en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/1372095 Comments by Morgaine http://www.newsrealblog.com/2010/07/06/male-circumcision-likened-to-genital-mutilation/#IDComment85194022 I have written my Master Thesis on the topic of FGM. Although I’m not in favour of the practice, some points in this article are incorrect. It isn’t purely an Islamic practice. It predates Islam, and the majority of Muslims doesn’t practice. The practice isn’t described in the Quran, and there’s only one hadith referring to it. Some schools see it as mandatory (for example the Shari school), others as recommended but not mandatory (for example the Hanafi school). FGM also exist in certain animist groups, or certain Jewish groups (for example the Falashas in Ethiopia). There are many reasons for FGM, religious reasons, but also health reasons, traditional and ethnic reasons, socio-economic factors and gender factors. In literature a ‘mental map’ is often referred to: “This mental map incorporates myths, beliefs, values, and codes of conduct that cause the whole community to view women’s external genitalia as a potentially dangerous, that if not eliminated, has the power to negatively affect women who have not undergone FGM, their families, and their communities. To make sure that people conform to the practice, strong enforcement mechanisms have been put into place by communities. These include rejection of women who have not undergone FGM as marriage partners, immediate divorce for unexcised women, derogatory songs, public exhibitions and witnessing of complete removal before marriage, forced excisions, and instillation of fear of the unknown through curses and evocation of ancestral wrath. On the other hand, girls who undergo FGM are provided with rewards, including public recognition and celebrations, gifts, potential for marriage, respect and the ability to participate in adult social functions.” There are also various forms of FGM, with 3 basic types. The first is known as the Sunna circumcision: removal of the prepuce, with or without a part of the clitoris or the entire clitoris. The second is the clitoridectomy: removal of the prepuce, the clitoris and (part of) the labia minora. The third type is known as infibulation or pharaonic circumcision: removal of all external sexual characteristics and the closing of most of the vaginal opening. Personally I’m opposed to both male and female circumcision. Tue, 6 Jul 2010 21:39:10 +0000 http://www.newsrealblog.com/2010/07/06/male-circumcision-likened-to-genital-mutilation/#IDComment85194022 http://jahangiri.us/news/2010/07/06/writing-for-children/#IDComment85179111 I love reading to my little niece and nephew ! Tue, 6 Jul 2010 19:43:04 +0000 http://jahangiri.us/news/2010/07/06/writing-for-children/#IDComment85179111