| It's marked by mysticism and tradition, and I think that it is one thing that no culture should accept. It's a very traumatic experience especially in Africa where sterilization and anesthetics are luxuries, and I don't think the girl knows what's at stake here. Most leave without any feeling in that region for the rest of their lives.
The thing is, the combination of animist and Muslim teachings that's predominant in some parts of Africa give it a lot of clout as a way of life. The shamanistic clerics often tout that Mohammed (sp?) condones the practice yet there is nothing about FGM in the Koran. Moral relativism be damned, this thing should be rooted out.
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups |