Microwomen: U.S. Colonialism

& Micronesian Women Activists

By Teresia K. TeaiwaBrought to you by these fine folks:

Marvin LinderPatricia Rodriguez

Teaiwa’s Main PointMicrowomen’s traditional roles and

responsibilities have been altered significantly by colonialism.

Micronesian men have been willing to acknowledge the traditional roles and

importance of women AS LONG AS male dominance remains the visible reality.

Marshall IslandsNurturer.

Peacemaker. Benefactor. Encourager.

Issues discussed in regards to

Marshall Islands Women’s power is NOT evident to observersBecause of traditional roles, women MAKE IT

POSSIBLE for men to appear on public stageShould mean women have more power BUT

this is not so.

Chuuk“Men have wings, women only have

feet.”

Issues discussed in regards to

ChuukBefore colonization, Chuuk masculinity was expressed through a warrior culture.

After colonization Chuuk males stopped traditional battles and began drinking alcohol.

Men engage in destructive behavior (alcoholism) while women are required to maintain order.

Palau“Struggle to keep culture &

language alive.”

Issues discussed in regards to

PalauBelau women’s roles include own & devise land, control clan money, select chiefs

Women kept going to keep culture & language alive

When Belau women select & appoint a chief it is not recognized until it is approved by council of chiefs

There is a conflict in ways of thinking between men and women in Belau

Issues discussed in regards to

PalauReferendums & Court Cases on Compact debate

Media analyst overlook Belau women’s opposition to Compact

Women asserted a type of feminism by pursuing a cause which most of their male leaders opposed or have abandoned

The U.S inMicronesia

“Stronger culture, controls the pen, controls history,

holds power.”

Issues discussed in regards to The U.S in MicronesiaWomen have adapted & transplanted their

powerful or power-sharing roles into new social & political structures imposed by colonialism.Militarization & ProstitutionNuclear Testing in Marshall IslandsUrbanization (Social Aspects)

Historical AnalysisTeaiwa’s article is accurate, complete, informative,

& relevant

Significant to history because it allows the reader to come to these realizations:

1. power based on an illusion2. Women are fighting to achieve balance of

power between sexes & nations and NEED to recognized political aspects of private lives.

HistoriographyTeaiwa’s article is…

• Counter-Canonical• Gynocentric

• Islander-centered