Reverse Warriors
In addition to the Contraries and the ceremonial clowns, many Plains tribes recognized certain persons having the role of “reverse” warriors. These were usually experienced warriors who in battle purposely abided by contrary, foolish or crazy principles. Generally, they belonged to military organizations that also took part in dance ceremonies. Only the “reverse” warriors used inverse speech, and only they did the opposite of what they were commanded or instructed to do (reverse reaction). The “reverse” warrior charged into battle when ordered to retreat. He could only fall back, when he was commanded to attack.
Read more about this topic: Contrary (social Role)
Famous quotes containing the words reverse and/or warriors:
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”
—Bible: Hebrew Isaiah, 2:4.
The words reappear in Micah 4:3, and the reverse injunction is made in Joel 3:10 (”Beat your plowshares into swords ...”)
“Those who consider the Devil to be a partisan of Evil and angels to be warriors for Good accept the demagogy of the angels. Things are clearly more complicated.”
—Milan Kundera (b. 1929)