YEs, Let us Finally commence a dialogue on female circumcision....

My view on the subject was shaken after reading a few articles on the subject last semester. One article, entitled "Ngaitana: I Will Circumcise Myself", I believe, discusses popular reaction to the ban on female circumcision implemented in 1956 Kenya. It sheds light, it seems, on just how engrained cultural practices become into the psyche of its practicioners, and how it is nearly impossible to address one practice without reconsidering the entire stucture within which it exists. What struck me was how women actively revolted against the ban and insisted on carrying out the practice, not exactly the actions of a repressed women being mutilated against their will, as many human rights groups would suggest. On the other hand, women reasoned that to be an uncircumcised woman would drastically damage their marriageability and overall status in society. But who installed this currency of forced and painful chastity? It is useful to note that circumcision is not just a traditional practice that has had undoubtedly painful reprecussions, it is also a very powerful cultural currency.

Also see the article on elective vaginal "rejuventation" surgery---and its growing popularity among American women (New York Times)--sorry, I lost the link....
This article is intersting, read it and tell me what you think.....