Scan barcode
A review by jiujensu
Every Day Is a Good Day by Gloria Steinem, Wilma Mankiller
4.0
As a compilation, it has so many different points of view, so it's hard to speak generally.
What appealed to me beyond the opportunity to read so many native women at once on a variety of topics from government to love, was the view of religion incorporating all living things - that promotes inclusivity, equality and respect for the environment as integral parts of life. I was struck by the fact that most native cultures were quite equal before the imposition of male dominated European religion and government.
Two of the women expressed views that they needed to support men who have become vulnerable and that women shouldn't play sports because the muscles will be bad for childbirth. Maybe I didn't read that correctly. ..
Towards the beginning I was discouraged to read about the integration of Christianity in native life, though theirs appears to be a more forgiving version and makes room for their native ceremony and beliefs for the most part.
There is a lot to learn about the history - they only touch on it but it's so valuable to know about their struggle and survival and what it means today.
There is a current throughout of a well deserved critique of capitalist greed. This was satisfying to know that others share this view.
Some women seem to want to prove Christianity is compatible with native culture. The church did preserve some native languages in a way. But there are native stories, one of a creator asking for 30 deer and the man only conning up with 28 and the creator says that's fine. Compare that with Cain and Abel from the Bible with God accepting one brother's type of sacrifice over the other and murder results. Not exactly harmonious or forgiving...
There are so many contributors and sidebar perspectives. I can't begin to say all I got from this book. It was enlightening historically and heartbreaking to see how devastating colonisation has been.
What appealed to me beyond the opportunity to read so many native women at once on a variety of topics from government to love, was the view of religion incorporating all living things - that promotes inclusivity, equality and respect for the environment as integral parts of life. I was struck by the fact that most native cultures were quite equal before the imposition of male dominated European religion and government.
Two of the women expressed views that they needed to support men who have become vulnerable and that women shouldn't play sports because the muscles will be bad for childbirth. Maybe I didn't read that correctly. ..
Towards the beginning I was discouraged to read about the integration of Christianity in native life, though theirs appears to be a more forgiving version and makes room for their native ceremony and beliefs for the most part.
There is a lot to learn about the history - they only touch on it but it's so valuable to know about their struggle and survival and what it means today.
There is a current throughout of a well deserved critique of capitalist greed. This was satisfying to know that others share this view.
Some women seem to want to prove Christianity is compatible with native culture. The church did preserve some native languages in a way. But there are native stories, one of a creator asking for 30 deer and the man only conning up with 28 and the creator says that's fine. Compare that with Cain and Abel from the Bible with God accepting one brother's type of sacrifice over the other and murder results. Not exactly harmonious or forgiving...
There are so many contributors and sidebar perspectives. I can't begin to say all I got from this book. It was enlightening historically and heartbreaking to see how devastating colonisation has been.