Comments on: On Toilets and Second Wave Feminism in Mali, By Zachary Mason

By: Zachary

Zachary — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:55:27 +0000

Well, Kathy, I must ask – what precisely is it that you feel that I have omitted from this essay? If you think that I have selectively omitted any discussion about deep-seated misogyny, re-read paragraph 9. I did not express that misogny doesn’t exist, but that the economic barriers to women’s advancement far surpass any cultural or ideological ones.

By: Kathy Dettwyler

Kathy Dettwyler — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 12:00:41 +0000

Zachary — This essay is so depressing, because it is clear that you have absolutely NO CLUE about Malian culture and the perspectives of Malian women (or men). It is appalling that the Peace Corps would let you loose in the field with such minimal understanding of the cultural context. Please come home as soon as possible, or at least stop writing these misleading and ignorance-filled essays. Oh dear, this is truly sad. Did you not even read “Dancing Skeletons” before you went to Mali??

By: Cami

Cami — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:38:57 +0000

Thank you, for the interesting insight. I am going on missions to Mali, Africa for a year and I have been trying to find more information on Mali, and the culture there…this helped alot.

By: Zachary Mason

Zachary Mason — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:16:04 +0000

Indeed, Sam, there is such a way! The Peace Corps itself is limited to U.S. citizens, but there are plenty of NGOs which are involved in latrine construction in the developing world; namely the World Toilet Organization, Water Aid and Oxfam. All are doing similar work.

By: sam horne

sam horne — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:30:14 +0000

hi, i am a plumber from aust, melbourne, i am interested in finding out more info of possably getting involved in this program, any info would be helpful.
kind regards Sam

By: Cecilia Tan

Cecilia Tan — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:52:50 +0000

Thank you Zachary, for this sensitive account of Mali women. Living in Australia with access to all that the best of technology can offer, we often take for granted what we have and how fortunate we are. While we continue to be concerned about the status of women in a developed area like Australia, such as real economic equality or anti discrimination laws, we can forget that in places such as Mali, feminism takes on a different face. This is the challenge for feminists who like all human beings can be guilty of navel gazing and not see the plight of others in more challenging circumstances. I admire what you are doing, Zachary. For my part I will spread your message as far and wide as I can. God be with you.