Traditional initiation is a rite of passage into manhood for young males that is practiced by various ethnic groups in Africa, including parts of South Africa. Among them are the Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho and Venda communities.
Not from what I’ve seen in n America - most girls under 16 already have their ears pierced. And such ear mutilation of girls without their ability to consent seems to be culturally fine.
Of course the two situations aren’t identical, that’s how analogies work and it’s still a useful part of critical thinking.
The point is that it’s not quite as black and white as many people think. If these boys at 16 want their diicks cut and it’s part of their culture and done properly, I’m not going to say it’s bad. Obviously in the case of this article, it was not done right.
Circumcision just after birth is a separate issue; but I’m not particularly against it having had it done to me and not feeling that I am lacking anything as a result.
Not from what I’ve seen in n America - most girls under 16 already have their ears pierced. And such ear mutilation of girls without their ability to consent seems to be culturally fine.
Of course the two situations aren’t identical, that’s how analogies work and it’s still a useful part of critical thinking.
The point is that it’s not quite as black and white as many people think. If these boys at 16 want their diicks cut and it’s part of their culture and done properly, I’m not going to say it’s bad. Obviously in the case of this article, it was not done right. Circumcision just after birth is a separate issue; but I’m not particularly against it having had it done to me and not feeling that I am lacking anything as a result.
We’re going to agree to disagree on this.