Cultural relativism

[marilena_r]

Yesterday we had a heated discussion in the gender psychology class about sexuality. The main subject that was discussed was monogamy vs. polygamy, but when the practice of mutilation of the female sexual organ was mentioned, there was also a fight between the representative of human rights (that is me) and cultural relativism (another GIRL of the

Comments

[marilena_r]

The girl who said that is actually african, but I don't remember which country. She seems so nice but when she said that I was like "No way. I can't beleive I am hearing this."
But yes, western people talking about cultural relativism that way is pure cowardice. And muslims differ a lot in the practices they choose. And some of them are really liberal. (I have to praise the Senegalese for that).

from mystique

[anonymous]

i think it is actually against the Koran - but when has that ever stopped fanatics? it also says you're not allowed to commit acts of violence, but that's exactly what fanatics do (and this actually comes from a Muslim professor, who also said that people who claim God and the Koran as an excuse for blowing up other people should not be considered true Muslims). also, the Bible says that people shouldn't kill each other, and then what happened during the Crusades? it wasn't considered a sin to kill Muslims because they weren't Christians. fanatics are fanatics, and will use and twist anything to excuse themselves.
also, the whole female mutilation issue existed in the countries that practice it looong before the introduction of Islam there, as a method to control female sexuality.

[justphoenix]

Ummmmm....do you mind if post about the FGM discussion in my journal? I'm just astounded.

[marilena_r]

Yes, of course you can! Those things should be clear for everyone.

[all_who_i_am]

When I hear that we should accept suffering because it’s a part of a culture, I feel extremely angry. It’s like saying “I will torture because I like it. I will be tortured because I am told that it’s for my own good".

Whuaaattt???!!! Suffering is a part of CULTURE?! Which one?! This is f***ed up!

[marilena_r]

Well, it's like "you can't tell people what is right and what is wrong, because in their culture they view things differently". You say that and you're done. You are given the green light to excuse pretty much anything. It is fucked up indeed.

[vaelynphi]

Perhaps you should get involved in my discussion of moral relativity; it's not going anywhere at the moment.