Human Rights/ Intrinsic Human Value/ Cultural Relativity

Before I begin my discussion on clitoridectomy, I would like to address the issue of cultural relativity and human rights. In order to understand my argument against female genital mutilation it is vital to determine where and when to draw the line on cultural relativity and why it is OK to draw said line. In almost every other case of cultural tradition I completely support them, even if they are totally alien to my own personal experience. However, this particular practice should not be allowed to continue solely because it is traditionally embedded in many African cultures. (I would like to add as an aside that I do not support male circumcision either.) This is a rather philosophical discussion, so bear with me.

According to Maria Marzano, it doesn't make sense to defend female genital mutilation (FGM) for cultural relativity's sake because it is a "practice that no religious doctrine defends, but also...a practice which does not express the richness of cultural specificity, only social prejudices and ignorance". (1) She presents the idea that the practice should be banned, not because it violates human rights, but because it challenges the idea that human beings have intrinsic value.(2) Respecting cultural relativism does not mean that one must accept harmful or dangerous practices. The value of human life and well-being definitely takes precedence over cultural relativity.

All human beings deserve respect, regardless of the culture they belong to. Along with intrinsic value goes intrinsic dignity, which transcends cultural boundaries. Marzano states that FGM violates both the value and dignity of women and therefore must be stopped, "they harm and offend some human beings".(3) Harm has been defined as anything that causes any disliked state: disgust, shame, pain, anxiety, etc. All people are aware of the concept of harm regardless of their cultural backgrounds. Although, I have to disagree with the word "offense" because offense occurs when confronted with something one is not comfortable with; it is not normal for that particular person based on cultural experience. Harm, however, transcends cultural norms because it is not based on prescribed morality.

The United Nations have also developed a universal list of basic human rights that they expect all peoples to recognize and observe. Those rights that are most relevant to the discussion of FGM are:

1. Principles of equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex
2. Right to life (when the procedure results in death)
3. Right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment
4. Right to the highest attainable standard of health
5. Rights of the child

It has been determined by the United Nations and other human rights advocacy groups that FGM violates all or a combination of these rights.(4)

Photograph: A Somalian girl being forcibly held down to undergo infibulation, the most extreme type of FGM.
Heyoka Magazine. From www.heyokamagazine.com/HEYOKA.4.FEATURES.FGM.htm . (Accessed December 8, 2005)

Notes:
1. Maria Marzano. "Universalism and Cultural Specificity: Female Circumcision, Intrinsic Dignity, and Human Rights". In Human Rights and Military Intervention. 50-72. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishin Limited, 2002. 52.
2.Marzano, "Universalism and Cultural...". 52.
3. Ibid., 58.
4. WHO. "Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation". Geneva: WHO Publishing, 2008. 9.