MAKE 2STOMPS TO END GENITAL MUTILATION
If you can learn and communicate, you can do something about genital mutilation. The only purpose of this site is to convince you that this is an important issue and that you can have an impact.
LEARN
To be able to communicate and contribute successfully regarding this topic, you must be well educated about it. As you learn about genital mutilation, beware of two things: assumptions and cognitive dissonance.
Never assume that you know everything about genital mutilation. There is no single source for information and the content is vast. This site only provides guidance for your journey.
Cognitive dissonance “is used to describe the mental discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes.” If you live in a culture where genital mutilation occurs, it is very likely that you have been led to believe that the genital cutting that occurs in your culture is for good reasons.
The mere act of looking up materials and checking them out contributes to stomping out genital mutilation. Like checking out a book or video at the library increases the chances that the library will keep that resource available for others and other resources like it, checking out resources on the Internet affects algorithms that will lead to the resource showing up for others more often.
WHAT
There are many forms of genital cutting practices that occur in the world. There are multiple types that are performed on females, an array of normalization procedures that are done to those born with intersex traits, and multiple practices performed on males.
The female types may be termed (to name a few):
- female circumcision
- Khatna
- Khitan
- Sunna
- Gudniin
- Halalays
- Tahur
- Megrez
There are numerous documentaries (many are free on video sites), books, and articles available. You may even find the resources that promote the practices. There are many organizations dedicated to ending FGM alone.
Intersex is also referred to as “DSD” which stands for “Disorders/Differences of Sex Development.” Many books, videos, articles, and websites/organizations have appeared in recent years.
You might think that male “circumcision” is the best-understood form of genital mutilation that occurs in the world. Think again. This is often performed at such a young age that they do not know what is missing and any memories are buried deep. It is not likely that anyone teaches them about the part that is missing. Even those who go through a procedure at an older age are shamed into believing that it is best for them. Even if they can overcome the shaming, they are likely in grave danger if they decided to speak out in the culture that they live in. And, there IS more than one way that male genitals are cut. While there are many new resources that argue against these practices, there have been arguments for thousands of years. Be careful how you research this topic as you may find what your bias leads you to find. For instance, if you search “benefits of circumcision” you are very likely to find only those sites/articles that will only tell you about the claimed medical benefits and not tell you about the “circumcision harm” or the “history of circumcision” that is full of claims that have been debunked.
WHERE
Due to immigration and other factors, many of these practices have spread. Yes, that even includes female genital cutting practices to the USA where they have been deemed illegal since the late 1990s, and the UK where it has been illegal since 1985!
WHY
If you have already started looking at the resources at this point, you may have noticed that the roots of all of these practices come down to one thing: control. Whether it is a desire to control the sexuality of fellow human beings or the appearance of the body parts, it’s still about control.
For many, it is also a deeply ingrained part of economics. Some depend heavily on the continuation of such practices to pay their bills. If you are dubious about this, keep researching.
WHO
Even governments are implicit in these practices. Medicine, education, and religious institutions all fail to educate people about genital cutting practices. Not that the individuals within these fields are intending to do harm; they likely do not understand the topic well themselves.
Non-therapeutic genital cutting is performed on tens of thousands of children every day. Over 1 in 8 individuals in the world are living with mutilated genitalia, however, the majority believe they are better for it due to indoctrination and it occurred before they were old enough to develop a frame of reference.
WHEN
Procedures are performed anywhere from immediately after birth to adulthood. The social pressure on people can even convince grown adults to go through these practices and hide their dissatisfaction with the choice.
COMMUNICATE/CONTRIBUTE
What can I do about it? As you learn, share what you learn. However, fair warning, this IS a hot topic where many people will have strong emotions. It is important to keep in mind that there are children (the next generation) that are being physically harmed and protecting them is more urgent than protecting the adults from their strong emotions.
Whether you spend 10 minutes a week where you read and share one thing or you dedicate many hours a day, it makes a difference. Silence is the enemy here.
If you care enough and have funds, contribute to the organizations that are doing things to raise awareness, provide education and make systemic changes. The efforts require funds to create and maintain the resources as well as advertise/market those resources. The more funds these organizations have, the more they can do and the faster genital mutilations will come to an end. Some organizations have clothing and other materials available for sale.
You may notice that this site does not direct you to any specific organization or resources. Doing so would make this appear biased and show favoritism. The purpose here is to get people to care enough to take action.
FOR THE SEARCH ENGINES
#endfgm #nofgm #zerotolerance4fgm #fgm #genitalmutilation #intersex #EndIGM #mgm #endMGM #intactivist #Bloodstainedmen #circumcisionharms #deathtocircumcision #iamnotthankful #GenerationIntact #abolishcircumcision #circumcision #BoysAreBornPerfectToo #i2 #mendocomplain “defend the prepuce”
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