Date: Sun, 30 Jun 1996 21:38:50 -0400
From: mym-AT-world.std.com (Mirangela)
Subject: Re: CEBU-USA & Now that we're talking


I've also had problems with the term "third world", and I prefer to say 
something like "so-called third world", for who is naming these worlds?  As 
a Black woman living in the so-called first world, industrialized world, 
spirit-stifling world, I would like to be named differently, but I'm not 
sure what.  I have heard people refer to the so-called third world as the 
South and the so-called first world as the North.  Using the terms South or 
Southern does not include, however, North American indigenous people, 
African-Americans, Chicanos, Puerto Ricans and other "involuntary 
minorities" in North America.  I'm sure there should be a discussion about 
whether colonized peoples living/raising families in the so-called first 
world are considered to be part of the so-called third world.  There is a 
lot to say about the "third world" diaspora.  There is much to say about the 
term "third world".

Not to idealize the so-called third world or to ignore that there exists 
poverty and a lack of basic human needs in so-called third world countries 
and communities, but I have often found that despite oppression that our 
peoples have a tremendous resiliency of spirit. We have learned to cope in 
ingenuous ways, to maintain our cultures, to assimilate when necessary, plus 
create new cultures.  I'm amazed at us.

As a woman and a feminist, I believe there is much to be said about how 
women are perceived and how we perceive ourselves as "third world" people, 
also what our priorities are or should be.  Should we be talking about 
identity, or about imperialist aggression?  Should we talk about aspects of 
our cultures, or development?  Or, everything?

Atefeh wrote:
> Hello Mirangela
> Great idea for discussion. To me the expression Third World needs a lots o
> clarification and even may be should be replaced.  For who are we the thir
> world?  In terms of resistance to be honnest, I consider us way above firs
> world, and I do not know where is the second world for that matter?  In
> terms of the usage of technology, I am not sure if I would like to be in
> "the" first world either!  
> Lately I read a very empovering text titled:
> "Veils and Words: the emerging voices of Iranien womwn writer "
> by  Farzaneh Milani.  Syracus University Press.
> I really recommend it.
> Do we wnat to rename ourselves?  A name choosen by us which represent our
> strenght instead ofone which makes allusion to  our place in the line to t
> "Grand Civilized"  "Fisrt" World?
> 
> Atefeh  
> 
  In response to:
> At 06:30 PM 6/30/96 -0400, I wrote:
> >Hello, everyone, I've been listening in on this list for a 
> >few months, and it was a delight to see the list suddenly 
> >perk up in response to Beaty.  Hooray!
> >
> >My questions are, is it possible that Beaty is not a member 
> >of this list and somehow posted the message to us all not 
> >knowing that we are pro women's empowerment and have very 
> >strong views about our exploitation via "mail-order brides", 
> >"exotic pen pal services"?  If aware of the nature of this 
> >list, I think Beaty certainly has some explaining to do.  
> >This list is certainly not about hooking up third world women 
> >in power-skewed relationships with first world men.
> >
> >As for the rest of us, let's talk.  I am very interested in 
> >the potential for discussion on this list, and have been 
> >wondering why it is so quiet.  I am African-American (North 
> >America), Black American, descendent of slaves and all that, 
> >with significant ties to Latin America and some connection 
> >with South India.  I consider myself to have a third world 
> >sensibility although I have been born and bred in the West.  
> >Should we talk seriously about what being "third world" or 
> >having a "third world sensibility" might be about.  It would 
> >be great.
> >
> >Mirangela
> >mym-AT-world.std.com
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>