Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - 'Breast ironing' to stunt girls' growth widespread

bermuDa · 07-08-2006, 02:50 AM

I suppose it becomes a sensitive area (no pun intended) when these traditions target the sexual psychology of women and children. While I can't say I mind ritual scarification or piercing as a rite of passage (although it's done in less than sanitary conditions), I won't in the same breath condone female circumcision or this "breast ironing," even if people claim that it serves the same purpose.

This is the first I've heard of this particular practice, but it seems unfortunate that the women in that area of the world are so affected by what was done to them in their youths that they feel the need to do it to their own children, "for their own good," without understanding the dangers of such practices or the psychological effects on their kids. A reevaluation of tradition doesn't mean the destruction of all cultural practices.

07-08-2006, 02:50 AM	#6 (permalink)
bermuDa don't ignore this--> Location: CA	I suppose it becomes a sensitive area (no pun intended) when these traditions target the sexual psychology of women and children. While I can't say I mind ritual scarification or piercing as a rite of passage (although it's done in less than sanitary conditions), I won't in the same breath condone female circumcision or this "breast ironing," even if people claim that it serves the same purpose. This is the first I've heard of this particular practice, but it seems unfortunate that the women in that area of the world are so affected by what was done to them in their youths that they feel the need to do it to their own children, "for their own good," without understanding the dangers of such practices or the psychological effects on their kids. A reevaluation of tradition doesn't mean the destruction of all cultural practices. __________________ I am the very model of a moderator gentleman. Last edited by bermuDa; 07-08-2006 at 02:53 AM..