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WOMEN AND WARFARE

BOOK REVIEW: AMAZON ODYSSEY

Ti-Grace Atkinson

Published by Link Books $4.95, paperback

The Amazons, according to Greek mythology, were an agricultural and peaceful people. They worshipped the goddess Athena, who represented wisdom,skills and warfare. The Greeks decided they wanted the Amazon land, so they captured the queen. The Amazons subsequently invaded Greece and were defeated; no doubt their fighting spirit was considerably diminished at the sight of their former queen engaged in battle at the side of her Greek leader husband.

The legend of the Amazons is related in TiGrace Atkinson's Amazon Odyssey to demonstrate that the concept of women living separately from men is not some new kook idea. Atkinson's personal "amazon odyssey" has been. her struggle to unite other women in feminist community. The book is a cogent statement of her politcal theories and battle plans. "A book is the home of an idea," according to Atkinson's

grandfather. This book, a collection of her

writings and speeches from 1967 to 1972, is

the home of many provocative ideas.

ORIENTAL

Oriental Dancing is one of the oldest danceart forms in the world. It originated about 3,500 years ago as a form of worship. The Arabs called it Beledi, which means native dance or native rhythm. It is a coincidence that this word sounds like belly. The preferred term is Oriental or Middle-Eastern dance. From Oriental dancing is derived the ballet, Spanish dancing, bull-fighting (with the use of the scarf), Hawaiian, and strip tease.

Orientals believe that dancing is the ultimate in sensual womanly expression. Unlike the popular American concept of dancing, a woman is not exploiting herself when she is genuinely having a good time with her body, communicating her emotions via physical movement.

In the Middle East, music and self-expression have historically been wedded to dancing. When dancing, the body becomes an instrument, much the same way as a drum or guitar. Oriental dancing should not be misinterpreted as a vulgarity, but viewed as a perfect muscle coordination to music.

There are many stories about the origin and use of this dance. Phoenicians did it, Egyptians picture it on their wall paintings; Turks and North African Berbers also claim origin.

North African tribal women used to shuffle and dance in the marketplace in hopes of winning the favors of passers-by to get a few gold coins. The coins were then sewn into a belt which they wore for this occasion. When enough coins were earned for a dowry, the women married and never danced again, except for their husbands. They danced to insure themselves a respectable life.

It is also told that the dance was performed by helpful village women as another sister was giving birth to a child. The dance served as a rhythmic, soothing reminder to the woman in labor to use her abdominal muscles to aid the birth process.

Western men and women have done a good

Atkinson's main thrust is that women must get political, must unite, organize and efficiently work for their goal. In her words, being political is not complex: "a political person is some individual who has a particular set of beliefs, and who acts in accordance with those beliefs." Before rushing to pat yourself on the back for being so political, read on! A true feminist does not believe in 1) marriage, because it is the institution by which the oppressor enslaves the oppressed, 2) love, because this is the psychological ploy by which women are made to con. spire in their own oppression, 3) employment, other than working for the movement, because in all other categories it is aiding and abetting the Establishment. Now go congratulate yourself!

—

Amazon Odyssey is not easy reading. It took me several days and much rereading to assimilate some chapters. This is a serious and brilliant work why expect it to be light and amusing? It is consistent, a quality which Atkinson finds lacking in feminists generally. Consider the current bulk of women's literature: it is interlaced with endless anecdotes and emotional interpretations isn't it time women start taking themselves seriously? One of the

most tedious sections of the book, though certainly worthwhile, is the chapter entitled "Strategy and Tactics". Drawing an idea can sometimes illuminate it better than words.. Here is a sample strategy chart: Pre-Revolution

Men

Oppressor

Buffer-Lesbians

Pro-revolutionFeminists

Neutral

Anti-revolution,

anti-feminists

Oppressed

7

کیا ہے

Ti-Grace Atkinson emerges from these pages as a woman of outstanding courage and integrity, a sort of feminist heroine. Be prepared to discover self-deceptions you didn't know you had, if you read Amazon Odyssey.

Available at Coventry Books and Booksellers

DANCING

Ates Studios of Authentic Middle Eastern Dance is located at 4748 W. 130th St. Phone: 267-1032. Classes are held for 13 weeks--the cost is $72.00.

The Wild Turk is located in the Carter Manor and is open every evening but Monday.

job of separating themselves from their bodies, denying much of the body's self-expression. They move only when they have to, mostly when they are working and not often when they are trying to communicate with one another.

People who dance the Middle-Eastern way express their sensuality naturally. The movements of sexual domain are considered natural. Pelvic movement and undulation are not a matter of sensation and pleasure, but of life and unity with nature.

A woman who is attempting to re-establish the Oriental dance as a legitimate art form

is Ates, an oriental dancer. She has been dancing in Cleveland for nine years in various night clubs. She refused to give dancing lessons, until the overwhelming response she received from an ad thrust her into the entertainment world as a teacher and business-woman. Although she favors the United States, she believes people can be successful anywhere they want to. In her opinion it is a matter of what they make of themselves and their lives. Ates is living proof of this philosophy, having established a school of dance and a Middle-Eastern night club where she performs. She has over 1,000 students of Oriental dance, some of who are already performing.

In interviewing her, WSW learned that Ates decided to establish the school in an effort to bring oriental dancing back as the true art form that it is. She is angered and disgusted with Hollywood images of a sexgoddess enticing shy, unwary males to sin.

Considered to be the best Oriental dancer in this country, Ates has an appreciation for the correct way of doing the dance. She resents the exploitation of the dance by amateurs that use the dances popularity to make an easy buck.

Ates and WSW welcome our sisters to come to the East and re-awaken their senses to a new dimension of self-expression. Let it be said that there is nothing unliberated about moving as a woman.

page 5/What She Wants/February, 1975