Classism

Classism: prejudice against or in favor of people belonging to a particular social class.

In the opening scenes of Douglas Parker’s modern translation of Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata”, our feminist protagonist is introduced. We are briefed by the narrator that Lysistrata has just called for a town meeting requesting the attendance of each and every last woman from the accompanying city states. However, a problem evinces itself and things begin to look bleak as no one has yet to show up to the assembly.

After what felt like a prolonged period of panic pacing, the women start to pour into the meeting place and the congregation finally begins. Myrrhine, a “ragged” woman from the “outskirts” (20), is among one of the first to walk into the meaning. Upon spotting Lysistrata, Myrrhine asks if her and her contemporaries are late for the meeting. This sincere question is perceived by Lysistrata as an attempt by Myrrhine to inquire about a “medal of tardiness” (21). Ironically enough however, as Lampito, a woman of Sparta, casually strolls into the meeting (after Myrrhine), Lampito is greeted with grace and favor! Admiring her “blemishless complexion”, Lysistrata excuses Lampito’s tardiness.

This event in particular, exhibits a social tendency that has been practiced for years. Perhaps the reason for the difference in treatment of the tardiness for both women results in the fact that Myrrhine was from the “outskirts” and Lampito was native to Sparta. Often times, those of lesser rank in terms of the social ladder, receive very little credit and are also treated very differently from those well established within the societal pyramid.