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Claremont created the character of Mystique as a nod to “The Feminine Mystique” (1963) by Betty Friedan, an important text that spurred the 2nd wave of American feminism, and one that reflects Mystique’s character in definitive ways. #xmen 1/6
Friedan argues that women are stifled by domestic servitude. “In the feminine mystique, there is no other way for a woman to dream of creation or of the future. There is no other way she can even dream about herself, except as her children's mother, her husband's wife.” 2/6
Mystique, who first debuts in Claremont's Ms. Marvel, defies this principle. Though her purpose is (more or less) evil, at least at first, she demands her own agency and defines herself however she chooses, a point that is exemplified by her shapeshifter power-set. 3/6
Friedan further notes “When [woman] stopped conforming to the conventional picture of femininity, she finally began to enjoy being a woman.” Mystique’s capacity for happiness is perhaps impossible to quantify but she does seem to be living her best (slightly murdery) life. 4/6
![Friedan further notes “When [woman] stopped conforming to the conventional picture of femininity, she finally began to enjoy being a woman.” Mystique’s capacity for happiness is perhaps impossible to quantify but she does seem to be living her best (slightly murdery) life. 4/6](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmD3UkYXgAItl-F.jpg "Friedan further notes “When [woman] stopped conforming to the conventional picture of femininity, she finally began to enjoy being a woman.” Mystique’s capacity for happiness is perhaps impossible to quantify but she does seem to be living her best (slightly murdery) life. 4/6")
While Friedan is wary of domestic servitude, she maintains that a woman choosing family/motherhood is great, so long as it is indeed a choice, and to this point we do see some strong domestic relationships in Mystique’s portrayal, perhaps moreso for being unconventional. 5/6
Finally, Friedan looks at the lack of roles available to women and asks ““Why should women accept this picture of a half-life, instead of a share in the whole of human destiny?” Here again, Mystique doesn’t compromise; she pursues it all, Destiny included. 6/6
