Cultural Anthropology Assignment: Berdache Tradition Analysis

This assignment explores the Berdache Tradition, a concept in cultural anthropology, focusing on Native American cultures. The student answers questions related to the Berdache's role, ceremonies, and societal acceptance within Native American tribes, contrasting them with Western views on gender. The assignment delves into specific examples like the Navajo Nadle, highlighting their significance in myths and their importance in the creation of humanity. The student agrees with the article's claims, attributing negative perceptions of alternate genders to a lack of understanding, emphasizing conflicts arising from differing beliefs. Furthermore, the assignment contrasts Native American spiritual beliefs, which include alternate genders in their deities, with those of Christianity. The main point of the article is to educate readers about the Native American culture of glorifying the concept of an alternate gender, showcasing their cultural and mythological myths and legends, and the importance of berdache within the society. The student recommends the article for its educational value.

Running head: CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Name of Student:
Name of University;
Author note:

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Answer1:
According to the article, The Berdache Tradition, a berdache or a two-spirit is a
morphological male. Williams says that they have a special place in tribal mythology and have
many special ceremonies that they fulfil. The ceremonies that they go through for becoming a
berchade includes the boy who is to become a berchade, standing in a circle and dancing to the
music that is played for him. After dancing to the fourth song, he receives the skirt of a woman
and is proclaimed a berdache. They have a socially accepted status because they are part of the
traditional myths and legends (Williams, 2010)
Answer2:
According to the article, The Berdache Tradition, native Americans perceive God as
someone who has is neither a male nor a female but who has an alternate gender. In Native
American myths and legends, the alternate gender has a special place and are said to be holy
creatures who have special supernatural powers. However, the western outlook is entirely
different; they consider the berchades or androgen as something that is confusing or abnormal.
Western society only recognizes two genders, namely the male and the female (Williams, 2010).
Therefore, the concept of an alternate gender becomes a threat to them.
Answer3:
Nadles are berdache or people who are identified by an alternate gender which is neither
male nor female in Navajo tradition. According to the article, The Berdache Tradition, in the
Navajo culture there was a third world which consisted of white shell girl and turquoise boy who
helped the people and saved their life in times of disasters. The moral is that this traditional story
proves that the very existence of humanity is dependent on the inventions of the

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Nadles(Williams, 2010). This story is an important aspect of the author's overall argument
because this story shows how important the role of nadle is and that they were present from the
very beginning of the creation of humanity.
ANSWER 4:
I agree with William's claims in The Berdache Tradition, because people treat something
that they do not understand with negativity. Native American culture of glorification of an
alternate gender and giving them special status in the society is in opposition with the western
believes because western society recognizes only two genders (Williams, 2010). The invention
of a new gender is absurd for them so, they naturally see it in a negative light. It is because of the
same reason that conflicts generally arise in the people of different believes and origins.
Answer5:
According to The Berdache Tradition, the spiritual beliefs of the native Americans,
including seeing the Supreme being as someone who is a mixture between both the genders
having an alternate gender(Williams, 2010). In Christianity or other religions there, the gender
of a deity or God is confined to being either male or female. However, there are some Indian
traditions where the third gender is valued and glorified, and a holistic approach will help in
understanding the interrelatedness of different cultures.
Answer6:
The main point of the article, The Berdache Tradition, is to educate people about the
Native American culture of glorifying the concept of an alternate gender. The article aims to

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educate people about the important roles and function that berdache have and how the very
existence of humanity depends on them. This article shows us the anthropology of the Native
Americans by showing their cultural and mythological myths and legends which includes their
beliefs on sexuality and gender. I would certainly recommend this article because it educates
students on the various important aspects of society.
Reference:
Williams, W. L. (2010). The Berdache Tradition. Artigo disponível em< http://crl. ucsd. edu/~
elman/Courses/HDP1/2000/LectureNotes/williams. pdf>(14-12-2011).