I live in a region with a large Somali population and have seen the results of female circumcision. It is disturbing to say the least. The fact that it continues today in many countries is also bothersome. About 63% of Egyptian girls 9 years old and under will be circumcised over the next decade. The numbers are lower in urban areas like Cairo — about 40% — but higher for rural areas in the south — about 78%. The USA Today reports on local grassroot efforts to get this practice to stop in Egypt. The women in small villages there are mutilated in the tradition, and that is all it is, of cutting out a girl's clitoris and sometimes other genitalia in order that it will help them find husbands. Where the heck are our crazy feminist Americans on this issue? Why aren't they over there helping? In fact, the article states that the locals "publicly play down any outside help or connections to Western aid groups" on this issue. Well, at least my physician brothers and sisters are trying to make a difference:
"Some doctors, midwives and even barbers make home visits, giving circumcision sales pitches — just to make money off the $10 for an operation."
Unbelievable. Are we that scared of criticizing that region of the world that we still let these atrocities be perpetuated forever? The answer it obviously yes.
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