Africans Against Male & Female Circumcision.

1261 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by cappuccinosmom, Jul 13, 2004

osioke

Discussion Starter · Jun 28, 2004

I posted this also in the Circumcision Forum and want to ensure any Nigerian/African fathers who may linger here see this too:

I am a Nigerian living in the U.S. I am the father of son soon to be 6 months of age and he is intact, thankfully. It was quite a battle, and still is, but I have a conviction to principles of natural living so it comes easy

Are there other Nigerian, or African's in general, fathers or mothers who share this same conviction to leave the genitals of their sons AND daughters intact?

A clumsy argument I hear often is that circumcision is our (referring to Nigeria, or Africa) culture and tradition. A friend of mine once mentioned to me (many months ago) that I probably was not the only Nigerian father who wants to leave his son's genitals intact. So I was just thinking today if that may be true. If you are out there I am sure you are in dire need of support.

While being Nigerian/African should not be a factor in the struggle to not circumcize, it can become a very strong factor, especially from family members. I would like to connect with other Nigerian/African parents who are in such a decisive situation.

I was born and raised in Nigeria through my mid teenage years so I easily debunk the argument of Nigerians that I am not Nigerian/African because I wasn't raised there (some think I was born in the U.S.). Not that it should matter, but for those who want to make it an issue it doesn't hold water.

So, if you are out there, say hello.

BTW, I found mothering.com recently (in search of information on how to increase breastmilk supply). I am a father, not a mother, but I can't find any resourse like mothering.com for fathers who care about mothering topics. I'm taking the initiative to connect my wife to objective and honest sources of information that are otherwise unavailable on T.V. commercials.

-Osioke

See less See more

Save

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

MamaAllNatural

· #2 · Jun 29, 2004

Hi Osioke!

I'm not African (and I'm a mother, not a father) but I still wanted to reply to your post. I think it's wonderful that you're here and it's wonderful that you are such an involved, caring father.

I also wanted to share with you that my friend (from Somalia) is very anti-circumcision for both boys and girls. She is a survivor of female circumcision. Both of her children were born here, in the US, and she kept them intact. Her husband is Eritrean/Ethiopean and so he is another African father who is anti-circ. My friend is not a member of MDC but if there's anything you'd like me to ask her I'd be happy to.

See less See more

Save

cappuccinosmom

· #3 · Jul 11, 2004

Also not African, or a dad...but...

I think there must be many who appreciate the freedom *not* to circ here in the States, coming from cultures that basically demand it.

Dh is Ethiopian. Totally against female circumcision, and it's a relief to be here where our daughters (and myself) won't be ridiculed for not being circumcised. He told me of one women who was not circumcised, and after birthing her 7th child, approaching middle age, she had the procedure done because she couldn't stand the taunting. The doctors and nurses all saw, and spread the word. Absolutely awful.

We do actually believe in male circumcision

but for religious reasons.

See less See more

Save

osioke

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 12, 2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by cappuccinosmom
I think there must be many who appreciate the freedom *not* to circ here in the States, coming from cultures that basically demand it.

Dh is Ethiopian. Totally against female circumcision, and it's a relief to be here where our daughters (and myself) won't be ridiculed for not being circumcised.

<clip> ... </clip>

We do actually believe in male circumcision

but for religious reasons.
(emphasis added)

Hello Cappuccinosmom,

When you say "believe in male circumcision" I understand that to mean that you are certain of the claims for circumcision, religious in this regard. Do I misunderstand you? Meanwhile, I am interested in what "religious reasons" you and dh have for the belief in male circumcision.

-Osioke

See less See more

Save

osioke

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 12, 2004

Hello MamaAllNatural,

For your Somalian and Ethiopian friend, I would love a way to network with them. I want to find a medium (probably online) by which we can establish publicy the truth that there are Africans who are for natural genital systems (against circumcision of any sort for any sex).

I have to face noise like "you're behaving like these xyz or abc" when infact there are humans of all creeds and races who are against all routine circumcision.

Thanks

-Osioke

Save

cappuccinosmom

· #6 · Jul 13, 2004

Osioke, that would be the old testament command for it. He doesn't care about culture (thus, he can be adamantly against female circumcision), but religion is another thing entirely.

Not really interested in debate. Just wanted to post dh's perspective, him being an African daddy, but not much interested in internet.

See less See more

Save

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

Top Contributors this Month