----- Original Message ----- Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 2:29 PM Subject: Hill & Holler Column From: susanbates@webtv.net (Susan) Subject: Hill & Holler Column On Becoming A Woman Before the coming of the White Race, Traditional Indigenous People valued their women highly, for it is she alone who has the ability to give life. Respecting women's power and incorporating her into all aspects of society kept everything in balance. And it was the constant strive for balance - the perfect tension between male and female - that kept our People strong. From the time they were little girls, women were taught their importance to the clan, village, and tribe. When a young Cherokee girl had her first moon time, a special ceremony called an Ataniska, was held for her. Much thought and preparation went into this ceremony and it was a joyous occasion. The girl was presented with a belt of white wampum which she was to wear around her hips until she got married. Her sisters and elders gathered around her and taught her what being a woman was all about. She was counselled that she should not give herself away too cheaply for she was a prize of great value to be won by the best man. And since she would one day bring children into this world, she should choose her husband with great care. Cherokee women had great dignity born of self worth. Their moral standards were high and men and women respected each other and themselves. All that changed when the "superior race" stole the land. To do that, they had to destroy the culture of those that Creator had given it to. I often think about how it was and how it is now. Sex is a valuable marketing tool used to sell everything from cars to hamburgers. Women are not respected and don't even respect themselves. In this "Flash and Trash" culture we've created, we've allowed ourselves to become little more than sex objects to be used and discarded when we're past our "prime." Those of us who don't fit the ideals created by Hollywood, aren't deemed "worthy." Gray hair, once a symbol of wisdom, is handled with "Loving Care." A thousand magic potions are guaranteed to erase wrinkles. Young girls starve themselves to death to be one of the "beautiful people." But no matter how beautiful the package, if the spirit inside is shriveled and rancid, then there is nothing of value. Traditional Peoples still honor the New Woman. Today it is more important than ever to do so, for when woman regains her rightful place in society, the balance will be restored. Cherokee call this the emergence of the 5th world. I urge all of you who are coming back together as tribal people to bring back your New Woman's Ceremonies. It is not the big things that will bring about the changes we're all waiting for, but the small basic understandings of who we are and how it was and will be again. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Anorexia Bulimia Speaks From The Grave ---------A Poem by Marilou Awiakta Young woman, listen to me ----- I'm talkin' to you. Don't come down here before your time. It's dark and cold. Nothin' doin' down here but the Grandmothers sayin' "Anorexia Bulimia! Tell the young women this for us: They bound our feet and our toes busted out --- to travel on, test new waters. They bound our breasts ---- our nipples busted out, infra - red eyes to take in what the other two miss. When they bound our middle rib 'n hip busted the stays took the waist with 'em --- free as they were born. But now, young woman - now... They've got your soul in a bind, wounded, wound up in electronic wire and hard paper twine that cut images into your brain, unnatural images sayin' 'Starve yourself to suit us. Starve your body. Starve you power. Starve your dream - thinner and thinner - until YOU vanish.' They want you to do that 'cause if you was to take on weight you might start throwing it around. No way can They handle a full - grown woman with a full - grown dream. No way." Listen young women, the Grandmothers and Anorexia Bulimia are talkin' to you - Feed your body. Feed your soul. Feed your dream. BUST OUT!!! <><><><><><><>><><><><><><><><><> You can contact me at susanbates@webtv.net or write me at HC 73 Box 159-1, Drury, MO 65638