lose his power and strength.

 III. WOMEN’S BEHAVIOR TOWARDS MEN

            Most of us know that women want everything to be perfect. They want to get what they want and be the girl every man wants. They want to show that they are capable to be the woman every man is looking for. In an article entitled, “The Mysteries behind Women’s Behavior” written by Jay Julio, he said that in women’s mind, the world revolves around them. Women have a plan for their network of relationships. This means that women have plans for how each guy she meets will fit into her life. And when a man doesn’t seem to get what she wanted to do, she’ll use dramatic tactics in an attempt to manipulate the man. The author also said that if men are not aware, it will become impossible to distinguish the woman’s real behavior from the drama. (http://www.sosuave.com/articles/jj/mysteries.htm)

            Women manage relationships according to what they want. They use different tactics and strategies just to make men believe them and obey them. Women want men to do what they want. Like the mermaid’s alluring voice, women manipulate men’s mind just to follow them and love them more.

Chapter 3

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS

AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY

            This paper attempted to determine the effects of mermaids to women’s psychological mind.

The research method used in the study is the connection method wherein data from documents and articles were gathered and used to answer the question. The research findings are the following:

1. Women have deeper meanings in admiring and fascinating mermaids. They admire them because of their ability to seduce men. That mermaid has the power to attract and make men fall in love to them.

2. Mermaids give women certain characteristics that will help women in interacting to men. It gives women confidence to express their selves.

3. Mermaids having the symbolism of temptation and destruction affect women to overrule and bring men down. Women have the power that makes men turn down.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. Mermaid influence women in a bad way. They change women’s perspectives in life.

2. Many women who loves mermaid might do bad things. Because of their fascination on mermaids, the symbolism of mermaid might force women to make revenge or do something bad to men.

3. Mermaids help women to have the ability to fight and be confident to express their rights to men.

RECOMMENDATIONS

       After drawing the conclusion of the study, the researchers hereby make the following suggestions/recommendations:

1. People, especially women, can give more important meanings in admiring mermaids. But make sure that these fascinations will not cause any trouble and danger to anyone.

2. A person who doesn't have enough learning and knowledge about the symbolism of mermaids must not judge those people who have certain admiration and fascination to mermaids. Because these people might have problems that are related to men that causes them to give importance to the symbolism of mermaids.