Answer the following question: (How do Indigenous feminists conceptualize decolonization? How do Indigenous queer theorists
expand Indigenous feminist theorizations of decolonization?)
+ Use the attached sources to support answer, provide examples, quotes and analysis.
Indigenous Feminist theorists:
Kay Trask, Noelani Goodyear Ka’ōpua, Sarah Deer
Indigenous Queer theorists: Chris Finley, Sarah Hunt,
The answer will be evaluated based on topicality (10-points), accuracy (15-points), substantiation (15-points), and development (10-points).
* No abstract required.
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Decolonization
It is the revealing and elimination of colonialism where white people once dominated. Also, it is the last stage of colonization. The effects of colonialism are intense to the point of native or indigenous people falling victims. Some of them live in Turtle, Hawaii islands and other places worldwide. Decolonization does not mention the existence of native folks or the manner in which white settlers stole large tracts of land. Moreover, there is the introduction of indigenous feminism that focuses on decolonization.
Ethnic feminism is a theory that emphasizes on dominance of indigenous people and human rights for native women. Feminism took place in indigenous communities. Furthermore, native feminists conceptualize or have various views on decolonization. The indigenous feminists to be discussed are Sarah Deer, Good year and Trask. Women should indorse to their traditional roles that were taught by grandmothers and the elderly in the society (Hunt 161). Women used to cook, maintain healthy relationship with relatives, repair cloth and so on. Decolonization has affected most ladies since they are busy looking for money hence, neglecting their roles. Likewise, practices like art, craft, traditional dancing has decreased because children were taken to school and taught new things. The aim of decolonization was to ensure that native culture diminishes.
The other view of decolonization is elimination of matriarchy. This is females being given the chance to leadership. In the olden days, women were the ones who used to solve communal conflicts. They had a say regarding to land issues and whatever they declared could not be altered by men. On the contrary, the present women are few in government compared to men. Many countries have males who occupy large numbers in parliament. Patriarchy (leadership of men) has been prioritized (Trask 89). In modern times, the male ego cannot allow women to have the final say over matters. Colonialist men treated women like slaves and suppressed their power of leadership.
Another observation is of indigenous women being raped by non-native males. Most of them are raped, some die because of a disease outbreak and others killed intentionally by colonialists. Sarah Deer says that sexual violence is rampant among native women (Deer 160). She wonders whether or not traditional government should be given the chance to judge such cases. In her article, she gives examples of two men who were convicted because of rape matters. Besides, the feminists observe that folks no longer take care of mother earth. Lands are being grabbed to benefit the rich hence, small acres left to poor citizens.
Goodyear states that there were four native feminists who helped the society. She talks of Terrilee who faced difficulties while growing up as an adolescent in the Vietnam War (Kaopua 2). She later decided to be an activist and joined politics that led to the independence of Hawaii. Terrilee later traveled to Philippines where she gained experience in issuing peace to the community. The other feminist was Akaka. She recalls how her family was told to leave Kalama valley (Kaopua 3). This happened so that the white man could develop the area regardless of the eviction of people. Loretta was the other one who said that Hawaiian citizens had wanted freedom and they joined hands to form a movement. Lastly, there was Maxine who did not forget her role towards her children and siblings (Kaopua 4). The four feminists were brave women who fought for the health of people, fought for the oppressed and ensured land and water were free from foreign military invasion. The love for their country is what motivated them to do better for the society.
Trask says that Hawaii is still facing decolonization. The country is contented with the fact that they have rights. Introduction of privileges came from the America which colonized them (Trask 88). Unfortunately, some folks believe that Hawaii would not be fortunate without the intervention of America. Similarly, the right to public education is being taught in a foreign language rather than Hawaiian language. Many acres of land are being controlled by the federal government. Trask gives an example of a Hawaiian leader; John who set a plan to remove the trust claim of land in exchange for money. Additionally, American culture is patriarchal in nature which means that males control females. Female chiefs were later removed from leadership positions.
There are two queer (people attracted to the same sex) theorists; Sarah Hunt and Chris. They expand on indigenous feminist theories of decolonization. The aim of theories was to ensure revival of festivities and use of mother tongue. When Sarah was young, she relocated with her mother to stay with Songhees people. She learnt how to bake brownies, giving food to mourners and attending to traditional events (Hunt 163). In return, the Songhees used to bring her salmon fish to appreciate her. That is how she formed friendship with them. The native folks value good relationships. Correspondingly, Sarah’s interaction with them made her appreciate the Songhees culture and got to know of their existence.
Chris is the other theorist. In his article, he talks of the effects of gender on native society. He says that decolonization eliminated the presence of native man to pave way for the white male. Indigenous women were being pursued by white man because they did not want competition from native men (Finley 36). The white males consider indigenous fellows as infertile and disordered. They did not see them as useful and started killing them. This confirms that decolonization was set to get rid of indigenous people.
To conclude, decolonization has bad effects on indigenous people. There are three feminist theorist; Sarah Deer, Goodyear and Trask. Sarah Deer says that there are very many rape cases that happen to native women. She wonders whether it is a good idea for traditional government to handle such matters. There is Good life who gives examples of four indigenous feminists who fought for their country because they loved it. Trask shows how the introduction of rights to Hawaii is for the benefit of America. There is the trust claim of land that is exchanged with money. The other two queer theorist include Sarah Hunt and Chris. Sarah Hunt shows her interaction with the Songhees people and learns how they value culture. Finally there is Chris who talks of the way white males did not want competition from native men. They saw them as infertile and looked for ways of eliminating them thus decolonization.
Works Cited
Deer, Sarah. “Decolonizing rape law.” 2009, pp. 149-167.
Finley, Chris. “Queer indigenous studies.” 2011, pp. 31-42.
Hunt, Sarah. “Everyday decolonization: living a decolonizing queer politics.” Journal of Lesbian studies, 2015, pp. 154-172.
Kaopua, Noelani G. “Hawaiian women for sovereignty and demilitarization.” 2018, pp. 1-19.
Trask, Haunani K. “From a native daughter.” 1999, pp. 87-97.
