I agree that circumcision and clitorectomy share a similar air of
cultural/social atrocity. Both should be discussed openly and people
should be educated to encourage paradigm shifts where possible, while
likewise respecting cultural heritage.
As far as Chrissie's comment about castration, while I certainly don't
propose that it is a suitable punishment for violent sexual crime, I do
find intriguing the dichotomy of male genitalia being at once reverred
and rejected by Western cultures - castration is an abomination but
circumcision is an accepted surgical procedure and a ritual, holy act -
at least in the eyes of most people, who as you've pointed out do not
share your view of it as abuse.
Regarding Chrissie herself, well, she sort of reminds me of John Lydon
(Johnny Rotten). I spent a dinner with Lydon at my boss' house and I
can certainly say that his antics/attitudes are a part of the
punk/post-punk rock and roll act. Although meeting Chrissie was brief,
she certainly expressed her thoughts intelligently. But she was not in
a public forum which may explain quite a bit. I'm not excusing her
behavior, but I can certainly say that I was not interested in crossing
the street when I met her.
Brenda
catman wrote:
>
> > When I hear that 5,000 women a day are
> > having their genitals mutilated
>
> male children have their gentials mutilated daily here and all over the
> world. No one cares and in fact support it despite there being no need for
> this barbaric act which damages the penis and leaves it insensitve in
> comaprison. It is also done without aneasthetic.
>
> > and their sexual organs removed
> > altogether for the rest of their lives. And my question is: why is it
> > when you suggest that rapists should be castrated
>
> castrated will not stop a man getting an arection not will it prevent
> violent acts of sexual abuse. if it did, i'd say do it.
>
> By pointing thes things out it does not mean I disagree with Chryssie-just
> that it isn't females who get mutilated and that castration is not the
> answer. Life without parole for suxal abusers works.
