Why was young James Johnson surprised to find women as pirates?

Young James Johnson was surprised to find women as pirates because societal norms of his time typically portrayed piracy as a male-dominated profession. He had likely grown up with the belief that adventure and rebellion on the high seas were reserved for men, making the presence of women challenging his preconceived notions about gender roles. This discovery highlighted the often-overlooked contributions and roles of women in maritime history, emphasizing their ability to defy traditional expectations.