This is simply awful.

[Naya]

I read in the newspaper yesterday about an atrocious event that happened in Pakistan, last June. An 11 year old boy was seen walking in his village (without a chaperone)accompanied by a girl who was from a superior tribe than him, the Mastoi. The Mastoi tribe was outraged that this boy would dare be seen with someone who was from a superior caste and decided that a punishment was needed. They decided that his older 18 year old sister, Mukhtiar Mai, should be the one who had the be the victim of all of this, and decided that she would be gang raped by 4 men in front of the whole village. Mai pleaded to her assailants to let her go, saying that she had spent years teaching the Coran to the village's children but she couldn't escape. While she was gang raped the villagers were cheering. After this was over she had to go back to her home, naked while people were throwing insults at her. There has been 22 gang rapes this year in this Pakistani region of Punjab all in the name of "honor".

The Pakistani government was outraged and the president in charge of the "Women's development program" gave Mai a 1500$ cheque..(like this would make her all forget), and the Supreme Court are now planning on punishing those tribal "juries" that operate outside of the judiciary system....What took them so long?

 

[foray]

Sial betul.

foray

 

[sulawesigirl4]

why oh why must women suffer for "crimes" that aren't crimes and which they didn't committ? men can be such animals. Castration wouldn't be good enough punishment.

 

[bono-vox]

why oh why must women suffer for "crimes" that aren't crimes and which they didn't committ? men can be such animals. Castration wouldn't be good enough punishment.

Thats ferocious and VERY wrong!!!!

 

[madamc]

fucking retards

shit like that makes me angry.


those man should have a hot rod shoved up their arses....and then...throw their bodies to the lions.

 

[missmacphisto]

Why does this not surprise me?

And people wonder why I think we should proceed with the cloning of humans until this is our only means of reproduction, causing the male species to become obsolete and eventually die out.

 

[Lilly]

fucking retards indeed

i am absolutely speechless about this.

 

[Naya]

They should be hung by their testicles. Or they should be f***ed in the ass in front of a cheering crowd.

This type of humiliation to women goes on in many more countries and is much more current than I thought...

 

[AliEnvy]

As horrible as that event was, it was pretty tame compared to what happens to women in many countries in Africa, the middle East, India and Asia.

Women are routinely murdered and maimed at the hands of their husbands, fathers or borthers in many places to save face for family "honour".

And haven't you heard of female castration? Happens to young girls and women in some African countries as commonly as Jewish boys are circumcized.



Ok, my blood pressure is up, I'm off to lurk in PLEBA to calm down.....

 

[foray]

Well, the thing about female genital mutilation is that it's a coming-of-age pride thing. Some females in Africa actually claim that the more people protest against it, the more they want to do it.

foray

 

[AcrobatMan]

As horrible as that event was, it was pretty tame compared to what happens to women in many countries in Africa, the middle East, India and Asia.

Women are routinely murdered and maimed at the hands of their husbands, fathers or borthers in many places to save face for family "honour".

And haven't you heard of female castration? Happens to young girls and women in some African countries as commonly as Jewish boys are circumcized.



Ok, my blood pressure is up, I'm off to lurk in PLEBA to calm down.....

you must be drunk.. no point in dragging other countries..the root cause of these evils are the same as root cause of 9/11..i bet u dont know what "pretty tame" means do you ?

 

[AliEnvy]

you must be drunk.. no point in dragging other countries..the root cause of these evils are the same as root cause of 9/11..i bet u dont know what "pretty tame" means do you ?

What are you smoking man??? LMFAO...pass it over...

 

[AcrobatMan]

I dont smoke , go and read the Thread in which I said that couple of days ago

 

[adamswildhoney]

This is horrible! Im totally disgusted with how some people treat other people. It makes me very angry that things like this happen to innocent people!

 

[daisybean]

Well, the thing about female genital mutilation is that it's a coming-of-age pride thing. Some females in Africa actually claim that the more people protest against it, the more they want to do it.

foray

While I am not one to critize another culture's beliefs, I do have a concern with this. Mainly the concern is that the practice itself is unsafe a lot of times. The use of dirty instruments and unsanitary conditions, people have died from infections simply because they did not use a sterilized knife, or take care of the "wound."

:attn:This is not to say that I agree with a young woman being forced against her will to have this "procedure" done. :attn:

While as a woman I am disgusted by the idea of gential mutilation, it is not my place to put down someone else's belief system. I think that if someone wants to do this more power to them, however, the way in which it is sometimes done can be deadly.

 

[oliveu2cm]

Well, the thing about female genital mutilation is that it's a coming-of-age pride thing. Some females in Africa actually claim that the more people protest against it, the more they want to do it.

foray

I find it very, very, very hard to believe there are informed females who still want this procedure done. Like Daisybean said, the instruments they use during these procedures are often unsanitary. As a matter of fact, the instrument mostly used is a razor blade. Razor blade which mutilates a woman who has had no anestesia. Many women have to be bound during the procedure, held by men or tied down. Many women do not even live through the intense bleeding which follows for days after the procedure.

I do believe some women believe their mothers or grandmothers in regards to this procedure. They are contaminated with lies that if they do not have this done then they cannot have children or a man will know she is unclean. These are sick lies and therefore I feel IF any woman said she wanted this done has clearly been lied to not able to decide on her own what she wants for her body.

I bet the things you hear that they want it more the more people protest it are lies spread by the dominating males of those cultures to get human rights activists off their backs.

It makes me sick, the whole thing makes me sick

if you want any more info:
http://www.rawa.org
http://www.vday.org

 

[oliveu2cm]

I wouldn't post some of the information at this link because it is quite graphic, but if you are interested in learning more about these cruel practices check here:

http://www.amnesty.org/ailib/intcam/femgen/fgm1.htm#a11

 

[hiphop]

Brilliant post, daisybean. Good point, foray.

It is always so difficult to get a position on those things, because these cultures are so far away and out of our imagination, that we can?t possibly imagine what is really wanted by who and for what reason.

The circumcission of boys, f.e., is also celebrated very often, it is a big thing; not comparable, for many reasons, with the first time we take the holy bread in church, but with a religious impact and lots of intensity.

If anyone wants some real information about those things, he must go there; at least consult an institute for ethnology if you want some reliable information. I don?t know that much. I am heavily interested in different spiritual procedures, like healing.

 

[oliveu2cm]

The circumcission of boys, f.e., is also celebrated very often, it is a big thing; not comparable, for many reasons, with the first time we take the holy bread in church, but with a religious impact and lots of intensity.

I understand what you are saying about the religious element. However---- female genital mutilation is not the same as being circumcised. I've never heard of a infant male dying from this, or not being able to feel pleasure from sex because of this.

please read the link I provided above- Just because it is the older people's customs does NOT mean it is right.

 

[hiphop]

Also true, Oliveu2, just because it is the Elders tradition doesn?t make it right. But right for who?

Look, you can be sure that I am the same women-and-freedom-and-independency-loving as anyone here. It is only a question from which view you watch those traditions. It is true, from my European (or your American?) point of view that these women should not be hurt or even killed. And sure, traditions which hurt, have to be changed.

But with whose power? They have to change it if they want to, not us, because we are so liberal or democratic or freedom loving. They have to change it, so that they get independency. More to stand on their own feet. But - also! - be careful with this, the unit "family" in african perception is a totally different one from first world perception of the same word.

I think those poor women should only somehow be assured that they have a free choice. But I would like if we would concentrate more on fighting hunger and AIDS. So many people die of hunger.
I know I change the theme now, just let me say, we can?t imagine how it is to be hungry. People in India or Africa can. I mean, shouldn?t we try to not eat anything for at least a week, and then see what we are able to discuss about with our oh-so-free-minds? We are so openminded because we can afford it.

So - sorry, but I don?t click your links. First, because I can imagine clearly enough without seeing, second because I think the Internet is not a first hand selective information system for this theme.

 

[hiphop]

Even if I have to admit the article of amnesty seems well written.

I neither knew that Europe and the U.S. had the same practices... puh! One time I am happy to be so lucky to live at this time and place. Another interesting vision is the one of hospitals, where it is said that only the very rich can afford to use a hospital for this procedure. Now what if Africa had enough hospitals? Not one on so and so many millions of people, but the same like in Europe. Would the system be opened to changes?

The article makes many good points, and tries to avoid accusations, which is fine. The only thing about it which I don?t like is the part about psychological effects... because it is clear a procedure like that affects your mind, isn?t it? - but Africa has absolutely nothing to do with Freud or psychoanalysis. So the effects may be true, but they seem to be watched through the wrong glasses.

 

[U2girl]

 

[oliveu2cm]

Also true, Oliveu2, just because it is the Elders tradition doesn?t make it right. But right for who?

I don't believe that just because a culture does it deems it right or acceptable. Call me narrowminded or whatever but I believe in human rights "the right to live like a human" as someone once said, and I believe that no one should suffer that mutilation if they do not want to or are not informed about its ramifications. People can think or believe what they want- but if it's harmful to others thats where the line needs to be drawn.

Originally posted by whenhiphopdrovethebigcars
But with whose power? They have to change it if they want to, not us, because we are so liberal or democratic or freedom loving. They have to change it, so that they get independency. More to stand on their own feet. But - also! - be careful with this, the unit "family" in african perception is a totally different one from first world perception of the same word.

I agree the change needs to come from within- but sometimes they need help. Just as the homeless need a hand willing to show them the way or the AIDS victims in Africa need outside people willing to give money or medications, they need others to help inform them so they can make their own minds up, be medicated or whatever they need.

Originally posted by whenhiphopdrovethebigcars
I think those poor women should only somehow be assured that they have a free choice. But I would like if we would concentrate more on fighting hunger and AIDS. So many people die of hunger.
I know I change the theme now, just let me say, we can?t imagine how it is to be hungry. People in India or Africa can. I mean, shouldn?t we try to not eat anything for at least a week, and then see what we are able to discuss about with our oh-so-free-minds? We are so openminded because we can afford it.

I never said to not focus on the other stuff. but just because the red cross is needed in NY doesn't mean they shouldn't come to a victim's aid in rural Ohio, if you follow what I'm saying.

Originally posted by whenhiphopdrovethebigcars
So - sorry, but I don?t click your links. First, because I can imagine clearly enough without seeing, second because I think the Internet is not a first hand selective information system for this theme.

Well that's okay but there are no images at the last link I provided. I put a warning about the graphic nature because an account is given about a ten year old girl who is genitally mutilated and it is quite graphic in its content (for example I was being generous saying most procedures were done with a razor blade!)

And that was taken from Amnesty International. I'm sorry but do you honestly think the only way people can understand this is to see it "first hand" meaning go to these countries??? We need to rely on other sources like Amnesty, like CNN, or whatever news show one may watch, because it is impossible for us to see "first hand" all of the world and all of the problems.

Besides, if I went to some of those countries as a woman I'm sure I would be harrassed or worse. Proof of that is the newscaster for CNN who cut her hair while going to Afghanastan to look more like a man.

 

[oliveu2cm]

Oops didn't see this while I was writing my last reply.

Even if I have to admit the article of amnesty seems well written.

I neither knew that Europe and the U.S. had the same practices... puh! One time I am happy to be so lucky to live at this time and place. Another interesting vision is the one of hospitals, where it is said that only the very rich can afford to use a hospital for this procedure. Now what if Africa had enough hospitals? Not one on so and so many millions of people, but the same like in Europe. Would the system be opened to changes?

The article makes many good points, and tries to avoid accusations, which is fine. The only thing about it which I don?t like is the part about psychological effects... because it is clear a procedure like that affects your mind, isn?t it? - but Africa has absolutely nothing to do with Freud or psychoanalysis. So the effects may be true, but they seem to be watched through the wrong glasses.

Yes hospitals would help, most likely avoiding the death and infections that occur from this thing, but I still do not think it should be forced upon girls. (not saying you think this)

I think the reason they include the psychological effects is because to show in how many ways it negatively affects women who suffer this. I dont think they mean in a freudian way, either, but more of the "terror, humiliation and betrayl" women feel and how these acts result in women becoming more subservient than men- which I think is the reason this is still going on anyway.

 

[hiphop]

Ok, olive, again, good contributions. You make me think, fine.

The only difference is our thoughts about information: I can understand you, because you like to watch/ read/ be educated/ learn from every source you can. Continue like this, get it all!
I was like you, but I am not like that anymore, you know.

I have so many possibilities to get information that I pick out what seems best to me. And CNN seems shitty to me, sorry, because I am not interested in the most up to date but heavily manipulated information, but in the most realistic (sure, in my point of view...)

Plus, to see how information is manipulated (WATCH MORE TV !!!, Bono I love your cynicism) makes me sick and takes away positive power that I need (to post here, for example - it?s plus two hours that I am sitting at my work unpaid).

So I try to go to universties to get information, f.e. about what books I could read, what the position of different profs is (that had years to think about this and to make up their opinion), and I am also critical about infos I get there.

If you can?t afford to go to another continent (in reality I think you can, and you don?t have to be that fearful in Africa, compared to Afghanistan, where I would neither go as a man - ), well maybe one time you will be able to afford.

I do hope so for you, because it might give you, one more time, a totally different perception of how life can be lived, too (not by us maybe, but it is very very interesting - and I am not speaking of the points discussed above).

 

[oliveu2cm]

fair play to you too hiphop, I think we both make each other think.

Sorry I mentioned CNN- I meant CNN to represent any sort of information medium, like newspapers, or whatever, and figured CNN would be the most universal one. (To be honest, I agree w/ you about them..)

Plus, to see how information is manipulated (WATCH MORE TV !!!, Bono I love your cynicism) makes me sick and takes away positive power that I need (to post here, for example - it?s plus two hours that I am sitting at my work unpaid).

yes.. yes, yes. I took a media class in college about this- how the news leaves us feeling powerless, etc. amazing thing, that TV..

I hope one day I can see first hand too. I totally respect their cultures and hope that wasn't misunderstood. I think how they live is amazing and admirable. Just some practices I do not agree with- everyone deserves a fair shake at the best this world can offer them and sometimes certain cultures prevent people from achieving that. Even if I met women who suffered this and lived now after undergoing that procedure, I still would not condone it. However, I think like you said, I would see it a little differently perhaps.

Imagine taking a college trip to Africa or India rather than Montreal huh? Imagine the type of revolutionary thinking that would come from college students exposed to that world rather than the instant-gratification, intoxicated and cliched spring break world.

 

[sulawesigirl4]

olive, let me pre-invite you to feel free to come visit me wherever it is I end up serving in the Peace Corps. Should be a good slice of real life in a place you might not otherwise get to see.

 

[oliveu2cm]

ahh.. the moment of truth

olive, let me pre-invite you to feel free to come visit me wherever it is I end up serving in the Peace Corps. Should be a good slice of real life in a place you might not otherwise get to see.

you're allowed to have visitors?

..maybe I will start saving. as well as preparing my mother. She gets nervous when I leave the state.

 

[sulawesigirl4]

Re: ahh.. the moment of truth

you're allowed to have visitors?

..maybe I will start saving. as well as preparing my mother. She gets nervous when I leave the state.

yep. Indeed, they encourage it. All about getting Americans out to see the world around them and such. (yeah, best start working your mom into the idea very slowly. lol)

 

[pax]

I can't agree at all, ever, for any reason, with FGM. You are not telling me that any woman in her right mind under any circumstances would agree with it.

Maybe this seems extreme or intolerant or whatever, but it's a practice that needs to be stopped. Period. It is barbaric, painful, unnecessary, and has the potential to kill a woman. There is no male equivalent--or if there is, then I'm willing to bet that there are no men going, "But if they want to have half of their penis cut off and sewn up, well, that's their choice!"

No. No way. No woman should have to have her sexual organs removed and altered in such an unnatural way.

And you will not convince me otherwise.