All in all, I think the “unicorns are girly” stereotype isn’t all that widespread outside of certain typical US populations. For most populations, I’d figure the question of unicorn genderness never even occurs in the first place—unicorns are just one of those many “mythical creature” thinghies.
In whatever population I am part of (not a US one), it isn’t the beast itself that is considered female, but rather that females are more likely to be associated with it. Probably a selection effect because they are slightly less likely to be impaled on sight.
Perhaps the unicorn suffers from a similar problem as the angel. When I hear the word “Angel” I think “Enormously powerful, ruthless, highly masculine yet somewhat pretty enforcer that is quite likely to slaughter you on sight”. I don’t think “scantily clad girl with harp”. Unicorns are somewhat analogous albeit being territorial beasts rather than henchman.
I associate the word “Angel” with an eldritch inhuman monstrosity, the very sight of which will drive you mad, if you’re lucky. It is a messenger of an inscrutable divine omni-power, and it only ever carries one message: annihilation.
It is a messenger of an inscrutable divine omni-power, and it only ever carries one message: annihilation.
Angels carry at least two types of message: Annihilation and threats of annihilation if compliance with arbitrary demands is not immediate! Sometimes they are also scouts come to investigate whether said annihilation is necessary. Tip: if large flawlessly beautiful men walk up to your city don’t try to gang rape them. Offering your daughters up to the would-be rapists as a compromise is frowned upon but not penalized.
In whatever population I am part of (not a US one), it isn’t the beast itself that is considered female, but rather that females are more likely to be associated with it. Probably a selection effect because they are slightly less likely to be impaled on sight.
Perhaps the unicorn suffers from a similar problem as the angel. When I hear the word “Angel” I think “Enormously powerful, ruthless, highly masculine yet somewhat pretty enforcer that is quite likely to slaughter you on sight”. I don’t think “scantily clad girl with harp”. Unicorns are somewhat analogous albeit being territorial beasts rather than henchman.
I associate the word “Angel” with an eldritch inhuman monstrosity, the very sight of which will drive you mad, if you’re lucky. It is a messenger of an inscrutable divine omni-power, and it only ever carries one message: annihilation.
Angels carry at least two types of message: Annihilation and threats of annihilation if compliance with arbitrary demands is not immediate! Sometimes they are also scouts come to investigate whether said annihilation is necessary. Tip: if large flawlessly beautiful men walk up to your city don’t try to gang rape them. Offering your daughters up to the would-be rapists as a compromise is frowned upon but not penalized.
In one case, the message was “You’re pregnant”. Then, later, a whole chorus of angels gave a concert in celebration of that child’s birth.
Which is not to detract from your point! The very first thing those angels said, to Mary and the shepherds both, was “Fear not!”
This set of posts made my day.
It seems to be encouraged, not frowned upon. And offering your daughter and the wife of the intended (non-angelic) victim is super-righteous.
Um, no.
[source]
“The sex of angels” is an Italian idiom for an irrelevant question, much like “how many angels can dance on the head of a pin” is in English.