P.2
FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) is a long-standing cultural practice of the removal of some or all of the clitoris, and more often than not, some or all of the labia minora. The more extreme form of FGM is known as infibulation. Infibulation is the process in which the external part of the female genitalia is cut and the vaginal opening is stitched and sometimes reduced or narrowed, only leaving a small opening for urine and menstrual blood. However, the procedure of infibulation can or may be undone, and later redone, to accommodate the act of sexual intercourse and childbirth.
The practice of Female Genital Mutilation has become a big issue of concern due to the victims of this practice, the active engagement of concerned persons and Non-governmental organizations. These Non-governmental organizations such as United Nations, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization have helped a great amount in creating public awareness about FGM in developing countries, and in already developed countries as well. The have created awareness with regards to the effects and future strategies to help put an end to what is one of the most biggest violations of female human rights.
Despite the efforts by the United Nations and other countries to ban the practice of FGM, Female Genital Mutilation will be likely to continue because of its cultural practice worldwide, the link it has with the economy, and the political issues that it possesses.
P.3
The Term Paper on Female Genital Mutilation Clitoridectomy Excision
... a requirement for social acceptance. In industrialized countries, genital mutilation occurs predominately among immigrants from countries where mutilation is practiced. FGM can be classified into four separate ... the procedure as well. Part I: History & Types of Female Genital Mutilation Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been an ongoing worldwide debate. Awareness as well as ...
FGM is a cultural identity practice. Female Genital Mutilation is most commonly practiced in more than 27 countries in Africa. FGM is also practiced in various communities in Malaysia and Indonesia. Not only that, but FGM is also common among small communities in Australia, North America and as well as Europe. In Africa (more specifically Sierra Leone) the Bondo initiation, which involves the ritual of Female Genital Mutilation, is seen as a right of passage for young ladies and gives them the knowledge needed to become women. The very first step of this Bondo initiation is seen as purification. The part of the female genitalia that is believed to somewhat resemble the male penis, also known as the clitoris, is cut away. After this procedure is complete, women have said they believe they are more feminine. “In Sierra Leone, women who are cut are viewed as beautiful and worthy of being married. Those who are not are seen as impure by men and women alike.” (FGM P.2) Female Genital Mutilation is considered a cultural tradition, which is often why it is used as an argument for its continuation and why I believe it will never cease to exist. Which brings me to my next point of why I also believe Female Genital Mutilation is most likely to continue.
Female Genital Mutilation has a very strong link with the economy. In Africa there is a lot of poverty. Specifically in Sierra Leone, “the country was ranked the second-most-impoverished nation on Earth by the UN in 2006, and the Bondo is integral to local economies.” (FGM P.4) In simpler terms that means the Bondo creates a source of income, which is crucial to the economy because it is so impoverished. “Many digbas
P.4
live off their fees and don’t want to see the practice abolished.” (FGM P.4) One important economic factor is that it is much easier for the parents of a circumcised daughter to find a mate for her, than it is for the parents of an uncircumcised daughter. Being able to “marry off” the family daughter(s) is an important economic factor in some of the poorer countries that practice Female Genital Mutilation. Another important economic factor is that the women who perform FGM can support themselves and their families. Not only do these women gain financial support, they also gain a place of honor in their communities for performing this cultural ritual.
The Term Paper on Genital Mutilation In Sudan
... from Togo seeking asylum in the U. S.to escape Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in her native country. In the 90-minute hearing, immigration service general ... appropriate education, preventive, and outreach activities in communities that traditionally practice female circumcision, excision, or, to inform people in those communities about ...
My last point as to why I believe FGM is likely to continue is because of the political aspects that it possesses. Many “politicians are reluctant to criticize FGM for the fear of alienating their constituents.” (FGM P.2) Without the help of the political government to speak out about Female Genital Mutilation and put up strict laws against it, there is no possible way for it to be somewhat eradicated. However, it is “illegal to perform FGM in 15 African nations and in many Western countries, including Canada.” (FGM P.2) What about the other nations and countries it is not illegal to perform FGM in? How can FGM cease to exist and be eradicated if there is no strict laws set in place from politicians in other countries and nations because they are too afraid to speak out about it, since it can possibly cost them their political career?
P.5
In conclusion, I believe FGM will be likely to continue because of the cultural roots that it has in many nations, countries, and communities, the strong link that it has to the economy and how the practice is beneficial to it, and the political aspects it possesses.
P.6
One ritual that is practiced in our Western society that I feel might be distasteful or unusual to members of non-Westernized nations is the Gay Pride Parade. Pride parades are for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community. They are also known as pride events and pride festivals. These events are celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and the transgender culture. The events at times can also serve as a demonstration for legal rights such as same-sex marriage. Most pride events usually occur annually as well. The purpose for the Pride Parade is to have a celebration of diversity, individuality, and to celebrate your sexuality and be proud of it. Many non-Westernized countries view this celebration as distasteful, unusual and even disgusting. I believe that there is a strong disconnect between acceptance of this practice in the Westernized society v.s other parts of our world because of strong and strict religious beliefs. In Iran for example, people are put through extreme torture, punishment and sometimes even death, if they are believed to be a homosexual. However, the main reason they do this is because the Qur’an states (Qur’an 4:16) – “If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both.” The society in Iran follows the Qur’an so closely and therefore follows exactly what it tells them to do. They have very little diversity in Iran so they cannot experience what other religions are like and how they would deal with issues such as homosexuality. However, in a Westernized society such as Canada or the United States, they have so much diversity and experience so many different cultures and religions that they have grown accustomed to things that may appear to be a bit unusual.
The Essay on State Vs Nation Common Society Nations
STATE VS. NATION State, as we know today is a political term, which could be define as an institution that organises and makes countries or nations being governed. We could add to this definition that state as institution is a need of society at a certain stage of development to control and to enforce society into a common will. The state has legitimated the use of force over a given territory to ...
