Female Genital Mutilation (Abuse) or Why Are Men So Contemptuous of Women?
Bridge North, UK. Having a Different Perspective
It is the case that some societies and countries – probably mainly
Islamic ones, if I am not mistaken – have a barbaric practice of torturing
their females by requiring their young girls to submit to having parts of their
genitals cut off and then stitching up most of their vulva. As this serves no medical purpose, it appears
that the only purpose is that of the lustful males ensuring that the women in their societies do not have sex before they
are married, and that they, the men, can forcefully plunder their wives in consummating
their marriage. Men, in these societies,
it would appear, seem to see women – I must try to avoid saying ‘their
women’, in case I inadvertently ‘legitimise’ this chauvinistic perception and practice - as objects for them to do things to, instead
of as comely and independent beings with whom to share sexual pleasure with.
It is this anachronistic and women-hating ideology which confines
– I am aware that some other societies, including some Jewish sects practices isolating their women – women to the
home, in orthodox or feudal Islamic
societies. So one has a situation in
which, not only do the women , even as little girls, have to endure the cruelty
of having their young bodies mutilated by older women who should know better –
are these women who torture other women the equivalent of Ottoman Eunuchs? –
but, once being married or coming of age, have their freedom to go about as
free people restricted.
This misogynistic culture, not being satisfied in denying
women their freedom and, ipso facto, their independence in this life, also has
a religion which appears to denying them it in the next presumed life. Thus can
a gullible Jihadist be promised, on his martyrdom, dozens of ‘virgins’ in the
next life, with apparently no thought
being given to how the women are going to be rewarded, beyond that of being the
sexual plaything of men.
Of course, it goes without saying that Islam, like
Christianity before them, and Judaism, is not doing this because it subscribes
to a doctrine or ideology which holds women in less regard and lower
self-esteem than it does men. Quite the contrary, the advocates of these
Islamic societies will argue. It is
doing it because it holds women in high
regard. They will appraise you of the virtue of their women, which must be
protected, and of the need to protect the virtues of their men, who, were their
women to be allowed to dress modestly and move about freely to get on with their lives, could prove too much
of a temptation to their lustful men.
So, it is the women’s
misfortune that their sexual attributes has led to them being feared, tortured
and regulated in their homes and societies.
Some Muslims have become fond of berating, disrespecting and devaluing
women in non-Muslim countries, including Muslim women. It is this mindset which
has led to Daesh/Is carrying out atrocities against Yazidi and Christian women
in Iraq and Syria. It is also the same kind of mentality which has led to some
Muslim men apparently systematically sexually exploiting and abusing vulnerable
girls and young women in England.
All of this calls on those within the Islamic communities to
work to reform their Islamic doctrine and world-view, and work at bringing it
more into the 21st Century.
Islam, it seems to me, needs to become ‘more of a thinking person’s
religion and way of life’, which is one of the major challenge confronting all
theistic religions. That is not something which can be achieved overnight.
But, with regards to the issue of Female Genital Abuse or
Crimes, this is something from which the predominantly Muslim countries
carrying it out, can rescue their female citizens, in a short space of time,
with the necessary laws and judiciary will to stop this crime against humanity!
It is a form of rape and should be treated as a rape crime.
Men do not show their respect or love for women by condoning
a system which violently attacks their bodies and restrict their ability to
live fuller lives. This is disrespecting them and, in so doing, by failing to protect their women, they and the host culture, including their religion, is
disrespected and devalued.
Making Waves and Catching Up
OWOHROD
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