HerlandVoice-1992-10-v9-no10_ocr.pdf
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- HerlandVoice-1992-10-v9-no10_ocr.pdf
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12, 1492
OCTOBER 12, 1992
OCTOBER
--
FALL RETREAT
by Pat Reaves
October, 1992 marks the 500th anniversary of the first landing of
Christopher Columbus on an island in the Caribbean. The celebration
ofthequincentennialofColumbus'voyagehasprovokednewdebateon
Columbus theman and the impact of his voyages. There have been and
will be events honoring Columbus as a hero and events protesting the
conquest and occupation of the North and South America Continents
which came after his "discovery''. The year 1492 was a watershed time
in world history. As Molefi Kete Asante proclaimed, " No single year
in our recent history so disrupted the harmony of the physical, political,
cuitural, economic and spiritual environment as thegreat 1492. Nothing
was to be as dramatic in African or American history as theviletearing
apart of the cultural fabrics of two great peoples: Africans and Native
Americans."
Why is it important to even talk about Columbus? The paradox of
history is that our view of the world influences our view of history and
our view of history influences our view of the world. If you've ever
compared accounts of past events -- particularly those leading to some
argument --with family or friends, you know thatdifferent perspectives
can lead to differing beliefs about what the "truth" is. In history, as in
families, the "truth" of the winners prevails.
Most schoolchildren in the United States have been taught the
winner's view of the history of the "discovery" of the " new world". A
heroic Columbus set out from Spain to prove to doubters that the world
was really round. After a difficult voyage our hero finally sighted land.
He landed on an island in the West Indies, planted the Spanish flag and
claimed the land and its riches for Christianity and Ferdinand and
Isabella of Spain. Soon thereafter, colonists followed, tamed the savage
new world, and ultimately cleated a new democratic society. Native
peoples are described as primitive, passive, savage, heathen, childlike,
and untrustworthy. They are lost souls in need of salvation.
The study of Columbus is for most children their first in-school
encounter with the confrontation between two cultures and becomes a
metaphor for relations between people. The discovery myth legitimizes
racism and imperialism. Humanity is divided into two unequal parts .
Columbus, Ferdinand and Isabella, white Europeans, have consciousness and initiative. Natives of the new world are thoughtless, voiceless
objects who exist only to be controlled by a worthy few. Children are
encouraged to listen solely to the perspectives of the historical winners
and to acceptthesilences of the defeated. (Bigelow, "Two Myths are Not
Better Than One", Monthly Review)
This traditional account omits much. The context of Columbus'
voyage is rarely discussed. Europe in 1492 was a brutal place. In that
year, the Spanish defeated the Moors in Granada. Also in 1492, the
Spanish Inquisition issued an ultimatum to Spanish Jews -- convert to
Christianity or leave the country. Scholars believed the_earth was a
globe but believed the lower half was uninhabitable except for strange
beasts. Many families held slaves who were mostly young white women
who had been acquired as "pagans" in Eastern Europe or Circassia.
Nationalist and religious wars were commonplace. (Foote, "Where
Columbus
was
Coming
From",
Smithsonian).
Registrations are still being
accepted for Her land's Fall
Retreat which will be held
October 16, 17, and 18 at
Roman Nose State Park.
This Fall 's feature performer is Judy Fjell, singer,
songwriter, and trainer, in a
special return engagement .
Judy will lead 2 workshops
on Saturday beginning with
"AnyWomanCanSing" . In
the afternoon bring any instrument (even just your
voice) for "Community
Building-Song Circle". Judy
has intensive experience
helping women empower
themselves with their own
music. She will perform in
concert Saturday evening.
After getting warmed up in Judy's music workshops, Saturday
afternoon will offer local performers the chance to shine with Open
Mike beginning at 4:30 P.M. Other workshops will include a geology
hike to acquaint participants with the geology of the Roman Nose area.
Registration is on a sliding scale based on income (See page 7 for
registration form). Thedeadline for pre-registration is October 10. An
additional $10 will be charged for on-site registration. Scholarships are
available for women who would otherwise be unable to attend. Additional donations are needed to sponsor the scholarship program.
Your retreat registration includes dinner Friday evening, brurich
Saturday and Sunday, workshops, a cabin bunk or tent camping,
campfire singalongs, and concert admission. -- not to mention lots of
time to meet new and old friends in a friendly woman -space. Don't
forget to bring a special dish to share at the Saturday night pot luck
supper.
Roman Nose State Park offers many other activities including a
small lake and natural cold springs. Just tenmiles away in Watonga
is Oklahoma's only cheese factory which offers tours and sample
tasting.
Herrand Yard Sale
October 31
Donate your old costumes and then come pick out
a new one. Other items are also needed. Le.ave a
message at 521-9696 to arrange item pickup.
(continued on page. 4)
Volume 9 Number 10
Herland Sister Resources
2312 N.W. 39, OKC, OK 73112
I
ST. SYBIL
Dear St. Sybil,
Please don't think that I'm racist, and I know that this
is not "pc'~ but I don't understand why people are so upset
about celebrating the 500 year anniversary of Columbus
discovering -ok, not discovering - coming to America. It was
bound to happen sooner or later, and I think he deserves credit
for being the first to do it. And since Europe had the advanced
culture, technology and prowess, it was natural that we would
prevail here. Face it, the Indians were really backward, and we
brought good things to them; I mean, give me a break, Sybil,
they didn't even have the wheel!
In exasperation,
Donna Gettit
Dear Donna,
Well, you're quite right, it was of course inevitable that the oceans
would be spanned and the cultures would meet. It was what happened
after that, which was definitely not preordained, that I think folks are
objecting to. And., many people don't buy into the idea that Supremacy
equals Superiority; or the even more deluded notion that technological
advance is a moral good and a sign of spiritual/intellectual virtue.
Come wander with me a while, Donna, through the old multi-flic
theater of life, and let's see if things are clearer when we look at a
different, distant screen.
Far, far in the future, then, tomorrow, perhaps: A hardy band of
Yuros prepare for a daring foray into space. The inhabitants of the sixth
planet orbiting Alpha Centauri are excited; they have conclusive proof
that they are not alone in the universe, as they once feared, and are setting
outtomeetandgreettheircompanions in Life. And so they arrive at their
d(,'Stination, Earth, the pretty little third planet orbiting Sun, and receive
a tumultuous greeting. Their three spacecraft, awesome in design and
similar to Earthlings' spacecraft only in a hallucinogenic dream, set
down in the Astrodome during a playoff game. It is hardly anytime
before the Earthlings realize that this is not just part of the halftime show;
and the30,000 or so football fans treat the thirty or so Yuros with delight
and awe. "By Gawd, Jake, they l!!:l,;littlegreen men". "Little my ass, Joe,
anyone of 'em could play tackle for the Washington Redskins; they are
a might peckish looking, though, you're right there; a definite greenish
tinge on 'em".
And so the Yuros are taken to Washington D.C. and wined and
dined and shown the Washington monument and the Smithsonian and
the Library of Congress and the Pentagon and a zillion marble generals
on horseback, and pictures of the glories of Greece and Rome and Egypt
and other great cultures; and are allowed to return to their home planet,
taking with them five astronauts from the US space program, and some
souvenirs - some things from Earth which most amazed and charmed
them: shells from every ocean on Earth, garlic and other spices, poetry
in every language, playing cards, chocolate, and most prized of all,
flowers of all kinds: carnations, and roses, daisies, dandelions, poppies,
and pansies ... sweet delight to eye and nose, and mighty tasty too to the
Yuro palate.
The explorers are greeted as heroes at home, the NASA astronauts
treated indulgently as darling little odd-looking pets, and then ..... .
And then what, Donna? The Yuros are 1echnologically vastly
superiortotheEarthlings . Invasion and conquest would bechild's play.
Do they return to Earth with their superior technology and colonize the
entire planet? Do they force all of Iowa and Kansas and Oklahoma to
plow under their food crops and grow sunflowers and iris and impatience? Do they search for Wentletraps and Conch shells along every
coast, conscripting shell-hunters .and slicing their hands and feet off
with their Angers when they find only common scallops and clam
-;hells? Do they send packages containing food and warm clothes to
rockets of resis ting Earthlings, having previously infected the clothes
2
!!crland
Voice.
Octoha,
1992
with a deadly Yuro virus? Do they mock the Earthlings as incompetent
. savages when they starve in Oklahoma, unable as they are to survive on
day lilies and pinks? Do they decimate the entire Earthling population,
and force the remaining few to live in small undesirable lands - the
Sahara, for instance, or Utah? And then dtunp quantities of their most
toxic waste all around them?
Well, Donna, you got lucky this time. These particular space
"aliens" are ethical beings before all else. Long before the exploratory
vessels were allowed to set out for Earth, the elders deliberated and
agreed on the proper way to treat whatever life form they found. They
agreed that they would respect the established religion, and that they
would trade fairly for whatever delights Earth might have; in this case
they would send Sumsquatchie, which the NASA astronauts pronounced To Die For, and trade for fudge. They would trade their
musical instruments of beauty unknown on earth for poetry, and if
Earthlings wanted to upgrade their technology, it would be theirs for the
asking. They would bring to this serendipitous encounter all the love
and respect that they would wish in return. And in 500 years, the
celebration on Earth would be transcendent.
Wistfully yours,
Sybil
D
DESIGNS WANTED
Virago, a new Minneapolis-based graphics company which is
owned and operated by women, is currently soliciting designs for lines
of holiday cards to be marketed to lesbians and gay men and to
feminists. Artists, designers and people with an idea they can sketch on
a napkin are invited to submit their two-dimensional designs for
consideration of production. Themes which are especially sought
include Christmas, Hanukkah and Solstice. Interpretation may range
from spiritual to htunorous, and are encouraged to be gay or lesbianoriented, feminist-oriented or non-specific.
Selected designs will be produced in consultation with the artist,
using high quality materials and printing processes. The originator of
each design selected will receive a cash award, credit line on back of
card, and two boxes of the produced cards.
All designs which are not selected will be returned if SASE is
included. Be sure to include both a front panel and inside panel ifthere
is to be art or type on inside of card. Also, please indicate special
printing instructions (such as embossing) on a separate overlay if
necessary. Include name., address and telephone number with each
design.
Please mail designs by Oct 5, 1992, to Virago, P.O. Box 8070,
Minneapolis, MN 55408.
Note to frustrated artists looking at the 10-5 deadline: a. We
received this too late for the the September issue; b. Most deadlines are
D
flexible; why not send it in late anyway.
Mowing • Fertlllzlng • Trimming
• Light Hauling •
"We Are Insured"
Nancy
794-6884
BUILDING FUND CAMPAIGN .
Thanks to the following people who have committed to raise
$200 in donations for Herland by December 26, 1992 . The starred
names have already completed their pledge.
Dorothy Alexander
Jo L. Soske
Carolyn D. Cox and E. Dianna Escoto
Joni Darnell
Tommy and Diana
Barbara Hillyer t.)Cathy Colvard
Beverly Gardner
Margaret Cox t.)Jessica Soske in memory of David Chrispell t.)Billie and Susan
Dr. Joan Webb and Susan Blake
Jon Soske
Sarah L. Oakes t.)Pat Reaves t.)Barbara Neas and David Miller t.)Jean Kelsey t.)Barbara Cleveland
Terry Cocon
Kathy Conroy t.)Karen Lewis
Ginger McGovern
Sally Nostrant t.)Rhonda Smith
Anonymous
Pat Colognesi and Beverly McGugin t.)In Honor of Stephen Hardway t.)In Honor of SunShine Schillings t.)Marge Delaney -t.)-
Open Letter to the Women of Herland,
I am writing to express my deep appreciation for the honor
bestowed on me at Herland's 10th anniversary celebration. Being
recognized as an honorary lesbian is a great honor for me. I will work
hard to prove worthy of your continued respect. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Stephen Hardway
These gifts and yours will provide Herland with a permanent home.
Please allow us to add your name to the list as well as to the soon-tobe-raised plaque.
D
PROSTITUTES EXECUTED IN MYANMAR
On April 3 UPI reported that at least 25 HIV+ women working
as prostitutes in Thailand were executed via cyanide injection after
being deported to their homeland of Myanmar (formerly Burma).
Since then, Thai authorities say that they have halted the deportation
of prostitutes to Myanmar. To protest the execution, the final victimization, of these women, write to: V. Thaung, Ambassador to the US,
Embassy of Myanmar, 2300 S Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20008.
The International Gay/Lesbian Human Rights Committee,
which is coordinating this project, asks that you send them
copies of any letters you write. Send copies to them at 540
Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114.
D
2109 S. Air Depot
Midwest City, OK 73110
(405 ) 737-0496
AIR DEPOT ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Call for Appointment
Dear Women of Herland,
I am sending ya' 11 a photograph of me during the last June Gay/
Lesbian Freedom Day Parade in San Francisco. It was the first parade
I marched in fully. It was an incredible (sometimes numbing) experience
to get cheered on by thousands of people for being a lesbian -- for me the
two hours it took to walk the length of the route.
Several ex-Okies came up to me before the parade asking
where I was from, should we have a contingent next year etc .... I got tons
ofpoople(l 5-20)yellingatmefrom the crowd ("Dunc!lll !""Edmond!" .... )
going wild. I have never seen anyone march with an Okie sign so I think
people were ecstatic that someone was representing their state. Also I
think some people had the usual ignorant suprised look like, "Oh there are
gays other than in California dr NY?!" I'm putting the article of the
Oklahoma March on my fridge to teach other dykes that we are indeed
diverse.
Bytheway, my mom took the photo of me up close. She liad
a huge group of gay men behind her yelling my name because I didn't §ee
her at first in the spectator crowd. I yelled back "She's my mom!" I think
the gay people around her understood that one! I was so proud of her.
Leslie B.
JOY HUSKA, D-.V.M.
Herland Voice, October, 1992
3
Oct 12, 1492 -- Oct. 12, 1992
(continued from page 1)
Wealth was to be had through trade with Asia. With Moslems in
control of the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, Spanish and Portu- .
guese princes and merchants were searching for a way to reach Asia by
sea and avoid the Moslems. The Portuguese concentrated on sailing
south looking for a route around Africa. They established the first
colony on the mainland of Africa on the Moroccan coast in 1415 .
Columbus, unable to obtain Portuguese support for his proposed
voyage, finally got the necessary financial backing after six years of
wooing the Spanish court. A fierce Catholic, he emphasized the
religious aspects of his voyage -- to convert the "heathens" to Catholicism and/or to use their riches to take the Holy Land from the Moslems.
He demanded and got an agreement with Isabella and Ferdinad that he
would receive ten percent of all the wealth obtained, and he would
receive the titles of Viceroy and Admiral of the Sea.
Juan Rodriguez Bermeo, a sailor aboard the Pinta, was the first to
sight land -- though Columbus took the honor and the lifetime pension
to be granted to the man who first spotted land for himself. The decades
that followed that first landing were brutal ones. Within 40 years the
Taina people were virtually exterminated.
The land "discovered" by Columbus and explorers who followed
was far from an unsettled wilderness. Millions of people lived in the
western hemisphere with more than 1,000 nations in North America
alone. They farmed, hunted, built remarkable structures, traded and
some practiced war. The Aztec city called Mexico was one of the six
largest cities in the world.
The island on which Columbus happened, was the home of the
Taina people. They farmed corn, yams, and cassava, could spin and
weave but did not have iron or beasts of burden. They appear to have
had a society where property was jointly held. They shared everything
they had with the Spanish.
Taking Taina people captive so they could guide him to the source
of the gold in the ornaments they wore, Columbus sailed on landing on
the island he named Hispaniola and what is now Cuba. The expedition
met native resistance on Hispaniola when natives armed with yew bows
refused to sell them. The Spanish attacked with swords killing two
natives . After leaving 39 men on Hispaniola to continue to search for
gold, Columbus returned to Spain with his native prisoners.
Columbus returned to continue his search for mainland Asia -- he
always maintained that he had reached Asia-- in 1493. This second
voyage, often neglected in the schoolbook accounts of Columbus,
clearly defines the legacy of Columbus. Under pressure to produce
wealth, Columbus rounded up 1500 natives on Hispaniola and sent 500
to Spain as slaves, initiating the cross-Atlantic slave trade (only 300
arrived alive). To satisfy his critics he needed to find gold. Every native
man, woman, and child over 14 in the Cibao Province of Hispaniola was
forced to bring the Spanish a hawks bell filled with gold . Chiefs were
expected to bring ten times that amount. If they did not meet this
requirement -- which they could not do since there was no gold -- they
were killed by having their hands chopped off. If they tried to escape
·
they were hunted down.
The Spanish were well armed with muskets, swords, horses, dogs,
and armor. Without hope of resistance, the Native people began mass
suicides killing themselves with cassava poison . During the next two
years an estimated 1/2 of the Native population of Hispaniola ( 125 ,000
-500,000 persons) was killed.or killed themselves. When even the
Spanish ~ccepted that no gold. was to be had, they shifted to using
Natives as slaves -- taking ownership of parcels ofland and those living
on it. When the Natives were dead, the Spanish began to bring in black
slaves from Africa.
Bartolome de las Casas, a Spaniard who"came to Hispaniola in
1502,. described the carnage perpetuated by the Spanish in their search
for wealth. "Such inhwnanities and barbarism were committed in my
sight as no age can parallel", he said. ·He described the Spanish cu~t! ng
off the legs of children who ran from them, pouring people full ofb01hng
soap, making bets as to who could cut a person in half with one sweep
of the sword. He speaks of " a continuous recreational slaughter''.
(Lopez, The Rediscovery of North America)
The brutality has continued thrcughout the 500 years that followed
Columbus. In the region which is now the continental United States, in
spite of their resistance, Native peoples have been removed from their
lands, had language and culture stripped from them, been compelled to
convert to Christianity, and have been decimated by war, disease, and
poverty. As Paula Gunn Allen so eloquently states in her.introduc~ion
to Spider Woman's Granddaughter, Oklahomans have unique reminders of that history. "In 1907 h1dian Territory became the state of
Oklahoma. Today, one can drive along the tollway between Oklahoma
City and Tulsa and read dozens of state-erected signs that point oz_1t
tribal holdings with the dates during which each was allowed to retam
its tribal identity. it is a beautiful drive, lined with tastefully designed
billboards. On it one moves swiftly and comfortably through Oklahoma hill country, where beautiful groves of oak dot the roadside and
lo vely streams and rivers meander here and there. It is ugly only for
those who know that each sign marks the site ofstarvation and slaughter.
There is still a huge population of Indian people in Oklahoma. Census
figures putit at thehighesth1dian population in thecozmtiy, outstripping
even New Mexico and Arizona (Texas drove out all its Native people
during its brieflife as the Lone Star Republic). The thr11way costs a few
dollars to travel, local history lessons exact a much higher price."
The Columbus myth teaches that some lives are worth less than
others and the lesser can be sacrificed to reach the goals of the powerful.
In 1992, Haitian boat people are picked up by U.S . armed forces and
returned to Haitian ports without any opportunity to seek asylum -- it is
no coincidence that they are people of color. In 1992, lesbian mothers
lose custody of their children. In 1992, Natives living in the Unit~
States have a life expectancy of around 47 years. In 1992, four white
police officers beat Rodney King, an African-American ma~, senseless
and go free. In 1992, approximately one quarter of all Native women
have been sterilized without their consent. Today, the legacy of
Columbus and the conquistadors passed down through colonials,
Indian fighters, buffalo hunters, robber barons, and multinational
corporations thrives.
"Our task this quincentennial year is to cut through this veil to
analyze the persisting patterns of power and privilege born 500 years
ago" (Bigelow, Monthly Review). TI1e challenge is to re-examine this
history of colonialism, slavery, and conquest and how its lessons have
shaped our own beliefs . We must ask what the price of the legacy of
Columbus has been for humanity and the earth. We must find and make
ways ofliving thatvaluetheearth and her inhabitants . To find these new
ways, we must remember the atrocities of the past. Neve: ~orget that
other nations once flourished here. Remember that millions were
murdered here. Remember that in spite of everything, they survive.
0
Listen and honor their voices.
Offiu Hours By Appointment
Debra K Browning. R Pk, D. D.S.
<;omprt!ht!.nsivt! Dental Care
5009 N Pennsylvania,
Suite 10.J
4
I !er/and Voice.
October,
1992
(405) 84.J-)281
Oklahoma· City, OK 7.J J J 2
OCTOBER·
1992
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BIRTHDAYS : October 2, 1800, Nat Turner and 1869, Mobat mas GaEdhi ;
October 4, 1946, Susan Sarandon (aka Louise ); October 10, 1956,
Martina Navratilova; Oct ober 11, 1884, Eleanor Roosevelt , and
October 27~ ·1932, Syl vja Plath'
~ Herland says 28
26
7 pni
30
29
:)~ERUtND'S
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CoogralulatiCIJS
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lfilent Vigil for peace in Central America . On the steps of the Federal Building, :NW 4th & Robioson, OKC; Wednesdays at Noon .II
HERLAND StSTER RESOURCES
2312 N.\'. 39th Street
Oklahoma Cil)', Oklahoaa 73112
405/ 521-9696
Hour&: Saturd•~'li
to -
6 ; Sundttlr'& f - 6
M
HERLAND GIFT SHOP
M
M
'l'be Place t o Shop
M
M
f or Jewelr y, Pottery, T-shirts,
Stat i onery, Bird Houses & l'eeders,
Buttons, Postcards , Toys and More!
And of course , as always , we .' re
the place for great books and music .
M
M
iM>·
M>
~· -
<M>
M
M
M>
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. - - -- -- ---
-·-------------------------------------~
NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Oklapoma City, Okla.
Permit No. 861
2312 N.W. 39th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED
"Since 1900, a tenth of the rain forest in the
Amazon has disappeared, one Indigenous nation
per year has also disappeared in the Brazilian
Amazon. One-third of all groups - 90 out of 270
- have entirely disappeared"
Winona LaDuke in EverywomansAlmanac, 1992.
'"'.4s an Aboriginal person and an Aboriginal
woman, maybe seeing that other countries and
other peoples are going to celebrate is causing
me to consider that it only means we've survived
500 years of colonialism -- in spite of all that
they've done to our ancestors.
"This was evident when we went to the Dominican
Republic, only to be told that there were no
Aboriginal survivors there. In Cuba there are no
Aboriginal survivors either. In less than 100 years
they had driven the Aboriginal people out of the
Dominican Republic, and out ofall the Caribbean
islandsAboriginals wereoccupying. There are so
few Caribes, Ciboneys, and Tianos left. I started
thinking about Newfoundland as well. There are
no Betuks left in Newfoundland. To me, this
means that if I celebrate, it would be to celebrate
my survival."
Shirley Bear in Everywomans Almanac, 1992.
Spider Woman's Granddaughters: Traditional Tales and Contep_1porary
Writing by Native American Women, Paula Gunn Allen, ed. , Ballentine
Books, 1990.
This Bridge CaJled My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color,
Cherrie Moraga and Gloria Anzaldua, ed., Persephone Press, 1981.
Other Recommended Reading
The Sacred Hoop: Recovering the Feminine in American Indian Traditions, Paula Gunn Allen, Beacon Press, 1987.
The State ofNative America: Genocide, Colonization and Resistance,
Annettte James, ed., South End Press, 1991.
I
The Conquest of Paradise, Kirpatrick Sale, Knopf, 1990.
Columbus: His Enterprise-- Exploding the Myth, Hans Koning, Monthly
Review Press, 1991.
I
I
I
And Still the Waters Run, Angie Debo, University of Oklahoma Press,
1940, 1984.
I
Love Medicine, Louise Erdrick, Bantam Books, 1984.
I
Spirit Song, Mary Summer Rain, Donning, 1987.
Waterlily, Ella Deloria, University of Nebraska Press, 1988.
I
Indian Givers: How the Indians of the Americas Transfom1ed the
World, Jack Weatherford, Fawcet Book Group, 1989.
Periodicals and Other Resources
RECOMMENDED READING
-- NATIVE
Indigenous Woman, Published by the Indigenous Women's Network, a
continental and pacific network of women who are active in their
community. $4 I issue. P.O. Box 174 Lake Elmo, MN 55402.
Available In the Harland Library
Akwesasne Notes " The official publication of the Mohawk Nation at
Akwesasne" 6 issues published yearly $15 I year. P.O. Box 196,
Rooseveltown, N.Y.
A Gathering of Spirit: Writing and Art by North American Indian
Women, Beth Brandt, ed., Sinister Wisdom Books, 1984.
Native Nations $201 year. 175 5th Ave, Suite 2245, NY, NY 10010.
AMERICANS AND THE LEGACY OF COLUMBUS
American Indian Women: Telling Their Lives, Gretchen M. Bataille
and Kathleen Mullen Sands, University of Nebraska Press, 1984.
Bearing Witness, Sabre Viviendo: An Anthology of Writing and Art by
Native An1erican/Latina Women, Calyx, Volume 8, number 2.
PERFORMERS FOR
Black Elk Speaks, John G. Neihart, Pocket Books, 1959.
WASHINGTON
Cheyenne Au ti.mm, Mari Sandoz, Avon Books, 1953.
Performers interested in performing at the April 25, 1993 March
on Washington for Lesbian, Gay & Bi Equal Rights and Liberation qeed
to submit their promo kits by October 10, 1992. All promotional kits
will be reviewed by rally co-producers Robin Tyler and Michelle Crone.
Decisions will be made ASAP after the deadline. Materials and tapes
should be mailed to : Michelle Crone, 486 Madison Avenue, Albany NY
12208; or Robin Tyler Productions, 15842 Chase Street, North Hills,
CA 91343 ; FAX 818-893-1593.
Volunteer sign language interpreters are needed for the rally and
other March on Washington events. Interpreters who want to help the
march by signing at the rally should contact Michelle Cron~ ASAP at
518-463-1051.
Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto, Vine Deloria, Avon
Books, 1969.
Medicine Power, Brad Steiger, Doubleday, 1974.
Red Power: The American Indians' Fight for Frredom, Alvin M.
Josephy, Jr, McGraw Hill, 1971.
The Rediscovery of North America, Barry Lopez, Random House,
.
.
'
1992.
Shadow Cozmtry, Paula Gunn Allen, American Indian Studies Center,
1982 .
1993
Herland Voice,
MARCH ON
October, 1992
5
I
I
BOOK REVIEW:
REVOLUTION FROM
WITHIN, BY GLORIA STEINEM .
Reviewer: Deborah Fox
First of all I wish to address the ridicule this book has received by
feminists. It's bad enough that a sexist society ridicules women and
feminists in particular. but for feminists to ridicule other feminists is
undermining. No one has a "corner on truth'', no one has all the answers,
all the wisdom. Books are not authorities and the ideas and opinions
within them belong to the author, not necessarily to us. If we identify
with or share the same ideas and opinions, it is validating. Ifwe do not,
it is food for thought or we can discard it. If we are to be our own
authority we must eliminate the notion that anyone can sum up and
neatly package the truth, for us .
It really angers me when sisters turn on sisters; we've played into
the patriarch's hands then! United we stand, divided we fall. I don't
mean we ought to turn a blind eye, but I've come to realize that "critics"
only criticize, and are therefore useless . "Reviews" are more infonnative and are more in keeping with feminist principles, as are open minds.
I enjoyed Gloria's book and her style ofexpression that always put
authority where it belongs: in the individual, the reader. She clailns no
authority over others, no "I know what's best for you", only personal
authority. In short, she has shared what she has learned, in hopes of
being of service to others .
Gloria articulated something I've known for a long time but did not
have the words to define; that our educational system decays personal
esteem, especially women's. The patriarchal bias stunts education; tells
half truths or outright lies, it omits women and other minorities and
promotes competition instead of cooperation, hierarchy instead of
equality and so on.
She shows us by personal experience and shared experience how
parenting has been influenced negatively and how buried pain from the
past keeps us chained to the past. (A wise woman once said that what
we choose not to look at in our lives will eventually rule our lives). And
she inspires our courage to face our pain. When we shine the light of
consciousness into the dark recesses of our psyche, we become enlightened.
She talks about body image and how women have been judged by
appearances since childhood and how as adults many women do not
even question this judgement - witness the billion dollar cosmetics,
fashion, plastic surgery and diet businesses (men have become wealthy
off the insecurity they foster upon women). She talks about menstruation, menopause,and ageism as well.
In the chapter romance versus Love she exposes how romance is
a product of patriarchalcultureand that romantic myths are really about
our yearning to be whole individuals.
In the chapter A Universal "I", she reminds us that we are Nature
and how our love of Nature is also "the pleasure of being in touc..h :;.vith
all that is deepest and truest in our innermost selves". She argues that
"the devaluing of animal life is a kind of training ground for devaluing
alJ life". I agree with her.
In Religion versus Spirituality she asks: "How many women have
been wounded in their souls by religions that believe God is a man, and
thus only m_en are godly"?
These are just a few limited samplings of what Gloria puts forth in
her book and therefore cannot express the depth and expanse of it. But
let me say, her book is one of many (of which there can never be too
many), by our brilliant feminist sisters which help us name the nameless, articulate our knowingness, and shed light upon darkness. She
opens a lot of cans of beans and I commend her for it.
Next up: WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES - Myths and
Storir:s ofthe Wild Woman Archetype, by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D. 0
6
1-!r:rland Voice, Octohr:r,
1992
Published by: Herland Sister R~~ourc;~s. Inc., 2312.N.W'.
39th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73Ff
· ·
Nc;\ysle~t.er Committee: Margaret Cox,Q~b<>r~h' f
Reiwes
·
· ·
::;:i! ii'::!
.
···
' ·...
crrcutati&ti: 950 ·
. Aclv~r!i~iiig R~~!>:
1
.··.. ·
Bµ~~tjes~
c(lfd $15.0.0; 1/4 page $35.,qO.;
1/2 page $~0:00; fl111 page $100.00 · · · ·
The V~1::e· is off~redas
op;~·r6rJfuf6fcornmunity
an
discorse. Signed articles reflect the opinions ofthe author
and not necessarily those of Herlc1nd. Sister Resources,
Unsolicited articles and letters to the editor are wdcotii¢cl ·
and must be signed by the writer 'ry'ith full riame and ·
address. Upon request, letters or articles may be printed
under a psuedonym.
Subscriptions to The Voice are free i.ip()n request.
The Voice is printed on recycled paper.
RETREAT CABIN
&
SMOKING POLICY
The Herland Retreat Committee has had inquiries concerning
ca bin assignments, smoking policy, and support for women in recovery
at the Herland retreats.
At our biannual retreats, Herland provides the space, both literally
and figuratively, for women - us - to gather and to create what suits,
enriches and pleases us.
There is bountiful diversity in the greater Herland family, and this
is naturally and hannoniously reflected at the retreats . There is always
at least one AA meeting, and retreaters are free to organize whatever
more they want and need -ACOA, AA 12-steps, CODA, or whatever.
Some cabins are designated "Quiet" -for theearlyto bed; some are
"Smoke-Free", some "Sane and Sober" and some "Chemical-Free",
which is understood to include intoxicants of all kinds and all kinds of
cigarettes; some are "Anything Goes", although we of course assume
that that does not include anything illegal. We have never in the past had
a cabin strictly designated "Women in Recovery"; however if interest
warrants and space allows, we will certainly consider having one.
As there is a significant difference in the airborn irritation factor
of smoke and alcohol, the common area, the main hall and kitchen, etc.,
are designated non-smoking but not non-drinking.
The location of various cabins and their designations will be
available at the check-in table in the main hall at registration.
Odd Jobs
Mowing, Hauling, Minor Repairs
Auto Maintenance
No Job Too Small
Laura Choate 943-4070
APPRECl~TION AND APOLOGY TO NATIVE PEOPLES
WOMEN OF COLOR ARRESTED AT THE
The following is a statement approved during the Mennonite Central
Committee's annual meetings in Wichita, Kan., Feb. 13-15, as a
Statement to the Aboriginal Peoples of the Americas in 1992, 500 years
after Columbus 'discovered' the Americas."
WHITE HOUSE
We thank you, the FirstPeoples of the Americas, for presenting an
alternate view of the Columbus story.
We thank you for reminding us that the Columbus story includes
not only courage, excitement and wonder, but also military takeovers,
capture of slaves, introduction of diseases, disrespect for your cultures
and conquest of land.
As part of our response to God's call to "love justice, seek mercy
and walk humbly" (Micah 6:8), we ask your forgiveness:
• where we have sanctioned the conquest of land and domination of you
and your ancestors;
•where we have not fully recognized the humanity and dignity of
aboriginal peoples;
•where we have, by our silence, endorsed cruel treatment of aboriginal
peoples;
•where we have been unwilling or unable to separate the intertwined
goals of gold, God and imperial glory;
•where we have used a false notion of cultural superiority as rationale
for forceful takeover.
We thank you for your contributions, which have enriched
cultures across the world, in areas such as domesticated foods, livestock, medicine, art, music, sculpture and literature.
We welcome your gracious offer to establish new relationships of
mutual respect and cooperation. In turn, we offer to work toward a fair
and just life together.
We promise to work for the just and honorable fulfillment of
outstanding obligations related to land, the recognition of religious
rights, the resolution of conflicts over industrial development and other
areas of dissonance.
We respectyourtraditional vision fora worldin which all life is valued,
all peoples treasured, and where recognition is given to the long history oflife
on this continent before Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492.
We commit our8elves in 1992, and the years that follow, to learning
and teaching the truth about events in the 500 years since 1492.
We join you, the aboriginal peoples of the western hemisphere, in
celebrating your valiant survival against 500 years of conquest, and in
D
working toward a new chapter of honorable coexistence.
Two staff members of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the
nation's largest lesbian and gay political organization, were among the
women arrested at the White House during a non-violent civil disobedience on August 26 protesting the Bush Administration and the
Republican Party's assault on wonien's reproductive rights. The demonstration, highlighting the support of women of color for abortion
rights, came on the 72nd anniversary of the constitutional amendment
giving women the right to vote.
Mandy Carter, Southeast Regional Field Director of the HRCF,
and Venus Thrash, Co-Chair of the Political Action Committee of the
D.C. Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gay Men, spoke at a rally prior
to the civil disobedience.
"The time has come forall of us to stand up and be counted," Carter
said. "If Roe v. Wade is overturned it will profoundly impact poor
women and women of color. As a woman of color, I want to go on record
saying that I will fight for a woman's right to choose." Carter urged
supporters to register and vote for pro-choice candidates for Congress
and for Bill Clinton and Al Gore for President and Vice President. "Bill
Clinton and Al Gore will fight to protect the right of all women to
reproductive freedom," she stated.
Venus Thrash focused on the historic legacy of oppression against
women of color in America, dating back to the era of slavery and
continuing in our own time with the forced sterilization of women of
color who are poor. "As the loss ofindividual rights grows out of control
in this country and as the state and federal government become more
powerful, to deny poor women and women of color accessible, safe,
affordable and legal abortions and other health care services is an
example of those losses of right," Thrash stated.
The activists were arrested for demonstrating without a permit and
were detained for several hours. As they were taken away by police, a
large contingent of supporters cheered the women from across the street
in Lafayette Park. Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton and Louise
Slaughter arrived during the demonstration to lend supportto the women
who were charged during the civil disobedience.
Among the others arrested in the action were Ginny Montes,
National Secretary for the National Organization for Women; Jeannette
Foret, Young Feminist Activist; and Christine Rice, a Native American
0
A~~~
HERLAND FALL RETREAT REGISTRATION
OCTOBER 16 - 18, 1992-- ROMAN NOSE STATE PARK, WATONGA, OK
Single Persons's Annual Income
Household Annual Income
(2 or more persons)
Pre-registration Fee
(per person)
under$6,500
$ 6,500 - 13,250
$13,250- 19,500
over$19,500
under $13,300
$13,300 - 18,000
$18,000 - 26,000
over $26,000
$15
$25
$35
$40
Please choose the registration fee most appropriate for you based on these suggested guidelines.
NAME._~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~PHONE.~~~~~~
ADDRESS~~~~~~~~---:-~~~~~~~~~~~-~~~~~~~~~~~~~-
CITY
$
STATE
Registration Fee Enclosed
ZIP
~~~~~~~~-
_ I need a scholarship. The most I can afford to pay is _ __ _ __
$
Here is $$$ extra to help pay for a scholarship for others.
I will be bringing
well-behaved, leashed pets.
Registration includes cabin space, Friday night supper, brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Don't forget to bring something for Pot Luck
Saturday night. Please return by October 10, 1992, to Herland Sister Resources, 2312 NW 39th Street, Oklahoma City. Call
405-521-9696 with any questions or to pre-register by telephone. On site registration will be an additional $10.00.
Her/and Voice,
October, 1992
7
DEFENSE FUND UPDATE
Mark your calendar now for the coming out of .
Family Cookin ', a cookbook featuring all our favorite
recipes and benefiting the Legal Defense Fund. A
tasting party scheduled for December 6 at the Porthole
will give you the chance to sample the fare and buy
copies for all your holiday gifts.
•••••••••
The new Living Will law in Oklahoma allows a
person to legally designate another person to make
health care decisions (a "health-care proxy") for them
should they become tenninally ill or "persistently unconscious". For a fonn and explanatory pamphlet,
write: DHS, Aging Services Division, P. 0. Box 25352,
OKC 73 125 .
•••••• • ••
Hurry on down to the Lone Star Women's Music
Festival in Austin October 2, 3 and 4; and hear Jamie
Anderson, Sue Fink, Nancy Scott, Venus Envy, The
Therapy Sisters, and Oklahoma City's own Miss Brown
to You. Tickets $75, meal tickets $3 0; tickets include
all concerts plus camping.
• •••••••••
Through the generous support of women and men in Oklahoma and
around the United States, Her land has raised nearly $4,000 forthe legal
expenses of the Norman women appealing the removal of their children.
Often the donations arrive with notes of encouragement and offers of
more help . This month we want to share with you some of the messages
which have been received.
"Thank you for fighting this fight -- for your daughters and for all
of us ."
"Not again . We have the same thing going on in our community ....
it might be that in the battling is where change can take place--i .e. people
will come to see that lesbians are people not labels ."
"I send this check on behalf of Gay Fathers of Los Angeles. We're
here for you with our love and support. "
"I am painfully grieved by the horrible injustice you have suffered
through an instrwnent of our State. Thank you for fighting . My sense
of pride is strengthened by your courage."
"Please don't think that the whole world is as ignorant and intolerant as Judge Powers! There are many of us heterosexual people who are
not threatened by your sexuality .... I encourage your to continue in your
court battle."
"I join all the seekers of peace and justice to thank you for your
efforts in the Cleveland County custody case."
Contributions are still needed as the costs will continue to rise
through the appeal process . Please send your contribution to : Legal
Defense Fund, Herland Sister Resources, 2312 N.W. 39, Oklahoma
City, OK 73 11 2.
ATTENTION ANGLERS: There is supposed to
be great fishing at Lake Watonga near Roman Nose, but
a word of caution to Retreaters who plan to catch a fish
or two - or even try to catch a guppy: there is a $40 fine
to anyone caught fishing Watonga without a license, and
pleading ignorance does you no good at all. During
certain times of the year Lake Watonga is stocked with
trout and during that season a trout stamp is also
required. Check at the park or with the WildlfeComrnission for the dates when a trout stamp is required.
WEDNESDAYS
••••••••••
The Missouri Ozark Wommin's Community invites you to a Halloween Gathering to raise funds for the
Midwest Wimmins Festival at Hammond Mill Camp
(located 15 miles west of West Plains, MO). Cabins,
RV and tent space will be available. · The sliding fee
ranges from $3/night to $28/night. For more information contact: Mel or Faux at (417) 683-6166, Rt. 3 Box
555B, Ava, MO 65708 or Jenna (417) 683-3610.
•••••••••
When you get that ne~ 1993 calendar, make a note
not to mi ss the first Her land Sweetheart Ball and Celebity Auction which is set for February 13 .
YOU BRING THE MEAT
WE'LL DO THE REST
THURSDAYS
HOT COUNTRY NIGHTS
LIVE DJ BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
FRl.TSAT.
·DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!
SUNDAYS
VOLLEYBALL, ALL DAY LONG
FREE COOKOUT 6:00 TO 8:00 P.M .
<G!l.l!JIJJ ©fP&fM~
$ ~ l!J f2 ff}) tf>:iW
~
~
fM©©fM
$1!JfM@tf>:iW
POOL T DARTS T CD JUKEBOX
2120 N.W. 39TH T 521-9533