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 (Use if you're redeeming a promotional certificate or coupon.) Returning customer? Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------