May Book Discussion -- Kindred
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May Book Discussion -- Kindred
| Wed, 05-24-2006 - 7:38am |
Hey all!
Hope you had to time to read the first book in our series, Kindred by Octavia Butler.
| Wed, 05-24-2006 - 7:38am |
Hey all!
Hope you had to time to read the first book in our series, Kindred by Octavia Butler.
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I have some thoughts.
Pieces of My Life
Well, I admit that I haven't quite finished the book yet (*blush*), but I'm really
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Thanks for the compliment Ting.
Pieces of My Life
meaning that what she was doing made no sense, because if she had gone Back to 1815 from 1976 to do this, who saved Rufus originally? Because chronologically he would have to have survived without her help etc to have produced Hagar and time gone on till 1976. Unless time is not Linear? Anyway, that whole concept bothers me and took a bit away from the book. I suppose if you
Pieces of My Life
Really deep questions Pam, thanks. Even though I didn't read Kindred. Slavery, for obvious reasons, is not something I wish to read about. But I will make some commentary on some of the questions.
"House darkie" The slaves inside of the main house didn't have it any better than those out in the field. They were under constant supervision. They weren't trusted and they had to do the most demeaning tasks of cleaning their mistresses, dressing them and their babies. They couldn't sleep because they were needed 24/7. They bore the brunt of their "owners" anger and yes they were sexually abused and raped. Even thought, the slaves that were out in the field had to work like beasts of burden, they were at least given some time to their families. The house slaves couldn't express their displeasure about how they were treated. They were thought of by the slaves that worked out in the field as "priviledged". The clothing of the house slaves were vastly different from the clothing from the clothing of the slaves in the field. Which were torn, tattered, ill-fitted and sometimes dirty.
Interracial marriage- During the days of slavery, interracial marriage, to some, was an abomination. There was a strict division between black and white. For the execption of the times that white husbands wouldn't make love to their wives and they would go to the slave quarters, and pull a black man out of his bed and rape his wife, therefore causing shame to the both of them. And if he retailiated, he was therefore, lynched (hanged) or forced to work non-stop. Now, even though some still hold the belief of marrying withing "their kind", some folks choose to be in a relationship and/or marry, outside of their race. Sometimes, their was harmony and sometimes a lot of disharmony. And it doesn't necessarily have to do with black and white.
Treatment of the slaves- Slaves were treated like they were beasts of burden. They were treated poorly and they were treated unfairly. They were treated, sometimes like little children. They were humiliated in front of each other, they were whipped, in public, and they didn't even own the broken down shacks that they were forced to live in. But the only time they did have peace and it was on Sunday. They had one day, to enjoy each other's company, they worshipped together on Sunday and they sat down with their families and friends to eat. Their "masters" "gave" them that day to rest. The slaves that did have some spirit, if not a strong spirit, were beaten down, if not killed. If they were beaten, they were scarred for life. If they were killed, they didn't get a fancy burial in a nice coffin, they were thrown in a pine box, the grown was dug up, they had very little ceremony. Or, their body was thrown to the side, like they were like trash.
My Experience as a Transgendered person- I'm a female to male. I'm free to go where I wish to go, to own things, to think on my own. I am no one's slave and I command respect as I give respect. Even though the oppressed can become the oppressor, I don't oppress anyone. Male or Female. I'm not a slave to my feelings or my base instincts. I can worship when I feel like, I can vote or I don't have to vote. I can make my own decisions and buy what I wish to by, without permission. My ancestors have made my way clear and easy for me to be me. My ancestors have struggled, fought for their rights, lived peacefully, they have held their heads up with pride and they stand for right and they have not died in vain. As a woman, a lesbian and a man, I feel as though I am equal to everyone and everyone is equal to me. Even though I come from parents of different backgrounds, they have one thing in common, besides me. They are black, they are proud and they have raised their kids to be proud of themselves and to walk with their heads up high.
Thanks again and hugs!
Sebastian
Hugs,
Sebastian
http://www.facebook.com/sebastianbruce
Most startling to me was the fact that she ultimately left a piece of herself in the past.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these issues SB.
Pieces of My Life
And in that context it was an cool book to have read. We are all a product of our past and in many ways of the people who came before us, both relatives and strangers.
Absolutely.
Pieces of My Life
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