Hercules cross dressed for 3 years. What do you think would happen to him in today's morality?

Question

Cite: The Age of Fable -- Bulfinch Page138

Answer 1

Well hercules would have a lot of problems these days. He probably wore toga like clothes or lion cloths anyway, even on days when he wasn't 'cross dressing'.

He probably committed on the order of 10 or fifteen thousand agrravated assaults,,a thousand manslaughters, numerous animal cruelty violations slaying endangered species continually , seven headed dogs whatever.

Like most greeks back then you could assume he practiced pederasty, which was a law whereby young boys over the age of 8(catamites) were encouraged to select an adult male as their tutor. Pursuing sexual acts being left to their choice and discretion- though they usually did.

In short Hercules would be public enemy No.1 and there would be a new pile of epic tales to add to his legend.

"Hercules mighty battle with two hundred federal officers outside of a cathloic boys school"
"Hercules gets drunk in public and good king bush sends his loyal champion, an abram tank to challenge him etc"

Answer 2

Well, considering that there are transvestites today, it would, if nothing else, at least be accepted by a minority. Most people, I imagine, would do nothing more than point and laugh. Some particularly strong-willed people might get as serious as death threats.

On the other hand, it's Hercules, so people might just shut up and let him pass. You never know with hypothetical things like this.

Answer 3

But there is no consistency in modern morality.
The country is split. It would go like this:

"Tonight on Barbra Walters:
The astounding story of the Man, the Myth, the Legend.
Is he a Hero, or is he seriously disturbed?

*Cross dress for Your Country*

The controversial story you can't miss. "

* * *

(BTW, what *was* the Greek position on cross dressing? I actually took a fair bit of Classic Civs in college, and I remember that the sexual taboos were unusual (from a modern perspective). For example, men couldn't have relations other grown men, but they could court boys. I don't remember anything about cross-dressing, though...)

Answer 4

In today's morality he would have been able to be a professional wrestler, or been given guest spots on TV. They would have made of movie of him and make it look like he was a victim of society. In short he would be an instant celebrity.

Now if he tried this 60-70 years ago, they would have put him in an insane asylum and forgotten him.

Answer 5

They use it to add to the claim of his being a bizzare and vain killer. I think he would have been featured on "America's Most Wanted". Unless, he joined the Armed Forces. If he got past the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".
If he stayed in Greece there would be no worries. I'm Greek,so I know.

Answer 6

Jerry Springer?

Answer 7

he probably wont stand out too much with some of the outfits worn by the guys in the WWF and some other celebs.

as to the "morality" people... they'd probably put more of an emphasis on his claim to be the son of god than on anything he wore :)

Answer 8

He could have some fun with it Terry. It takes a real man to wear a dress and endure the ribbing after all.:)

Answer 9

I think they'd offer him a role in the next stage version of Hairspray or Birdcage.

Answer 10

he would be in prison as somebodys girlfriend.

lets face it he was a serial killer of sorts.
he started out killing snakes and eventually he killed his own wife and children.
of course he may get a reduced sentence
his defense attorney would have blamed everything on Hera
the insanely jealous wife of zeus