Sunday, September 28, 2008
Reed dance is "sexist, outdated"
The Zulu Reed Dance is a tradition, known as Umhlanga which is based on preparing girls and young women for maturity, sex and marriage. It takes place every year in September, when thousands of traditionally dressed virgins dance with reeds for the Zulu King Shaka. The sexist debate continues between the Young Communist League and the traditionalists of the culture. Africa’s Young Communist League spokesman Castro Ngobese, said the cultural practice in honor of the Zulu King Shaka makes women "chained prisoners of backwards traditions". The traditionalists say the annual ceremony gives dignity to participants.
Mr. Ngobese called on all young people to mark 2008's Heritage Day in protest against the reed dance practice saying that young girls were being unconsciously coerced to expose or display their genitals under the pretext of promoting outdated cultures. Arguing it was sexist, he explained: "It is extremely biased against the female child, whereas male children and teenagers are not subjected to such practices." The ruling African National Congress president Jacob Zuma, who attended the Zulu celebrations, commended King Zwelithini for reviving the culture which he sees as part of nation building.
The hard part about making a stop to this tradition, is that the Zulu Reed Dance has been a part of their culture for a very long time. As we know, its almost impossible to make a change to someone’s culture, viewing it as an outsider. Change to this celebration would have to take place from the surrounding community and King Shaka. What makes it right for young female girls to be dancing around displaying their genitals at such a young age, where they may not even understand what the concept of sex is? Don’t you think this is extremely biased against young females and their bodies? I find it interesting that only young girls participate in this tradition, as the young boys get to just sit back and watch. How can the King/government prevent rape from happening at these traditional ceremonies in the future?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7635543.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7635543.stm
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3 comments:
I understand your questioning here, Anna. I am sure that the sole purpose of the celebration is not to humiliate these young girls, but the fact of the matter is that little girls exposing their genitals is humiliating no matter what culture you are raised in.
I have a hard time putting myself in this culture's shoes. Anyone who would try to convince me that this is a beautiful, dignified ceremony would have a hard time changing my mind. Like I have said in previous postings, I believe a culture should hold on to its traditions, but this borders on pedophilia. To be honest, it just creeps me out.
According to the article, it states "The South African press reported on Tuesday that a 14-year-old Zulu maiden who had been participating in the ceremony at King Goodwill Zwelithini's palace over the weekend was dragged outside and gang-raped."
I can't believe this... I'm sure that this incident was not the first time it has ever happened during this "traditional ceremony," and I'm sure it won't be the last either...
It's extremely unfair for young girls to go through with this, while men and young boys just sit there and WATCH!!
What about the parents of this little 14 year old that was raped? What can they do about it?
I know it may be tradition, but tradition can adapt to change. Tradition in the past has adapted and reformed and we have history of traditions around the world to prove it.
I agree with Katie... that this is pedophilia
I agree with you 100% Anna. I def think that it is extremely biased against young girls.. and I think it is also degrading!! SOmething needs to be done because this is just morally and ethically wrong.
I a also disgusted by this tradition. I can see how easily young girls could be coerced into participating in this ritual. It is difficult to remain respectful of different cultures, when those cultures abuse their youth (rapes of participants).
There is change in the works though, and we should stay positive because there are leaders working to change the culture. Mr. Zuma, African National Congress President, says that boys should participate in the ceremony too. Even though I believe the ceremony should be done away with completely, including boys would make the practice unbiased.
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