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Pleasure Principle By Saida Hagi-Dirie Herzi: An Analysis

555 Words3 Pages

FGM, or female genital mutilation, is a widespread practice among African and Middle Eastern women, where specific or all parts of the outer vagina are removed. This cultural practice leaves women not only mutilated, but exposed to a plethora of diseases, health and birth complications, and infections. This practice is not only severe violence against these women, but also displays a total disregard for their human rights. After reading "Against the Pleasure Principle", by Saida Hagi-Dirie Herzi, it is clear that FGM has detrimental effects on both a womens physical and mental health. One of the most profound examples of the toll on a womens mental health lies in her description of an ideal circumcision. "There are accepted standards for the size of a girl's opening: an opening the size of a grain of rice is considered ideal; one as big as a grain of sorghum is acceptable. However, should it turn out as big as a grain of maize, the poor girl would have to go through the ordeal a second time." In this quote, not only are the physical descriptions graphic, but the …show more content…

Her story is inspirational, and she fought endlessly for the women in her community. Her goal in her fight was not only to ban FGM, but also convince her people that this practice was outdated and wrong. Dukureh's feelings are very close to the women's within the short story, especially conveyed in the end. "She would like to have her mother's blessing for the move, but if that was not possible she would go without it. She had always hated circumcision. Now she hated it more than ever. No daughter of hers would ever be subjected to it." Despite her mothers disapproval and constant contesting, the women is not convinced by her pleas. Many women in these communities are shamed for going against their cultural values, but just like in Gambia, change must

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