Marriageability Of An American Woman Essay

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A direct effect of the majority of genital cutting involves the removal of the clitoris, the pleasure organ of a female, leading to a well known conclusion that genital cutting is used to stifle sexuality as well as ensure that sex will be so uncomfortable and painful that it will not inspire a woman to lose her virginity prior to marriage nor leave her husband to seek extramarital affairs. This idea is supported by a multitude of reasons, the ubiquity of which is phenomenal. It is common belief across FGM/C participating cultures that without cutting a woman, she will “manifest her desire through intercourse”
(McGee, Shayla). Not only does it force society’s standards of purity but it prevents homosexual relationships, Mantai exemplifies this …show more content…

139). “Marriageability of an African woman is the determining factor of her status in society.” This quote is evidence that a woman’s entire status is riding on her piousness.
Though in some places a woman may technically have a choice to undergo female circumcision, the weight of choice is arguable. A woman that refuses to participate will bring shame upon her family and perhaps even be ostracized. Rather than view the woman’s refusal as a logical decision, she is ridiculed and loses her place in society and lowers her chances of finding a husband (Mcgee, Shayla). They are viewed as a different type of person, in Lesotho, for instance, citizens use the term “lethisa” for uncircumcised
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women; it means “they are no good, they are not whole women” (McGee, Shayla, p.
140). Not only is a woman’s mind swayed through the probability of punishment but for the chance at reward. Genital cutting after puberty is treated like a ritual or right of passage in most cases, signifying a completed journey into womanhood (McGee, Shayla).
Since it is a celebration, girls are rewarded with henna, jewelry, clothes, or

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