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Introduction
One of the basic needs of people of all time is being in society and interacting with other people. This allows them to survive, share knowledge and live fully, creating families and giving birth to children. However, the structure of society in different parts of the world can vary greatly and also has transformed over time. In particular, various tribes of our time retain their foundations, to which they have been faithful for years. A unique role in these societies is given to women who occupy a position different from the one that European nations are used to. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the traditional values of various communities and to trace their transformation.
Sioux family relationships
The novel Waterlily by Ella Deloria is dedicated to the life of the Sioux society of the late nineteenth century. These people have been living in the northern United States and southern Canada for several centuries and are known to many modern Americans. Over time, their foundations and traditions are changing, but remain original and integral. Judging by the description of Deloria, one of the central Sioux values is kinship and family relationships. They live in certain “tribes” inside camp circles, forming a clear structure in these communities. Within these communities, they maintain a very close relationship based on mutual understanding and support. In particular, they pay special attention to children, since their upbringing is the key to the prosperity of Sioux society in the future. Even if the children become orphans, their relatives or acquaintances take on the entire process of education and approach this very responsibly.
The hierarchy of the Sioux communities is essential: each person has objectives and areas of responsibility. For example, men as often happen in such communities, are responsible for leadership and provision. If necessary, they can also protect their families from attacks. Women are responsible for the everyday part of their coexistence: food, clothing, housework, and other tasks. They also take care of the children, approaching their upbringing with a high level of kindness and care. It is important to note that there is no discrimination among Sioux: the roles between representatives of different sexes are evenly distributed. Each person performs tasks as qualitatively as possible to coexist productively and harmoniously. In particular, the role of women as housekeepers could be noted in the 19th century and remains necessary and respected now. They always maintained family values and improved the atmosphere in Sioux homes.
Contemporary Aboriginal women
Unfortunately, negative trends can be noted in the life of modern tribes. For example, Kim Anderson claims that they used to be immersed in caring for the family and felt their worth. However, after the arrival of the Europeans, women seemed to have lost their value and were considered mainly sexual objects. They have significantly fewer rights, and their opinion seems to have become less valuable. This led to the restructuring of the family, and according to the “new rules” these women had to follow the ways of life of white women. There have also been changes in traditional values: for example, Anderson mentions sacred ceremonies when women are menstruating. Modern society is opposed to such activities, which makes women feel worthless and helpless. However, at the same time, they retain their most important value – love for children. This is probably due to the widespread dissemination of this value, which makes it possible for Aboriginal women to maintain at least a part of their culture.
Changes in Aboriginal societies
Deloria’s work shows readers how civilized Aboriginal Americans were, and it makes me appreciate their culture and the feel for daily life. Reading stories like this helps me understand my own culture a little more, my role as a woman, and what there is to be learned. One of the key parts of the Aboriginal culture is family relationships, while in the modern world, they are often depreciated. However, such novels help readers keep these values in themselves and follow them.
Kim Anderson looks at the various aspects of being a native woman. Her work includes a comprehensive and insightful understanding of the concept of gender balance at First Nations social structures before and after the European arrival. Based on my understanding, this book touches on all topics affecting the community and Aboriginal culture. At the same time, it gives hope for the future, assuaging the fears and permitting me to look beyond the limits imposed by society. Despite the changes in society and the frequent pressure on its part, many of the most important human values must always be maintained. In his work, Anderson shows that Aboriginal women manage to do this, and they set an example for the whole world.
Conclusion
Each society develops in different ways and is constantly changing. Despite this, many values and significant aspects of existence are common to all of them. One of these values is family and relationships inside it. The read works emphasize their significance and describe their transformation over time. It is worth noting that the influence of big European societies does not always positively affect indigenous communities, in particular, the lives of their women. However, love for children and keeping a heart are the most critical aspects of their life that survive all the changes and remain unchanged.
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