After hearing the news about a woman cutting off her husband’s penis because they were on the brink of divorce, I thought about a previous post I did a few years ago about female genital mutilation. The last occurrence of a woman torn committing such a crime to a man was in the early 90s. I also thought that this crime always hits the news, but no one ever cares about female genital mutilation, something that happens everyday around the world. There is no anesthetic for the procedure and the surgical instruments used are never sterilized. 

I wrote this post in 2008 after a Somalian woman on America’s Top Model inspired me. I hope this post gives enlightenment to those who are unknowing… 

I was watching America’s Next Top Model (cycle 10) earlier this week and there was a beautiful Somalian contestant who revealed she was circumcised at age 7. I was aware of this procedure. The first time I heard of it was during my Introduction to Sociology class a while back. Seeing it on television and realizing how hurtful it could be, I decided to write about it. If you are under the age of 18, sorry!

For the layperson, Female Genital Mutilation is when a female’s clitoris is removed. After removal, the vaginal opening is sewn together. With many procedures, there are complications, even death. In Somalia and other African countries this is considered to be normal. I think it has something to do with females not being able to feel pleasure or something similar. I am pretty sure they are not allowed to. Someone could argue that males get circumcised, so what is the problem with females? The big problem is females arent biologically made to be circumcised. Male circumcision is simply removing foreskin. They don’t bleed to death and other numerous things. It is not comparable to female circumcision.

As an aside, I have a special debit card that helps fund research for childhood cancer. Every time I swipe the card and choose credit, Capital One gives a percentage of the total purchase to the charity. I thought it was a good thing to do since I am blessed with so much. It is quite similar to FGM. If no one believes in causes, they should believe in this one. I cannot imagine never having the chance to perform the ultimate act of love with my future husband. These women will NEVER have the chance unless they undergo plastic surgery and risk being killed or shunned by their family. A lot of them are not U.S. residents; if so, they are here with a green card. Most do not have the money to get it reversed if they could. I guess it wouldnt matter anyway since the clitoris is the main center. Without it intercourse is useless for women. Well, not completely useless. There is opportunity for fertilization. The feelings associated with the act wouldnt be involved. (I am trying not to get too technical here).

There might be a glimpse of hope for them. If they can find true love, then of course intercourse wouldn’t matter. Marriage would be great, but childless. Adoption is the way to go in this case. I am not a huge fan of children. However, if I knew I could not have any that would be hard. I mean, I like infants! They cant talk, run around, and get into things. :) (I want two. Thats about it. My nerves are getting upset thinking about it. Ha). On a serious note, FGM is real and fatal. To take away someone’s other form of love and feelings is incredibly tragic.

For more information, here’s the link…
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/female-genital-cutting.cfm

-@intellexualHER