What is News?: Excision the Right to Decide

Women of the Bundu Society, a society for young women in the bush of Sierra Leone. Excision is a cultural practice of this group.

Our traditional cultures are rich with knowledge and wisdom.  The continent of Merita (Africa) provides an exceptional example of this heritage due to the ability of its traditional cultures to withstand assimilation into an industrial or consumer society.  Despite worldwide recognition of the importance of these cultures, a hypocritical position is taken by those that herald these cultures yet condemn their practices.  During this month of celebrating black history we can say for certain that excision (female circumcision) is a practice within traditional black cultures.  We may also be certain that we have an opinion about excision, but can we say for certain that we have an understanding of excision as a cultural practice?

A number of recent news articles have once again highlighted the cultural practice of excision. Some of these reports have condemned excision and some have not. Since the condemnation of this practice is most often heard in the colonial society, this column seeks to provide an opportunity for its readers to gain some perspective. During a recent interview, Sierra Leonean social welfare minister Shirley Yeama Gbujama spoke about the practice. Her first statement during the interview was that she, and her fellow women, felt disrespected that others would write about these ladies private parts in the news papers. She expressed that their cultural practices were not up for international debate. She continues to speak about the issue, however, because it remains controversial within the political and religious circles of colonial societies. Ms. Yeama Gbujama speaks about establishing an age of consent for the practice of excision. This is an interesting statement when contrasted with the perspective of many male preachers and imam's who call for outlawing the practice.

Sierra Leonean Minister of Social Welfare, Shirley Yeama Gbujama

Here is a woman speaking out against outlawing excision. She refers to the many adverse health issues that affect women who were not excised as a young woman. Adverse health issues dire enough that as an older woman, they seek out doctors to perform the excision. She states that she knows that there are medical doctors who are doing this, in Sierra Leone and other nations. Ms. Yeama Gbujama also speaks about how the method of excision can vary. Depending on the method of excision, a woman will have no adverse health issues or may have adverse health issues. Ultimately, she says "let...the people take their own decision. That's my feeling." This statement echos one made by Spiritual Master Naba Lamoussa Morodenibig. In an article about excision (Rising Firefly Vol. 44), Master Naba writes, "Our people are not asking for anything more than what any kind of people would ask: their right for self-determination". If nations that espouse freedom do not allow inhabitants of other lands to determine what is right for themselves, then what do these nations mean by freedom? Regardless of what politicians, religious leaders or activists may say, an understanding of excision is what the individual should base their views upon. Logically, if an understanding of the practice of excision is what you seek, then that understanding will have to include the perspective of those who practice it. Be a star It is a modern habit to coin a new phrase. What is often lacking, however, is to have that new phrase convey a clear and accurate concept. To do so is especially difficult using existing words that supposedly already have concepts. For instance, the phrase "Energy Star" has become the identifying moniker for an appliance that is a "star" performer of conserving "energy". Such a characteristic, if true, is very valuable in this time of limited energy supply and high energy costs. The reality is that manufacturers of appliances that have an "Energy Star" label are in the business of making money, not protecting the environment. Attaching this new phrase to appliances that are to be sold in a market of consumers desiring for a more environmentally friendly choice, that will also save them money, is a great opportunity for manufacturers to make a profit.

Be a star.

We know humans are easily corruptible. Therefore, it is our responsibility to not accept such claims at face value just as we would not accept someone calling us bad when they mean good but, somehow, we have allowed both. Not surprisingly, recent reports have exposed "Energy Star" labeled appliances to be lackluster performers of energy conservation. The "Energy Star" fraud was detailed in the October 2008 issue of Consumer Reports Magazine. The report details how appliance manufacturers programmed their machines to shut down certain electrical functions during simulated test conditions. In other words, the appliance knew when it was being tested and reduced its energy consumption in order to pass the test and gain an "Energy Star" labeling. The report indicates that the testing process was subverted by a leading refrigerator manufacturer. Since the subversion of the inspection process by manufacturers has been realized, anything bearing the "Energy Star" label is now being questioned, from small appliances to entire homes. As misleading as some of the "Energy Star" labeled products may be, the do-it-yourself, home testing that can be done to determine energy efficiency puts the responsibility for this deception squarely at the feet of the consumer. This illustrates a very important realization: change will always be the responsibility of the individual. We cannot expect our appliances to be the "Energy Star", or expect our manufacturers to save the planet, we have to be the energy star. A good start can be found at energysavers.gov, a website detailing how a step by step process for reducing our energy consumption can be done. Other websites for testing the efficiency of appliances can be found online as well. Similarly, we can be a star in other aspects of our lives if we develop the discipline to do so. Recycling is another way to reduce our footprint on the environment. However, we must again beware because not all recycling programs or recyclables are what they seem. For us to be a recycling star, or to excel in any endeavor, it will first take the mental effort to determine the most effective and harmonious way to reach our goal.