That Word Again

[David Gene Lewis]

I would be interested in obtaining a copy of the paper. The idea of the
berdache has many spiritual meanings as well.
David

On Sun, 31 Oct 1999, Jeffrey Kopp wrote:

> Okay, here it is, guys, a whole anthropology honors thesis with That
> Jargon Word People Can't Stop Asking About in its title:
>
> "Native American Berdache: A Symbol of Identification and Power for
> Native and Non-Native Gay Men?"
>
> http://departments.colgate.edu/soan/studentpapers/maldonado/contents.html
>
> By Andrea Maldonado, and presented by Colgate's dept. of Sociology
> and Anthropology.
>
> While the concept and role of berdache in history and culture is the
> topic of the paper, on a quick skim I could not find an explanation
> of the origins of the word itself.  He does, however, quote an
> anthropologist's definition of the term which might help explain a
> lot:  "According to Callender and Kochems (1983: 443; 1986), a
> berdache can be roughly defined as a morphological male who has a
> non-masculine character, who does not fulfill a society's standard
> man's role, and who assumes, for the most part, the dress,
> occupations, and behavioral attributes of the other sex."
>
> Somehow I do sort of remember hearing of this in years past in
> connection with native life, relating to the occasional man who
> remained at home to perform domestic support chores--not necessarily
> a titillating sexual-orientation thing.  ("Uncle Bub" on "My Three
> Sons," perhaps, if you will.)  But this paper's author does see
> something deeper and much, much more complex.
>
> The paper looks quite interesting, dealing thoughtfully with
> identity, cultural and social issues, and of course it is for the
> most part considerably over my head.  It should be fascinating
> reading for scholars and serious students of native life as well as
> those interested in social gender issues.
>
> (No titters or postings about having been stationed in the Aleutians
> during the war, please.)
>
> Regards,
>
> Jeff
>