Mary Lib, Libby, Mary, Sheri and Margie) met in October for an enjoyable discussion of Melinda Gates' book, The Moment of Lift, How Empowering Women Changes the World. Saying that this book was inspiring is an understatement. Other descriptors included: simplistic, humble and coherent: Mary thought the writing style was "down to earth" and was impressed with the "clarity" of the writing and as well as the "decency" that was reflected in Melinda's writing.
Margie shared 2 very opposing reviews of the book which guided some of the discussion. One highly praised the book, while the other was quite critical saying the book was "more of a whisper than a call to action". Sheri was quick to point out that while there weren't specific ways outlined to make change, the book included so many vignettes that wore definitely worth the time to read. We all agreed that it was a book well worth reading for many reasons. It was Mary Lib who expressed that there are no easy answers for the 'how to' of making a difference, but the book is valuable for knowing where to spend time and effort in doing so. Along these lines, Margie called to mind Greg Mortenson's, Three Cups of Tea, and how he expressed similar perspectives as Melinda for ensuring success when providing help in a foreign country. Along different lines, Libby was reminded of some parallels with Michelle Obama's book, Becoming, (the value of partnership within a relationship.)
Specific parts of the book that were mentioned included those on contraception (in the US contraception did not become legal for married women until 1965!!!), cutting, education and it's significance for girls, as well as the values passed on by Bill Gates' mother. Mary recommended the Netflix documentary series, Inside Bill's Mind commenting that it was a good companion to this book. Each of the three segments is about 45 minutes long. I have since watched it, and I totally agree. It's an amazing picture of how his mind works. WOW! If ever there were 2 people who were meant for each other - it's Bill and Melinda. If you are feeling the need for some inspiration or if our faith in doing good needs to be reinforced - watch the series and read the book. You will not be disappointed.
Monday, October 28, 2019
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Five of us, Annie, Joan, Linda, Maddy, and myself, met to discuss Lisa See's The Island of Sea Women, also known as the island of wind, stones, and women. This is a historical novel based on the true history of Chejudo, Korea. Apparently Lisa See spent six years doing research for this book which gave her a wealth of material for her story.
We were all impressed by the divers' physical prowess and dedication to providing for their families despite the bitter cold and dangerous environment of their work. It was pointed out by the group that, as in many parts of the world, women did much of the work but had little education or political power compared to men. In this book it was surprising to read that men helped by caring for the small children and doing the cooking while the women both dove for an income and did the farming. The deep bonds that they formed in their collectives clearly provided emotional support and helped keep them safe in the water. The book made clear the very real risks the divers took and unfortunately how injuries and drownings did occur.
The other aspect of the book that all agreed to have been surprising was the brutal, tragic history of the islanders after World War II and the partitioning of Korea. The book graphically illustrates how the South Korean military, police, and vigilante groups massacred villagers and destroyed villages in the name of rooting out communism. Women and children were tortured and killed due to guilt by association. All the while Americans were the "administrators" of the island and ignored the unfolding tragedy. It seems that the islanders, mainly men, were protesting partition and their being excluded from political decision making. They and their families and neighbors were sought and exterminated. Interestingly, when I was a Peace Corps volunteer on Chejudo in the 60's, I never heard a word about this history. Apparently it was illegal to mention it even within families. Only recently the South Korean government has begun investigating these events, unearthing mass graves, and establishing a Peace Park on the island. Koreans from the mainland are coming to Chejudo to learn more about this dark part of their history.
Some in the group did feel that the length of the book was excessive. Many felt that her skipping back and forth in time became confusing. Some felt that the book was rather formulaic, that the author tends to write about relationships among women and weave in regional history. This particular group of women and their history, however, seem quite unique to me. All agreed that this was a heavy book, full of hardship and few happy moments. I suspect that life was like that for those women.
Some were puzzled that a woman like Mi Ja could watch a child be brutally murdered and not speak up to save him. Also I was puzzled by how Young Sook refused any contact with her daughter or grandchild after the daughter married Mi Ja's son. Young Sook held such deep resentment and anger for her friend's betrayal and refused to forgive her. We can so easily judge behaviors like these, but we discussed how inappropriate it is to pass judgement on a person from another culture.
The group discussed the Shamanic tradition that was so fundamental to the Cheju culture. The government tried to eliminate the Shamanic practices, but the islanders have held onto that culture. We also discussed the lovely practice of making rubbings as keepsakes at significant events.
The ending seemed somewhat abrupt to some in the group and also a bit puzzling. It is unclear whether Young Sook finally did forgive her daughter and Mi Ja or not. The author left it up to the reader to decide. In the end the group found the book to be a stimulating read.
We were all impressed by the divers' physical prowess and dedication to providing for their families despite the bitter cold and dangerous environment of their work. It was pointed out by the group that, as in many parts of the world, women did much of the work but had little education or political power compared to men. In this book it was surprising to read that men helped by caring for the small children and doing the cooking while the women both dove for an income and did the farming. The deep bonds that they formed in their collectives clearly provided emotional support and helped keep them safe in the water. The book made clear the very real risks the divers took and unfortunately how injuries and drownings did occur.
The other aspect of the book that all agreed to have been surprising was the brutal, tragic history of the islanders after World War II and the partitioning of Korea. The book graphically illustrates how the South Korean military, police, and vigilante groups massacred villagers and destroyed villages in the name of rooting out communism. Women and children were tortured and killed due to guilt by association. All the while Americans were the "administrators" of the island and ignored the unfolding tragedy. It seems that the islanders, mainly men, were protesting partition and their being excluded from political decision making. They and their families and neighbors were sought and exterminated. Interestingly, when I was a Peace Corps volunteer on Chejudo in the 60's, I never heard a word about this history. Apparently it was illegal to mention it even within families. Only recently the South Korean government has begun investigating these events, unearthing mass graves, and establishing a Peace Park on the island. Koreans from the mainland are coming to Chejudo to learn more about this dark part of their history.
Some in the group did feel that the length of the book was excessive. Many felt that her skipping back and forth in time became confusing. Some felt that the book was rather formulaic, that the author tends to write about relationships among women and weave in regional history. This particular group of women and their history, however, seem quite unique to me. All agreed that this was a heavy book, full of hardship and few happy moments. I suspect that life was like that for those women.
Some were puzzled that a woman like Mi Ja could watch a child be brutally murdered and not speak up to save him. Also I was puzzled by how Young Sook refused any contact with her daughter or grandchild after the daughter married Mi Ja's son. Young Sook held such deep resentment and anger for her friend's betrayal and refused to forgive her. We can so easily judge behaviors like these, but we discussed how inappropriate it is to pass judgement on a person from another culture.
The group discussed the Shamanic tradition that was so fundamental to the Cheju culture. The government tried to eliminate the Shamanic practices, but the islanders have held onto that culture. We also discussed the lovely practice of making rubbings as keepsakes at significant events.
The ending seemed somewhat abrupt to some in the group and also a bit puzzling. It is unclear whether Young Sook finally did forgive her daughter and Mi Ja or not. The author left it up to the reader to decide. In the end the group found the book to be a stimulating read.
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