we will never be islands. and the clitoris.

Our weekly paper in Cultural Anthropology considers clitoridectomies.

"Clitoridectomy is the partial or complete excision (removal) of the external female genitalia, ranging from removal of only the prepuce (outer fold, or foreskin) of the clitoris, to excision of the entire clitoris together the labia minora and/or majora. For general types are distinguished by the extent of the surgery. The first type involves removal of the foreskin and occasionally the labia minora as well; the second, the labia minora and part of the clitoris; the third, the labia minora and the entire clitoris; and the fourth, the entire ciltoris, the labia minora and the labia majora... it may be accompanied by infibulation (sewing the vagina closed) to protect the virginity of unmarried girls. The severity of the two types of operations can cause lifelong complications is performed improperly." David Browne, the Kikuyu Clitoridectomy Controversy.

By improperly, he means with the pieces of glass or rusted metal that are usually used as surgical devices.

In some forms, pieces of wood are inserted to keep the wounds from closing and women's legs are tied together for two days. In others, they are performed during pregnancy, greatly increasing the possibility that the infant will be cut off from oxygen during birth, unable to break through the scar tissue.

It is promoted by the women who have undergone the procedure.

Many of the women who agree to this do so because of peer pressure. Like smoking pot. Or drinking alcohol.

Peer pressure.

Yes, it is different for a culture that is largely based around the social realm. Being made fun of for not being a real woman, or not being able to get a man because you refused the surgery means being ridiculed your whole life, not just for the short term social circles we create here. Friends who would choose to ridicule us based on superficial characteristics would not stay friends long. Hopefully.

But still. We are SO run by social pressure, by our culture, by what people think of us. Listening to biological anthropologists talk about how they got into the field today, one said it was because his professor stopped to ask him how he was and took a moment to involve him in the department, telling him he could do whatever he wanted. Graduated top of his class, got an PhD, never looked back. The homeless I spoke to were told their whole lives they'd never amount to anything, so they told themselves that. In a book we read by a poor black woman in Denver, she finds one of her most important roles in life is telling her friends and children they are kings and queens.

Every.Single.Encouragement.I have received regarding finals has kept me going, taking deep breaths and jumping back into the fray.

(Thank you)

Wow. The social is so strong. Never underestimate your affect on the world. We will never be islands.