...Anthropology Research Paper: The Hijras In this paper, I explore the culture of the Hijras to learn how an outcast group that is looked down up on still has its role in traditional society. The Hijras are a transgender social group who are located amongst southern and mid-eastern Asia. They are a group of males who portray themselves as females in society and survive by engaging in begging and prostitution. They are also considered performers for special occasions in different societies. This group focuses on beliefs that are different from the beliefs of many other India cultures. Gender does not play a big role in their culture because they believe that there is no such thing as man or woman. Religion plays a major role in the construction of the Hijras, and it is one of the main reasons they still play a role in South Asian society. Even though they are looked down up on through out society, the Hijras are just one of many marginal groups in society that have unique social roles, and play a part in tradition society. The Hijras acceptance with their feminine side makes them stand out from the rest of the social groups. The ancestors of past generations offered unique beliefs that set up the modern societies for the Hijras belief. The concept of making their ancestors proud carried on through our generations and it one of their religious beliefs. It was nothing but tradition that led the Hijras to making the decisions they did, and decisions that changed their views up...
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...Spread of Islam and the Arabian Peninsula Shauna Walker Dortch HIS 275 CA February 25th 2015 Mr. Frank Nainoa The Arabian Peninsula is located in Saudi Arabia near the Persian Gulf. The Arabian Peninsula is extremely important to the Islamic religion for many reasons. What is Islam? What in fluencies did the Islamic religion have to its followers? Who is Muhammad? These are all valid questions that we will discuss as we continue. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad began or was the origin of Islam through the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. (Britannica.com) Muhammad was from the city of Mecca which is located in the Arabian Peninsula. The Islamic people believe that while in deep meditation Muhammad received a great religious vision, which provided the beginnings or the foundation of Islam. The vision of Muhammad provided instructions that there was to be only one God “Allah” whom we should all praise, diligent prayer, tithing, pilgrimage and living by a certain statute of honestly loyalty and love for one another. The ultimate revelation was for mankind to submit to one God and only worship one God or only submit to the will of God “Allah”. (ushistory) The mission of Muhammad was to spread the word and teachings of God and initially his preaching’s were not heard. Unlike social class and separation his views “held all men as brothers within a social order ordained by God” (pg.222). The Islamic...
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...Question Hijra Out of the three essay choices I chose the Hijra. Some reasons why I chose the Hijra of South Central Asia is that I found it most interesting and I think this topic has more information than the other two choices. The meaning of Hijra is the culture of South Asia, hijras are physiological males who have feminine gender identity, adopt feminine gender roles, and wear women's clothing. Hijra is a common term used in many different areas of South-Asia they are, India, Pakistan, and Bangladeshi. In In Pakistan, the hijra gender role includes true intersex people, and cross-dresses. Hijra have many different names some of them are Aravani/Aruvani or Jagappa in other areas of South-Asia. In South-Asia, many Hijra live in well-defined all Hijra communities that are led by gurus. The communities are necessary because many Hijra are kicked out of their homes or run away. Many of these people are sex workers for survival. My opinion about this third sex the Hijra is that it wouldn’t bother me at all. I believe that people should be who they want to be, especially when it comes to religion. It’s not like these boys choice to be this way just like gay men in women choice to be gay, they just are. If hijra people where to live in the United States I think they would be accepted, especially by the younger generations. So much has changed over the years in regard to gay and lesbians and people are becoming more and more adaptable. Now if hijra were to live...
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...Begley February 3, 2014 In society today should the Hijra and Two Spirit be recognized as gay men in their culture rather than Third Gender? Studies have shown that these Third Gender groups choose not to label themselves as male or female, but prefer a female appearance and male companionship. This way of life has resulted in a high rate of HIV/AIDS in their communities. There are many Third Gender groups in different cultures such as the Fa’afafine in Polynesia, Sworn Virgins from the Balkins and the Hijra’s from South Asia. Hijra who of the Third Gender have since the late 90’s been recognized as a third gender by their county but they are still dealing with acceptance in their society. Although a lot of these Third Gender groups been around for centuries and some hold a spiritual meaning, that is not much of the case today. Third Genders such as Hijra and Two-Spirits are not seen in society as spiritual beings anymore, they are being labeled transsexual, transgender, or gay. Because of their status and lack of money and education they have been forced into prostitution with the same sex, exposing them to HIV and AIDS which is plaguing their community. The hijras are a religious community of men who dress and act like women and whose culture centers on the worship of Bahuchara Mata, one of the many versions of the Mother Goddess worshipped throughout India. In connection with the worship of this goddess, the hijras undergo an operation in which their genitals are removed...
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...Acceptance and Oppression Of Two Spirits and Hijras Marla Houston Ashford University Anthropology 101 Instructor Michelle Loose Celebration and Oppression Of Two Spirits and Hijras We see a number of cultures that have an identified third gender. “The baku in the Philippines, xaniths in Oman, serrers among the Pokot people of Kenya” (Khan, S et al., 2009). Throughout these cultures people are being revered, oppressed, celebrated, and mocked. Specifically, this will be a discussion of the differences between the Two Spirits of the Lakota Nation and the Hijra of South Asia, and how both cultures have changed throughout the years from cultural evolution and colonization. An example from Lakota Nation is “an old Lakota word, “Winyanktehca” has today been contracted to the simple word, “Wintke,” meaning, “two-souls-person” (Schützer, 1995). Two Spirit people are revered in the Lakota nation, they are considered sacred, spiritual and mysterious. When the European settlers arrived in the “new world”, they worked to change multiple aspects of the Lakota nation, including the treatment of the Wintke. Wintke are called to transform their gender in dreams from their deity. Schützer (1995) stated that she was given a choice “Lakota deities never order. [Her] gender transformation was called for by the Spirits” (Shützer, 1995). Schützer felt called by her ancestors, the spirits that she worshiped and held sacred, to change her life and her experience within...
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...Alternative Gender Roles Richard Taylor Introduction to Cultural Anthropology ANT 101 Debbie Cassetta July 14th, 2014 Although alternative gender is largely looked down upon in western culture, this is not a new trend in the world. Around the globe alternative gender has been held in high regards throughout history. Individuals of the third gender are typical known seen as males taking on more feminine roles within their society. It is true that more males adhere to the title of alternative gender, but females also transition to more masculine roles as well. These types of individuals are typically considered special among the people within society. They are usually healers, medicine men or women, or even individuals who have the power to curse others. Two spirits are among some of the more famous alternative gender individuals of the western world. Two spirits are engrained into many Native American cultures. The Zuni of central New Mexico are one of the tribes that hold two spirits in very high regard. Two spirits are even a part of their religious lore and are often used in their religious ceremonies to reenact the legends of the two spirit deity. In Evolution’s Rainbow Joan Roughgarden (2004) states: Among the Zuni, for example, legend tells of a battle between agricultural and hunting spirits in which a two-spirited deity brought peace to the warring parties. Zunis reenacted this event ceremonially every four years, with a two-spirited person playing the role...
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...and even consider them to be holy, others may be more judgmental and may even harbor prejudice and hatred. While the reasons that people might identify themselves as a gender that is opposite of their own may be mostly the same from culture to culture, they way that they are viewed is usually quite different. It can also be said that many cultures choose not to even recognize alternate gender roles within their societies,which is usually because these individuals are highly misunderstood. Though many cultures end up fearing what they don't understand, there are two that have at one time embraced and celebrated the people that identified with the alternate gender roles. The Native Americans have their Two Spirits, and Indians have their Hijra. These two cultures may share many similar traits, however, the differences between the two can also be easily seen. A culture that has praised people who partake in an alternative gender role are Native Americas. The Native Americans that are identified as being Two Spirits are individuals who embody and exude both female and male characteristics, or “spirits.” From a traditional stand point, Two-Spirit people were once highly regarded as...
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...All cultures recognize at least two genders, however, in some cultures there is a third or fourth gender and this is considered the supernumerary gender. These third or fourth genders usually involve a change of the male and female roles as well as their sex. In northern India, a third gender “hijra” is neither male nor female, but this gender includes elements of each (Carpo, 2013). Hijra gender functions as a religious role in this culture and must live an asexual life. To achieve this requires the surgical removal of the external genitalia. The removal of the genitalia and sexual abstinence is one way to demonstrate sacredness which allows the hijra to give blessing of fertility, prosperity and health. This is a source of their goodness...
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...GLOSSARY/DEFINITIONS TLF : Third Life Foundation Hijra - a socio-cultural construct in which a transgender person who is biologically male takes on the gender role of a female. Hijras in India have their own form of social organization and form a parallel society.[1] Transgender - someone who is anatomically born in a certain sex, but is more comfortable with the gender/sexual identity of a different gender, and chooses to go in for a sex reassignment surgery or hormonal treatment.1 Sexuality minorities - people discriminated against due to their sexual identity/orientation or gender identity. This includes gays, lesbians, bisexuals, hijras, kotis, transgenders, etc.1 Contents Executive Summary Current Situation • Basic Company Information o Mission o Company Values o Organisational Structure o Products and Services o Core Competencies External Environment ❖ Context ❖ The Economy ❖ Needs Analysis ❖ Market Analysis ❖ Competitor Analysis ❖ Competitive Advantages Strategy and Plans ❖ Objectives ❖ Business Strategy ❖ Marketing Plan Executive Summary This report describes the operation and mission of “Third Life Foundation” , a social enterprise established in Mumbai (India). The enterprise was set up with a mission to improve the lives of the Third gender population referred to as ‘Hijras’, by empowering them with...
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...believe that they would be more comfortable and happier if they were the opposite sex. When we use the term intersex, we are talking about humans who have abnormally been born with both sex organs. Both of these words are commonly known in today’s society, although they are not necessarily accepted. 2. Hijras are people in South Asia who were born male, but take on female roles. These roles can include women’s clothing, chores, and a gender identity. By understanding that it’s not just America that has abnormal sexual identities, these rare cases are seen all over the world. If you argue that people who wish to change their sexual identity were raised improperly, the study of Hijras can lead you to the conclusion that it is, in fact, biology that controls our actions. Human sexuality is consistent throughout the entire world, whether it be transsexuals or hijras, there are always cases that defy the typical gender identities we label as “normal”. For another example, in Thailand, a transgender male is called a kathoey. A kathoey is a born male who takes on female roles much like the hijras in Asia. Many Thai citizens consider kathoey much like a third gender. Kathoeys and hijras are the same as what America calls homosexuals. Because homosexuality is found all over the world, you would think humans would consider it normal. Unfortunately, it is found to be looked down upon by society. Perhaps people cannot wrap their head around the fact that yes, there ARE people who are different...
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...“The Problems faced by Eunuchs in Pakistan” A country, where even the majority struggles hard to get their fundamental human rights, there exist a community within, which is completely neglected and alienated from the rest of the society. We have heard about them, we come across them in our social affairs, yet we never stop to ponder on their state of life. Hijras, khwaja saras, khusras and chakkas, all are the terms given to this community by our society. Three of these terms are derogatory, even used as abuses. “Eunuchs” (hijras), the term describes a person who has no gender in particular, neither a male nor a female. Most are born apparently male, but some may be intersex (with ambiguous genitalia).”They are often perceived as third sex, and most see themselves as neither man nor women. However, some may see themselves as females. Unlike some western transsexual women, hijras generally do not attempt to pass as women. (1) Page 2 The economic condition of Eunuchs in Pakistan is very poor. Very few job opportunities are available to them. Even they cannot do any technical job because of the social abuse. Eunuchs earn their livings in three ways. First, they sing and dance in weddings and other occasions of happiness to earn their livelihoods. Second, they beg on streets and...
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...Samuel Cabrera ANTH 321 Professor Gill Response Paper Four Gender and sexuality have been the core of many debates in many cultural norms, in particular when it comes to religion, class and political reforms. Authors such as Dan Savage, Serena Nanda, and Alok Gupta have taken the role to write about these issues in North America and India. These authors argue that the intersection of sex and religion, gender in religion, and class in sexuality have been at the core of the gender and sexuality movement. The idea of “class” being an issue to “class” when it comes to sexuality in India has been contributed to a lot of debate (Gupta). Also, when it comes to sexuality in religion in a North American content the idea of anything other than heterosexuality is blind in the catholic religious practice. However, when it comes to gender practices in India, the Hindu religion is more open and understanding to the idea of the third gender. The rise of concern of homosexuality when it comes to religion in American culture is one that is gaining attention in the homosexual community. Especially when it comes to the Catholic practice and its unwillingness to welcome the gay community into there religion. Dan Savage argues that the Catholic religion ignores the gay community because the sin of homosexuality can be seen by the open eye, and ignores the fact that most of the heterosexual followers of the religion engage in the practice of nonprocreative sex. For example, Dan Savage brings...
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...INTRODUCTION: Hijras and other transgender (TG) people in India face a variety of issues. So far, Hijra/TG communities have been excluded from effectively participating in social and cultural life; economy; and politics and decision-making processes. When we had to decide on a topic, our basic criteria was to find something that had a lot of research scope. Life of a eunuch is a mystery; we realized that there were several myths and perceptions in the minds of a common man. Eunuchs have been a very secretive society over the years although they live in the same society as a common man they have been indifferent and aloof, as well as very unwilling to open up. Each one of us in the group felt intrigued and curious about this topic. All of us felt there were several unanswered questions. We wanted to know their way of life and measures that could be suggested for their betterment; as well as to burst the myths in the minds of the society. We felt that this research was the best platform where we could go ahead and explore the social, cultural, economical, legal, and emotional aspects of their life. The whole process as expected wasn’t smooth. We did encounter initial rejections and unpleasant situations. Major hurdle encountered was finding an access point to the community or one of the member . After we crossed this path, it was quite smooth sailing. The Eunuchs were very welcoming and made us feel at ease and were over whelmed by our presence. Visiting their homes, receiving...
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...ANTH 1200 – Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 10-29-12 Dr. Williams, Instructor 1 Study Questions for Quiz# 3 (Ferraro’s Chapters 9, 10 and 11) 1. Are there any universals about gender roles across all societies? Use examples from your readings to support your position. 2. Male dominance a cultural universal? Use examples from your reading to support your position. 3. How important are economic factors in the definition of gender in the United States? 4. What are “Genderlects”? Answer: Linguistic differences in the ways in which men and women speak within their culture 5. What is postpartum sexual taboo? Answer: the rule that a husband and wife must abstain from any sexual activity for a period of time after the birth of a child 6. What is gender stratification? Answer: The hierarchical ranking of members of a society according to gender 7. If women are not allowed to hold important positions in religious activities, does that indicate stratification? 8. Does the prohibition of women from the same economic activities as men always indicate stratification? 9. What are three social benefits of marriage? 10. Describe and discuss the differences between American style marriage and marriage among any cultural group in Sub-Saharan Africa. 11. In which state of the United States is polygyny most widely practiced? Answer: Utah 12. What is a critical factor influencing the incidence of polygyny? Answer: The Old Testament of the Bible ...
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...Lindsey Townsend English 1101 @ 12 7/13/15 Gender in the Public Eye It’s not necessary to read the magazine covers at the grocery store to realize that gender is the “hot topic” of this generation. There have been many instances where gender has been bent, rearranged, and transformed in the public eye in both transgender celebrities, television characters, and every- day people . “In our society, in addition to man and woman, the status can be transvestite (a person who dresses in opposite-gender clothes) and transsexual (a person who has had sex-change surgery). Transvestites and transsexuals carefully construct their gender status by dressing, speaking, walking, gesturing in the ways prescribed for women or men whichever they want to be taken for – and so does and “normal” person” (Lorber 1). “Carefully constructing their gender status” reiterates how society teaches gender. We are shown how to be women and men through parental guidance, television and movies, and even songs on the radio. These transgender individuals, whether they have undergone sex-change surgery or not, identify as the opposite sex by mannerisms they have learned from watching members of the identifying sex, once again showing how these behaviors are taught. Has society at large begun to undermine the basic behavioral norms that America has clung to for years by introducing these trans-thoughts into the mainstream media? Are the trans-celebrities who glorify this transgenderism confusing the young...
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