FGM

I watched a video today in my anthropology class about Masai women and their positive opinions of female genital mutilation. Naturally, they prefer the term circumcision. My professor wanted us to see a different perspective of this practice, and the Masai seemed an ideal alternative. The women view it as a right of passage to adulthood and emphasize that it is not forcibly done. The girl can choose whether to have it done or not.
The documentary focused on one woman in particular named Alice. She spoke enthusiastically about her experience. She was not specific about which level of circumcision was done, but she did show the tool used to perform it. It appeared to be a stone shard. She described how she was brave during the procedure and never once screamed or cried. The documentary followed her 14 year old sister's circumcision day and all the traditions that are practiced before, during and after the procedure. The video was difficult to watch even though Alice's excitement was truly genuine.
The video did not change my opinion of the practice. I think all circumcisions should be shunned by society. The discussion after the movie showed a clear double standard. There was a Jewish girl who disagreed with female circumcision but thought that circumcision performed on male babies was a good time "with wine." Cheers!

Old Friends and Marraige

An old friend of mine from junior high school recently contacted me on Facebook. I suppose there is some use for the site after all. After junior high, we went on to attend different high schools and eventually lost contact. She was a great friend with a wonderful family, and I would always wonder what was going on with her life. Especially when the San Jose Greek Festival occurs. Her Grandparents, immigrants from Greece, would take us there every year and we always had a great time. After high school I took up the tradition myself, dragging my boyfriend year after year, in hopes of running into her or her family. Of course the food is a draw as well.
Anyway, I just viewed her Faceboook profile and found that she is engaged. Finally, one of my friends is about to be married. While I am not into the practice myself, I always hope that my friends will find their husbands soon so that they can have the families they have always wished for. Well, that and the end of their lamentations of "Where is he?". That gets old very quickly.