Comrades:

The issue of female circumcision can be dealt
with in different ways.  Each way tantamounts
to stopping a practice done in our culture.

I am aware that my approach to stopping female
circumcision is different from the rest of the
gang, but I still believe that every problem
is approached differently.  In that analogy I
suggest that we read Ms. Herlund's book and then
engage in substantive debates about this sensitive
issue.  Some of us may be moderate, liberal or even
conservative in our analysis on issues.

Practically speaking, this is very fertile in a
democracy.  We cannot all agree in sum total over
how a shoe fits a needy.  Thus, in that perspective
our analogy of issues are bound to differ.

Sociologically, a culture's change has to be
approached from a careful analysis and symbolic
gesture to a specific demography.  I hope
Ms. Herlund's agrees with me that an outside
invasion on a culture is perceived negatively by
the inhabitants.  Assimilation results in trust
and understanding and as a result the natives
will be willing to change as time evolves.  Our
choice of words in defining an issue should be
carefully evaluated.  "FGM" though may be appropriate
in English usage, has a negative connotation to some
cultures, especially when one has to interpret it in
a different language.

Naphiyo,

Comrade ML Jassey-Conteh

------Original Message------
From: Lamine Conteh <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: March 28, 2001 10:24:37 AM GMT
Subject: Female Circumcision


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Dr. Saine et all:

I have arranged to buy Ms. Hernlund's book.  I
reserve judgment until I read the whole book.
I am, however concern with "FGM" that if
translated in any Gambian language will cause
horror.

For those of you who might want to follow suit,
please read the following info thru Amazon.com .
Unfortunately, it takes 4 to 6 weeks to receive
the book.


Female 'Circumcision' in Africa : Culture, Controversy, and Change
by Bettina Shell-Duncan (Editor), Ylva Hernlund (Editor)

Our Price: $22.50

Availability: This title usually ships within 4-6 weeks. Please note that
titles occasionally go out of print or publishers run out of stock. We will
notify you within 2-3 weeks if we have trouble obtaining this title.


Category: Nonfiction

Naphiyo,

Comrade ML Jassey-Conteh

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