Why in some cultures?

Question

Do they perform a female 'circumcision'?

I seriously would like to know because I find it hard to understand this type of mutilation.

Answer 1

I had a young Somali patient a few years ago. She had come to Britain with her mother, they were refugees. This young woman was in for depression and complained of pain. She was very shy and would only let a female nurse check her. I did it and felt so astonished. Her clitoris had been removed, all she had was a stump and her labia was so red, swollen! She explained that it was a custom and was performed when she was 6 years old. Following the procedure (Done by a witch doctor it seems) they introduced a little tube to allow her to micturate (Pass water) And sewn everywhere around it. It was one of the most atrocious kind of mutilation i had ever seen.

This woman had not been able to give birth naturally and her sex life was reduced to nothing. She had to undergo a hysterectomy when in her early twenties following infections galore.

She explained that it was done so women stayed pure, didn't take pleasure in their body as this was (Pleasure) only allowed to men. She didn't feel angry or bitter about it, simply said that was how they did things in Somalia.

Answer 2

"Female genital cutting is primarily a social practice, not a religious one.

A number of reasons are put forward for the practice of FGC. These include the belief that it annuls or moderates sexual desires in women. It is also believed that it is more hygienic. Frequently the practice is associated with traditional initiation rites. Some believe religion justifies the practice.

In some cultures there exists the belief that a newborn child has elements of both sexes. In the male body the foreskin of the penis is considered to be the female element. In the female body the clitoris is considered to be the male element. Hence when the adolescent is reaching puberty, these elements are removed to make the indication of sex clear."

Answer 3

Its horrible, I used to work at a place that seen women like that on a regular basis. Some of them were in a real mess complete bodge job. It must be so painful for them. Surely would cause psycological problems too. Shouldnt happen it really shouldnt! Dont know why its done though sorry

Answer 4

in my oppinion it is a barbaric practise and it was ment to remove the pieces of a women that make her feel pleasure therefore, it was sumised that she would be less likely to cheet on her husband as she wouldnt get a lot out of it. Like a lot of tradtions the origional reason then got forgotten and now and it part of a "good wifes duty"

Answer 5

Astroboy explains it quite well, I only wish he used "Mutilation" instead of "cutting". And parents perpetuate the practice because they're afraid their daughter won't find a man....

Answer 6

The only bits you should chop off people is their hair and fingernails periodically. Anything else is just mumbo jumbo voodoo nonsense. What is this strange and disturbing obsession with hacking at childrens' genitalia?

Answer 7

They do it because of their culture and I too find it hard to comprehend but who are we to judge part of their culture as much as we find it awful.

Answer 8

A nice informative site on female genital mutilation:

http://www.amnesty.org/ailib/intcam/femgen/fgm1.htm#a7

Answer 9

i dont know a one that does, i know some people do, but i didnt think it was a group of people doing it based on their believes

Answer 10

Honestly, whatever "reasons" they may give, it really boils down to one thing - they are sick.