Post by FilmFlaneur on Sept 29, 2019 22:38:42 GMT
The fact that FGM and MGM are both often justified for religious and cultural reasons and both involve non-consensual genital 'operations' would seem to be very pertinent. I suspect that in arguing such procedures in each sex are "totally incomparable" you are just suiting your argument, not the facts.
"Justified for religious and cultural reasons" By your definition of "religious," which happens to be silly.
You have been asked to quote where I have 'defined religion' before - and failed to do so.
You will note that I am not saying that FGM is a religious requirement but it is certainly practised predominantly within certain Muslim societies, and also exists within some adjacent Christian and animist groups, and frequently justified for religious reasons. Muslim proponents of FGM rely on the following hadith (saying attributed to Muhammad): “Umm Atiyyat al-Ansariyyah said: A woman used to perform circumcision in Medina. The Prophet said to her: Do not cut too severely as that is better for a woman and more desirable for a husband.” Religious obligation is an important factor in the decision to practice FGM, but I agree is typically just one of several elements. Whether or not you claim that such practitioners are not really being religious is irrelevant to what they say to justify matters when asked since they believe it is (just as the burqa is nowhere mandated by the Prophet, or abortion is not specifically mentioned in the Bible). As we know, it has also been brought into the west. However male circumcision, or MGM is a religious requirement, being compulsory for Jews and is also commonly practiced among Muslims around the world. When performed for religious reasons, it usually symbolises faith in God. I hope that helps.
"Non consensual" Happens to kids an awful lot, in harmful ways not so much. Perhaps it is the harm that needs to be addressed, not whose children should rule the world.
Which is exactly why it is best to first address those non-consensual medical acts which can be irreversible, and why FGM in particular is outlawed in so many places. That does not mean however that comparable practices ought not to be looked at, as I said at the very start here. Remember how just earlier you said "I admire your efforts to persuade people to stop doing harmful things to their children" ? This suggests you agree that genital mutilation falls in that category. So why are you still arguing?
I'm sorry if I seem overly "righteous," but seriously you need to get over yourself. Who do you think you are? Demanding parents obey you? If you're such a fount of wisdom and knowledge why don't you explain to parents why you believe they should do things your way? If you really are so smart then maybe they'll be persuaded. I don't need to be persuaded. I'm way ahead of you. I suspect your effect on parents will be to make them all the more determined to do things their way.
I am afraid you attribute me far more optimism about stopping some of the more barbaric practices justified (among other things) by faith and glory to God than I would ever do myself. Although one of the first steps is to confront the mindset who deny the obvious and think non-consensual genital mutilation, justified by culture, tradition and religion is 'not so bad'. I am naturally pleased that you say that you don't need to be persuaded. If so, then I ask again: why are you still disputing matters?