Female Circumcision Essay Example

A diverse array of traditional, religious, and cultural customs is practiced cross-culturally throughout the world. Female circumcision, also known as Female genital mutilation, or female genital cutting is a custom that has sparked controversy among many people belonging to other cultures not accustomed to the practice. They have presented the question of whether female circumcision is a practice that should be advocated or even allowed at all. My view is that the notion of basic human rights and gender equality strongly oppose this procedure and even though it may be accepted in many cultures, it should be prevented, especially due to the high health risks it poses for females who undergo this circumcision. Its imposition on children should be eliminated.
The article “America’s Next Top Issue: Female genital mutilation” discusses the topic of Female genital mutilation and how it was dealt with by Fatima, a contestant from the new season on the increasingly popular show America’s Next Top Model, hosted by Tyra Banks. Fatima is from Somalia. She talked about her personal experience undergoing Female genital mutilation and her views on the practice. Fatima stated that in Somalia, female genital mutilation was seen as “positive”. This portrays just how different the beliefs and practices of various cultures are. In Somalia and various parts of Africa it is a good thing, while in the United States, even the concept of female genital mutilation is shocking to most people. Groups like Equality One and others are working to stop this practice in African communities. They also discussed Fatima’s statement about not being able to have sex with a man. Female genital mutilation not only affects women physically, but it affects them psychologically as well. When asked whether this discussion was appropriate to be aired on a television show, Bien-Aime stated, “It’s a good thing.”
2) Background research: In L.A. Briggs article, she highlights the issue of female genital