Women in History

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

After the two sessions on Japanese history and literature I was greatly impressed by the historical role of women. Women were powerful, the carriers of the family name, allowed to have multiple lovers, and authors of great works ("The Tale of Genji"). So why is it that Japan had such a modern view of women so long ago? What was it that gave them this perspective as opposed to women in Western history? Thoughts??

[Anonymous]

I agree with you. Japanese culture seemed to be way ahead of Western European culture in terms of women rights and position in society & culture. This is also true with some indigenous cultures.

Part of my thought as to why women carried their own names and property is kept through the female is because of the certainty that the child carries that family blood. In spanish there is a saying that talks about the certainty that you are your mother's child and uncertainty that you are your are your father's child. Therefore, there is never a doubt who your mother is but doubts when it comes to your father.

[Anonymous]

I have no biological children and so all children are of my blood. As a teacher I am in the unique positon of giving and receiving so much to and from every student.

In truth, we are all, all of humanity, life-long teachers and life-long learners. You are of my blood and I am of your blood. Blood brothers and sisters...

[Anonymous]

Yes, just think about the Jewish and even the Native Americans.

You are Jewish if your mother is, your father's background is almost never considered to determine if you are Jewish.

Native Americans, were a trully democratic society and held the wise woman as the center of their culture and tribes. Similarly to the idea that was discussed last Tuesday, they were considered connected to the earth, they were more part of mother earth because they gave birth to the next generation and educated and nurtured them as well

What happen in Europe? I blame religion!

Because even the pagan religions were woman centered (think of witches) or the myths of Greece. Zeus may have been King but Hera was just as much in charge and influential.
Seers were often more women then men, but it was very equal in myths and legends.

[Anonymous]

I completly agree that religion has supressed women and is probably the direct cause why women have not been recognized as important in history or society.

In religion women became more important when it was brought to the Americas and the indigenous cultures extracted women in religion and converted them to Icons and now are revered by faith followers.

The Virgen de Guadalupe has become the patron saint of Mexico and is believed to have facilitated the indigenous "conversion" to catholism.

[Anonymous]

Certainly in many aspects of religion, we see the suppression of women.
That is interesting to learn about the impact of Virgen de Guadalupe and catholism.
What many people do not realize about Islam, is their respect for women.
Prophet Muhammed's 1st wife was about 15 years older then he, and she was a well-off business woman, who pursued him, after observing his piety and integrity. She was his only wife as long as she was alive. Thereafter he married all these other women for pratical reasons, as they were war bride ophans. One his wives headed an army to battle.
Women were given rights to own land as well as voting priveledges before womens rights hit the western civilization.

[Anonymous]

There is wisdom in the men and wisdom in the women. A great and just society would be one that honors the wisdom in all it's people regardless of their gender. If we could all learn to raise to the highest thought, then our culture could advance more quickly...

[Anonymous]

I think Western Religion placed women in an inferior position. Although we are supposedly in a modern age, I think the underpinnings of religion is still holding many women back.

[Anonymous]

As a sophmore in high school, I remember having read Peal S. Buck's The Good Earth. The novel traces one families rise and fall in late 19th century China. The family and the families' land are cornerstones of this novel, and I think it would be good to use it to study and trace the role of women--albeit somewhat stereotypical--in Chinese society of the time. You have your classic Chinese women characters--O-lan the loyal obedient wife, Lotus the concubine, the children's wives, the families' daughters and a couple of other concubine/servants that serve Lotus. The relationships and connection between these women and this family is truly worth looking at if trying to get students to understand the nature of a male dominated confucist China in decline.[Edit by="chellmold on Jul 23, 10:07:04 PM"][/Edit]
[Edit by="chellmold on Jul 26, 12:11:52 AM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

I agree, I think as teachers, we can provide our students more opportunities to learn about groups that have usually do not have power or do not get to be part of the dominated voice. I remember reading Pearl S. Buck's "The Good Earth" as well and even as a Chinese American, that book gave me insights about women in China that I did not know about before.

I also recommend Amy Tan's The Kitchen God's Wife and The Joy Luck Club. The Joy Luck Club has been popularized by the film but The Kitchen God's Wife is a great book that gives insights to the life of a woman living in a male dominated Chinese society.

[Author]

Posts