Research on Native American Women

                With the research I have done, in preparation for my reading of Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich, it seems as if the roles of women in Native American reservations have changed. Native American women were said to grow up strong and from childhood learn what responsibilities they would have. At a young age they would be given toys that would illustrate the roles and prepare them such as a doll. However, women were said to be able to take on any roles of the men when needed. They were even able to marry without force and divorce without trouble. Comparing this to the current events that I have read, it seems as if the equality for Native American women has changed. Native American women are reported to be abused both by those in the reservation and those outside of the reservation. It is said that Native American women have the highest rate of violence in any group in the United States. This is illustrated by women suffering from rape, sexual abuse, or physical abuse by their husbands or by men who are outsiders.  However the women do not report the acts of violence to law enforcement because of racism that had existed between law enforcement and Native American women. The women believe that law enforcement has turned their back on them so do not turn in reports of violence.

                In reaction to the research, I am shocked. I had never imagined that Native American women would be ranked in the highest rate of violence. With information I had learned at a younger age I had thought Native American women were among the strongest and most respected. Though I still see them as one of the strongest groups of women, it is hard to imagine that they have been abused by loved ones and even men who are passersby. I had not realized that Native American women were still receiving inequality from law enforcement and society after all these years past the time of civilization. It seems as if the reservations are a trap for Native American women. Instead of providing protection from society, they are trapped for disgusting passersby and abusive husbands.

References:

Sommer, Robin L. North American Indian Women. North Dighton, MA: JG, 1998. Print.

"Native American Women and Violence." National Organization for Women. National Organization for Women, 2011. Web. 04 Apr. 2013. <http://www.now.org/nnt/spring-2001/nativeamerican.html>.

Erdrich, Louise. "Rape on the Reservation." The New York Times. The New York Times, 27 Feb. 2013. Web. 04 Apr. 2013. <http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/opinion/native-americans-and-the-violence-against-women-act.html?_r=1>.