FGM is the cutting away of the female genital organs, often under unsanitary conditions. Many third world nations practice this surgery on children and young women. Many of these who undergo this procedure are left with overwhelming infection, scarring, and ongoing complications--that's if they survive.
Tradition. Because it has always been done. Since I remember, I suppose... It's been done since time began. We have always done it. We will always do it. Because it is Tradition. It was done to my Grandmother. My mother. My sisters... Me... Your mother. Now it must be done to you because of Traditon. This will make you a good girl. You will not shame us. You will not dishonor our name. You will be pure and ready for marriage. Tradition. You have no choice. This must be done to you as it was done to me. It will hurt, but the pain won't last long. You will heal over time. I healed. You must be strong when the time comes. Mama, if I must be strong, why are there tears running down your face?
I like your poem very much. I am writing a book on FGM; it's manuscript is due to McFarland Publishers, July 1, 2004. I am happy to report that social change is happening in Africa. One thing that is happening is some areas are having "celebration without cutting."
I studied this a good bit in college and I was always struck by the attitude on the part of the misogynistic cultures to eliminate any lustful desires from the women (shades of Adam and Eve??). Funny too, how performing this barbaric ritual the rapes continue. What precisely was purified?
Thank you for writing about such a brutal "tradition" - I can only be thankful that more and more people (women and men) are learning about it and seeking to put an end to it.
Very powerful sad write Karla! You handled it well!
Such an unjust tradition! Will mankind never learn?
Reviewed by Thomas Lanechanger (Reader)
Reviewed on June 4, 2004
Very POWERFUL gut-wrenching write, Poet Karla J. Dorman!!! I cannot understand why those that still participate in that sort of Medieval “TRADITION” is beyond my comprehension. Thank You Poet for sharing this write and Your wonderful wisdom.
Exploring the impact of literary icon Flannery O'Connor's noted legacy on the cultural realities of modern-day America, the world, and a certain author.
Yankee Doodle Daddy is a historical Appalachian Family Saga. The story follows a mother's reckoning as she struggles to survive and keep her four daughters alive.
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(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin, karen lynn. :( >tears <
the pic says it all; fits the nature of this poem perfectly!
I studied this a good bit in college and I was always struck by the attitude on the part of the misogynistic cultures to eliminate any lustful desires from the women (shades of Adam and Eve??). Funny too, how performing this barbaric ritual the rapes continue. What precisely was purified?
Thank you for writing about such a brutal "tradition" - I can only be thankful that more and more people (women and men) are learning about it and seeking to put an end to it.
Love, JC xoxoxo
Such an unjust tradition! Will mankind never learn?
God Bless
Michelle~