- Jun 8, 2004
- 3,210
- 64
Moorfius said:The old times,the old ways and origenal ideas mostly "Pre-Historic", in other words "before Europens started recording their story". Long before the so-called whites of europe discovered Africa, The african woman was the natural head of the family units in African social functions, this is called "Matriarchy". There are still tribes in africa that live this way of life from pre-his-story times. This is the natural way of things, the woman is the first teacher to us all. The woman is the first leader, teacher, guide, nurse, cook, food gatheror and head of all family activities in the "village".
With the arrival of the invaders from the hills and caves of europe into africa things started to change, they (so-called) whites brought with them the un-natural ways ware the man was the "Ruler" over every thing, this is called "Patriarchy". Things are now turned up-side-down from the invading influence. The men of europe had to know who the father was so they could have different conchubines or women who were no more than servents in this kind of culture, if it can be called that.
There is much more to this "his-story vs our-story" but you have to fill in the gaps if you choose. The African image of life is Man and Woman side by side, twin halfs of each other, the man is the natural protector-warrior,among other things. Brothers and Sisters.
Sincerely
Again, good post, Moorfius!
If it appears that I am vacillating between yourself and Sunship by co-signing on both your posts, which appear diametrically opposed, it is based on the presentations you've both made... They both are chock full of history and logical analysis, and leave one attempting to weigh each with equal vigor...
I buy what SunShip said based on pure human behavior and psychology, and buy your explanation based on, as you said, the Matriarchical nature of African societies... However, I do not believe that African ethnic groups practiced polyandry to any great extent, though I agree with you wholeheartedly that African Women's role in African societies were corrupted by the European model... Aint NO doubt about THAT!
Peace!
Isaiah