What’s Really Behind Our Mermaid Obsession?

Since their first mentions in ancient Assyrian (later Syrian) folklore in 1000 B.C, mermaids have held a unique and textured place in cultural and creative consciousness. With mentions in Greek mythology, One Thousand and One Nights, and Nickelodeon kids’ shows, their shifting appeal as creatures of the dark and the light speak to the way we view sex, the sea, women and the gods. While many of the more recent headline grabbing mermaid stories have tended to focus on hair tutorials, multi-coloured food and drink and three forthcoming remakes of The Little Mermaid, there’s much more to it. Productions including Siren and The Lure suggest we’re still drawn to their more frightening potential; while the sweet cheese of Aquamarine and Lady Gaga’s turn as Yüyi show a more vulnerable side. The sea-water soaked creature reveal the sun and shadow of female stereotypes: one dangerous the other unbearably hopeless, existing to be destroyed. 

Full Article: https://i-d.vice.com/en_au/article/whats-really-behind-our-mermaid-obsession