Hi Friends!
Today there is an article in one of our capital news papers, The Svenska Dagbladet about South Africa.
Only this year at least 40 boys from the Xhosa-tribe have died from mishaps at circumcission that first led to penectomy but it wasnīt enough.
The circumcission is the last part of the "kwetha", the passage rite from boy to man.
The "Kwetha" takes place at about 13-16 years of age.
Greetings
John
Some of those boys had to have their penises amputated because of infection and a number also lost both testicles because the infection spread into the scrotum. Apparently you can't have balls unless you have the bag to keep them in.Originally Posted by John
Ironic that a rite of passage from a boy into manhood should leave you as a complete nullo.
The social pressure on those boy to undergo the process is immense. People will continue to regard you as a boy, regardless of your age, if you haven't been through the ritual. No Xhosa woman will have sex with an uncircumcised man.
Even worse is that the actual circumcision is often done by a totally unqualified man who grabs the foreskin and pulls it hard. He slices it off with an unsterile knife or piece of broken glass. The boy is then left to bleed and, hopefully, heal (Make sure you don't get hard on, son).The procedure usually takes place out in the bushveld, miles from any real medical service.
Perhaps worst of all, it is extremely politically incorrect to criticise this ritual.
It is a time honoured, deeply entrenched part of Xhosa culture,tacitly accepted by the powers that be.
As a matter of interest, Miriam Makheba who sang the click song was a Xhosa.
Interesting, reminds me of a chapter in Alex Haley's Roots where Kunta Kinte is undergoing "man training" be the village elders. Circumcision was part of the process...how times change and yet remain the same..
Ive been reading about South Africa.It is reported to be one of the most dangerous places to vist.Thats a shame cause it coutry side looks so inviting.But I would be afraid the whole time I was there.
Naah. Don't be afraid. We tend to brag about our crime rate here. A former chief of our national police, ex commissioner Selebi, has just been convicted of corruption for example.
Yes, there are some no-go areas but generally speaking it's as safe as anywhere else. I've lived here for forty years and kept out of trouble. Apart from a few speeding fines.
I would say if you fancy a trip to South Africa then come. I'd recommend you get a package that gets you into the tourist things, all organised for you.
Generally speaking most people of all races are friendly and helpful. Alas you still get the odd one with a chip on his shoulder, but they are rare.
As they would say in Afrikaans: Moenie bang wees nie. Kom (Don't be scared. Come)
I've been to South Africa, a wonderful and very beautiful country. It reminded me much of what California must have been like before it got highly developed. My visit was self-guided, not a package deal. I rented/hired a car and drove wherever I wanted to go. The people were friendly, and I was fascinated by all the stories they told me about their country.
I had heard the horror stories about how I was going to be mugged, raped, tortured, etc. and that I shouldn't visit, but I went anyhow. I'm glad I did because...
Guess what?
I felt safer in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and driving through the countryside from Jo'burg to Swaziland than I ever have visiting New York City or Texas. It's just like visiting anywhere else unfamiliar to you. Be vigilant and watchful for your surroundings.
That's it.
--LT
Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug.
Re: South Africa
So we can get INTERNATIONAL human rights organizations all up in arms regarding female circumcision, but ritual male circumcision? ...that is O.K., I guess.
Can't somebody even feign a little concern?
What kind of double standard IS this?
A-1
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yes but you forget A-1 we are men! we are stereotyped to be able to handle this! so who cares i guess it IS ok!
but poor little women! forced to go through agonizing possibly life threatening pain, that just wont do!
Hi!So we can get INTERNATIONAL human rights organizations all up in arms regarding female circumcision, but ritual male circumcision? ...that is O.K., I guess.
Can't somebody even feign a little concern?
What kind of double standard IS this?
Here in Sweden it was newly taken a law demanding of the counties to pay for male cirkīs as our moslem inhabitants couldnīt afford to pay themselves.
Our jewish group have their own specially educated staff for it.
Greetings
John
Re: South Africa
Simple,
Specify in the law that the Jewish shall be the ones to perform the service. OR, the Muslims should be trained by the Jewish...
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I've heard horror stories about it too but I don't think it's as bad as the media makes it out, after all it is holding one of the biggest sporting events in the world at the moment and I havn't heard of too many issues.
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