Queer Indigenous Studies

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Queer Indigenous Studies

1) How does the author construct his/her argument? What is s/he arguing for and/or against? What is the goal or focus of the reading?

The author constructs his arguments based on historical prejudices and personal reflection on the societal setting and view of sexuality according to the different origins (Driskill, Finley, Joseph, and Morgensen 36). With the help of past studies and publications, the author weighs on the pros and cons of both sides before expressing the deciding factors of sexuality. The argument is based on the distinct silence of sexuality in the non-natives communities as compared to the indigenous people. He argues that the topic should not be kept in secrecy; rather, it should be discussed openly for the benefit of the people. In addition, it acts as an empowerment to the women who are marginalized. The goal of the reading helps create awareness from the traditional taboos and trappings of silence, as well as historical injustices as recorded. It focuses on eliminating the stereotypes while educating the people of its benefits.

2) What are the assumptions underlying the author’s main arguments? How might these assumptions relate to the historical context in which the text was written?

One of the assumptions underlying the author’s main arguments is that the natives are in some way inferior to the non-natives. Secondly, the author assumes that the indigenous people had a pre-meditated view of their habits before carrying them out on the non-native speakers. The third assumption is that the native speakers had been empowered by their status while the non-natives were oblivious of their predicament in terms of sovereignty and secrecy according to taboos and power struggles. The assumptions relate to the historical contexts of colonial periods, discrimination, and nation forming of the people. In the colonial periods, the non-natives were considered inferior and hence they were taken advantage of by their counterparts. In the struggle for sovereignty, the people were trying to find their identity as a nation and hence the indigenous had a higher social status.

3) What are the implications of the article’s main point, theme, or argument?

The main points of argument and themes have a social implication in the setting of the societies. The article implies that over the years, indigenous people had a higher societal placing in terms of their embrace towards sexuality and willingly exploited this to their favor. The article implies that the family as a basic unit of the society should embrace the topic and help nurture the views for the common good of all. The article implies that the queer studies should be given more impetus in the understanding of historical injustices, especially in matters that concern heterosexual logics. The logic refers to the dimensions of race, sexuality, gender and the models of identity of the people. The implications of the article help enhance the indifferent nature of the colonial times as well as the white supremacy at the time of nation formation.

4) Are there relevant points that are not covered adequately by the author? Why do you think the author(s) did not address those points, and why is it important to consider them?

One of the relevant points left out by the author is the topic of religion as it affects the sexuality topic. The second concept that is not covered is the discourse of sexuality through discrimination. I believe the author left out the influence and application of religion on the topic due to the commanding nature it carries. Religion has to be considered due to the strong belief and respect that its followers have. The higher power, which holds a commanding position on the behavior and directions of the followers, has greater effect s compared to the differences of the people along racial divides. For example, on the topic of heterosexual nature of relationships, the religions have a firm stand on the argument as compared to the logics given by the society based on the people and ways of lives.

5) How do the issues and themes raised relate to other readings, theories/concepts, and academic disciplines?

The themes of sexuality in the society relate to different academic theories and concepts since the society is influenced in a direct manner. For example, the concepts of nation building and societal associations are influenced by the view of the people according to the relationships formed. Historical facts in academic disciplines talk of racism and discrimination. Such topics are contributed by the historical gender disparity between the male and female groups. The disparity is also influenced by the settings of different cultures, backgrounds, and ethnicities. The science of reproduction in biology and physiological processes of organisms in studies is also related from the heterosexual nature and associations of the life forms in the environment.

6) What did you agree and disagree with from the assigned reading? What did you gain from the reading in terms of your own intellectual understanding of the topic being covered? How might this particular reading relate to your proposed final research paper or creative project?

From the reading, I agreed on the author’s view of using the native and queer studies as means to create an avenue for decolonization of the native communities from the past (Driskill et al. 39). It should be noted that, historical injustices at the time of colonial proceedings affected the native peoples in a greater manner as compared to the common understanding of the people. Secondly, I agree on the need to shun silence on issues of the past, as has been the common practice. The importance given to encouraged talk of sexuality can help in liberation of the society in several aspects. For example, liberation will be acquired while the female gender will be empowered in a better manner than before. However, I did not agree on the view of traditional values and essence of families as having a negative aspect towards decolonization of the queer native body. I believe the people had the mandate to express themselves according to the accepted values. I gained a lot of information as concerns queer native studies and the impact it has on a society. It helped me realize the need to demystify silence on controversial issues within the society.

Work Cited

Driskill, Qwo-Li, Chris Finley G., Brian Joseph, and Scott Morgensen. Queer Indigenous Studies: Critical Interventions in Theory, Politics, and Literature. University of Arizona Press. 2011. Print.