- I found these articles to be some of the more interesting that I have read in this class. This is probably because the logistics of warfare are always interesting to me.
- I was surprised to find that women played such an active role in the Mexican Revolution of 1910, both as soldaderas and as combatants. I disagree with the statement brought up in class that "camp follower" is a derogatory term. Camp followers have been a part of warfare since time immemorial; for example, the peltasts of Greece were usually made up of helots or servants of the wealthier hoplites. As evidenced by the article, they play a crucial role in the tactical success of a military force, especially considering the example given by the Zapatistas. They were highly effective in Morelos, but on extended operations they were less than stellar due to the lack of soldaderas.
- The topic of female soldiers was interesting to me; however, items such as this always seem to be approached from the perspective of exoticness, they are talked about simply because they were uncommon, rather than being part and parcel of the armed forces. I did find it interesting that they were used more frequently towards the end of the conflict; however, this is due to the massive loss of male soldiers rather than a change in perspective.
- The article on the FSLN painted them too positive of a light from a feminist perspective; however, the author does make sense when she speaks of the fact that the Revolution had to consolidate itself against the Contras and the possible military intervention of the U.S. They did subjugate female issues in the interest of the Revolution, but that does not excuse that fact especially when considering that around 30% of the military of the FSLN were women. This shows that they had not only an interest in the Revolution, but also an investment as well. Their betrayal (although that may be too strong of a word) by the Sandinistas, as well as their absence from the peace negotiations rings of the disenfranchisement of the Mexican Revolution from the campesinos and indigenous that participated in it.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Soldaderas and the FSLN
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Finally revisiting these to make comments.....I did want to say that in Mexico "soldadera" shows up as a slur in 19th century criminal docs (the ones I consulted for my book). It is an insult wielded by women against women and implies a certain looseness of character--ie selling sex for money, food, etc. So certainly in the Mexican context, the term is resurrected post Revolution as something more respectable.
ReplyDeleteAh the Sandinistas had it hard---embargo, contras, etc. but even if Fonseca was the great progressive thinker--there is still the machista socialization that takes decades to weaken. Nicaragua is still unique as is Cuba and El Salvador...