Monday, July 16, 2007

Bestial treatment—Why, because I am a woman?

I had started writing my new post in the subway last evening, mind you a humorous piece, until I came across an appalling article that is consuming Britain alive. Of course, after reading it, I had to express my viewpoint. I guess I am not destined to expose my funny side, at least through my posts:-)

The article that I read talked about the growing problem of genital mutilation in Britain amongst generational immigrants from Africa and Middle East. The British government has offered an award of $40,000 (euro 29,500)to anyone who leads them to information about this abhorrent act. Over summer, young girls are taken to their native countries or somewhere abroad where a bunch of unqualified and verdant ladies commit this heinous act -- not that a doctor committing this deed would have made the process any less abominable. According to UNICEF, between 100 million and 140 million women are believed to have been subjected to this practice in Africa and an additional 3 million girls face the threat of female genital mutilation every year. Think about it, these girls are scarred for life—not just physically, but also mentally. To me, this whole idea is a gratuitous insult to humankind and not just women.

I think, women being forcefully subjected to this excruciating process, is a reflection of the patriarchal world we live in. I don’t hear of men having to undergo any agonizing emasculation, for women, to prove their chastity. I don’t suggest they should, but neither should women. Society gives men a carte blanche to do what they please.

I think we have come a long way to accept these archaic, unintelligent, demoniac traditions. It’s time women took the matters in their own hands, shed their laissez-faire attitude and stopped saying c’est la vie.

Copyright © 07.16.2007

"Sure God created man before woman. But then you always make a rough draft before the final masterpiece" ~Author Unknown

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't think it is man or woman issue it is a human issue & it should be dealt by both otherwise it can not be handles/resoled. Men are equally apalled but it, atleat in this part of the world. Who is saying "C'est la vie"? It makes you cringe thinking about it.
Anamika

Anonymous said...

"Men are equally apalled but it, atleat in this part of the world."

you living in the western world? maybe men there care. not so sure if in other parts of the world they think like that. it is a man's world and if left to them, nothing will change.

Anonymous said...

For the record if men cared, brides wouldnot be burnt in india.

Anonymous said...

how awful!!!