Reply #1: FGM is not the same as Circumcision

[ThomCat]

I first heard about FGM way back in college doing some volunteer work with two feminist groups on campus. I don't recall specifically reading anything or seeing anything about it, but I'm sure I did. I know it was discussed.

I have no idea how FGM became a part of any culture and I don't think I really want to know. I think it's a sadistic, vicious practice. You have to be a pushy fundamentalist of some kind to inflict that on anyone and think it's a good thing. You have to ignore the all the health problems that result from it, or not care. There is a whole lot of callous disregard for women built into FGM, even when it's women doing it to girls.

The fact that this brutality can become such a core part of a society that any woman would willingly do this to a girl boggles my mind. I'm sure it started out that it was only done to certain women who had lesser status and no protection, and somehow it ended up gaining some religious value and was spread to all women.

Please don't take offense at my next statement. I'm often very glad I was born a boy.