Gender

300 words

This week’s discussion is sensitive in nature so please be mindful of this when you interact with your classmates. There is no right or wrong answer, per se, rather thoughtful insight as to how we might deal with this intricate social problem, both in the U.S., and abroad. 

 The box on female genital mutilation, (page 100) while difficult to ponder, is a germane issue to think about in terms of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. 

If another culture defines a practice as acceptable, can or should “outsiders” condemn it? 

Are there universal human rights that transcend local culture?

In addition, discuss the similarities and differences between female genital mutilation and infant male circumcision.

Your response should reflect the knowledge of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. 

Click on the URL links below for further information and feel free to research the topic further independently. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=antnSXwrBnM  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9DzLujRIro