Sexuality In California's Franciscan Missions By Albert L. Hudarto Summary

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In Albert L. Hudarto’s essay, “Sexuality in California 's Franciscan Missions: Cultural Perceptions and Sad Realities,” I initially thought the author would discuss sexuality in the San Francisco Mission district as I probably was not paying too much attention to the title. I also questioned how this article would relate to the first lecture discussed in class about Native American tribes in California. Hudarto clearly states his thesis as “This essay will examine an aspect of the mission experience that has not received much attention -- Indian sexuality and Franciscans ' attempts to control it.” His purpose is to inform reader of California Indians’ sexuality prior to and post integration of Franciscan beliefs, and the effects the Franciscans had on the Indians. In short, Hudarto first introduces the topic of Californian Indians’ sexuality. He goes over their most common practices when it comes to the varying types of relationships and the different ways they would practice sexual intercourse. Hudarto also discussed the way it would affect the harmony between tribes and their economic and social ranks. The author then goes on to describe the beliefs of the Spaniards, and he points out how a lot of the Indians’ common …show more content…

Additionally, this essay would be a good read for those interested in the topic of sexuality, gender and culture or anyone studying anthropology. This essay contributes to understanding aspects of California history that is not primarily discussed. The reader gets and insight on two different cultures, and the effects of them merging together -- in this case, the cultures of the Spaniards and Indians. I believe that this article supports Competing Visions as the text also discusses how “the object of the missions was to convert the natives to Christianity as well as to Hispanicize them…” and both touch upon the topic of the rapes of

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