Some Native American tribes view a warrior who takes on the berdache role as taking on a feminine or submissive role. This can be seen as a sign of weakness, as the warrior is not fulfilling his traditional role as a provider and protector. However, some tribes see this as a form of respect, as the warrior is seen as willing to take on any role in order to serve the community.
Other tribes see this as an act of defiance, as the warrior is seen as rejecting traditional gender roles. Still others see it as both an act of humility and an act of pride—the warrior is both willing to take on any role in order to serve his community and he also rejects traditional gender roles when he does so.
This type of behavior can lead to conflict within the tribe, as those who support the warrior’s decision may come into conflict with those who see it as a sign of weakness or resistance to tradition. The decision to take on a berdache role is a personal one, and should be respected by the tribe as a whole. Those who do take on this role should be prepared to face challenges along their path toward acceptance by their fellow warriors and loved ones alike.
