Burakumin and Women’s Differences in Reforms: Reject or Reclaim Buddhist Teachings (Nicolette)

Soto Zen Buddhist nun

Burakumin family

Abstract:

Burakumin and women in Buddhism are both seen as inferior, invisible groups burdened by history’s social discrimination and patriarchal attitude.  They share similar causes of discrimination and both seek reform to change their distorted or unrecognized identities.  However, the two groups differ in approaches to reform.  I challenge that understanding and interpreting the original teachings of traditional Buddhism is essential but also harmful in reforms to restore an egalitarian Buddhism and reclaim the identities of the socially discriminated.  The key to ending discrimination is not necessarily the approach or justification that teachings are misinterpreted, but those factors are significant in promoting the goals of the Burakumin and women in Buddhism.

pop culture?

References

pictures-
nun: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1075/702818064_4c2ea80899_o.jpg
Burakumin: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/319571765_2bbc7fe718_m.jpg
t-shirt: http://rlv.zcache.com/burakumin_sky_tshirt-p235206605387894984t58s_125.jpg

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