Deconstructing Native Theories of Gender and Feminism
摘要
‘Reviving’ and ‘revising’ are the deconstructions happening in the building process of native theories of gender and feminism. It started with their assertion against colonialism and white supremacy. Native or more popularly the indigenous feminist discourse is an emerging knowledge which is challenging both mainstream patriarchy and the layering of patriarchy within their own communities. It is challenging the premise of mainstream feminism, more popularly western feminism in their interplay within the power structures of established patriarchy, capitalism, and the valuation of “work” on the principles of market economy. At the same time, the native feminism is questioning the growing influence of patriarchal elements in its own society, demonizing and marginalizing the ‘Mother’s wisdom’ in the form of institutions of ‘Clan Mothers’ or ‘Crones’, Healers or Medicants, Spiritual women; the yoginis as well as the imaging of the ancient goddesses. There is a need to reflect and look back to one’s own roots and origins and the ancient wisdoms and knowledge on gender and sexuality around the indigenous world order. There is a surge, as reflected in the third wave of feminism, to understand different hues, cultures and diversity, and indigenous knowledge systems which formed the premise for the growth of the theories on eco-feminism. Women have been known to be the repository of indigenous knowledge systems. The indigenous feminism enables a paradigm shift from the established power structures based on hierarchy and masculine pedagogy, which Derrida has discussed. This chapter will attempt to take on from Derrida as well as the bio-power of Foucault to further argue the need and the importance of the native feminist upsurge to enable us to better understand the new world order.