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Friday, July 07, 2006
Another Challenge to Cultural Relativism
We're all familiar with the classic "intro to anthropology" example of female genital mutilation (within Africa, most prevalent the east) as a challenge to the sacred anthropological concept of cultural relativism. That's not all:
'Breast ironing' to stunt girls' growth widespread
YAOUNDE, Cameroon (Reuters) -- Worried that her daughters' budding breasts would expose them to the risk of sexual harassment and even rape, their mother Philomene Moungang started 'ironing' the girls' bosoms with a heated stone.
"Breast ironing" -- the use of hard or heated objects or other substances to try to stunt breast growth in girls -- is a traditional practice in West Africa, experts say.
Posted by Will at July 7, 2006 01:05 PM in Anthropology