THINK. THINK, THINK.......IS IT RIGHT, WRONG, OR BOTH?

 THINK. THINK, THINK.......IS IT RIGHT, WRONG, OR     BOTH? Post #11

        In my first post, I sounded amazed, angry, surprised and I felt like female circumcision is a brutal procedure. However, after that post I have learned and grew up to realize that the procedure is painful and brutal but it is hard for me to say it is completely right or wrong. In some post, I may imply that it is wrong and in some I might imply that it can go both ways. Female circumcision has been happening for a while now and it is still done. The questions I want my readers to ask themselves is: Is it right, wrong, or needed? Cause I actually want to know what others think after reading the entire posts.

       I am so glad I chose this topic because I learned vital information and I improved my knowledge. This research open my mind to new ideas and acts. Prior to the research I was not really open minded about new things and differences. However, this topic made me realize that people are different and make different choices but I should learn to respect their decision. Does this mean I am implying that female circumcision is right or wrong? At this point, I want to say it is right to some extent and wrong to some extent however if I answer the question there will be bias because people who do it claim they have their reasons for it. There will also be bias because my perspective as an African American female is different so it will influence my decision. My new insight has helped me to be more willing to try new things, learn new things, listen and respect people for who they are. It has also helped me realize that I should not take my opportunity for granted, use it wisely and smartly to help other girls because some young girls are out there that want to be where I am.  This can help others realize that there are several cultural ideas, people are different, and women are treated differently around the world not only in America. People will feel sorry for the girls based of the visual I included in my blog, some will be totally against it and some may have mixed feelings about the idea. But everyone's' answer depends on their ideas, perspective, value, believe and cultural background. Female Circumcision is an interesting topic that will force everyone to think, think, and think.

RIGHT OR WRONG-Culture vs.Pain. Post #2

                              RIGHT OR WRONG-Culture vs.Pain

                   Article-"Blood, Fear and Ritual: Witness to Female Circumcision in Kenya" by Andrew Katz

Rites of passage are performed to signify that one is prepared for a stage in life. Example of some stages are independence, marriage, or parenthood. In America, a rite of passage could be getting driver’s license at the age of 16, graduating high school, or paying for rent. These stages may illustrate that the person is ready to be an adult. According to my source, young girls   get circumcised to demonstrate that they are qualified to get married. Female genital mutation remains a popular act in Africa, Middle East, and other 30 countries. The act impacts the woman’s health tremendously, however the practice is still done to show the lack of control women have over their bodies. The article explains how female circumcision is performed as a ritual needed in a woman’s life in order to be happy even though the person going through the experience is not happy. The article shares the experience of two young Kenya girls getting circumcised. The author described the horrific event.

               The author explains that the day prior to the actual cutting, the girls were hairless. All their hair has been shaved off. Their body was cleaned with cow’s milk and the girls must not show and emotions because they would be a disgrace to their family. The parents would be recognized because their girls were about to “become women”. On the day of the cutting, the act is performed in their house so that they could get full recovery without any disturbance. The girls screamed out with pain and agony once they got cut. Blood was everywhere. Animal blood and products were given to the girls after the procedure to replace the blood loss. To me and others who may not agree with the act may say the experience is unfair, horrific, sad and painful. However, those who practice it totally believe it is part of culture and tradition; it must be done to prepare their young girls for womanhood. They do not believe it cause any health problems.

                The more I read about culture, tradition, female circumcision, believes, rites, and rituals, it is hard for me to say I agree or disagree with the act. I am surprise it is still done in some parts of the world but these people believe it is needed for the women in their culture. Is that right, is it not right? It is a difficult answer because there would bias during the process of answering this question. Some people may still wonder why it is done, is it really necessary? However these questions require thought.

To read the original article go to: http://time.com/3425529/blood-fear-and-ritual-witness-to-female-circumcision-in-kenya/

Source:
Katz, Andrew. "Blood, Fear and Ritual: Witness to Female Circumcision in Kenya." Time. Time, 6 Feb. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <http://time.com/3425529/blood-fear-and-ritual-witness-to-female-circumcision-in-kenya/>.