Dear Mr. Conteh,

I think it is likely that we will find ourselves agreeing more than we
disagree....As for the issue of terminology, you will find that we devote
a lot of effort to discussing all the different perspectives on different
words in the volume.  Best, Ylva
On Wed, 28 Mar 2001, Lamine Conteh wrote:

> Comrades:
>
> The issue of female circumcision can be dealt
> with in different ways.  Each way tantamounts
> to stopping a practice done in our culture.
>
> I am aware that my approach to stopping female
> circumcision is different from the rest of the
> gang, but I still believe that every problem
> is approached differently.  In that analogy I
> suggest that we read Ms. Herlund's book and then
> engage in substantive debates about this sensitive
> issue.  Some of us may be moderate, liberal or even
> conservative in our analysis on issues.
>
> Practically speaking, this is very fertile in a
> democracy.  We cannot all agree in sum total over
> how a shoe fits a needy.  Thus, in that perspective
> our analogy of issues are bound to differ.
>
> Sociologically, a culture's change has to be
> approached from a careful analysis and symbolic
> gesture to a specific demography.  I hope
> Ms. Herlund's agrees with me that an outside
> invasion on a culture is perceived negatively by
> the inhabitants.  Assimilation results in trust
> and understanding and as a result the natives
> will be willing to change as time evolves.  Our
> choice of words in defining an issue should be
> carefully evaluated.  "FGM" though may be appropriate
> in English usage, has a negative connotation to some
> cultures, especially when one has to interpret it in
> a different language.
>
> Naphiyo,
>
> Comrade ML Jassey-Conteh
>
> ------Original Message------
> From: Lamine Conteh <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: March 28, 2001 10:24:37 AM GMT
> Subject: Female Circumcision
>
>
> (Use if you're redeeming a promotional certificate or coupon.)
>
> Returning customer?
> Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
>
>
> Dr. Saine et all:
>
> I have arranged to buy Ms. Hernlund's book.  I
> reserve judgment until I read the whole book.
> I am, however concern with "FGM" that if
> translated in any Gambian language will cause
> horror.
>
> For those of you who might want to follow suit,
> please read the following info thru Amazon.com .
> Unfortunately, it takes 4 to 6 weeks to receive
> the book.
>
>
> Female 'Circumcision' in Africa : Culture, Controversy, and Change
> by Bettina Shell-Duncan (Editor), Ylva Hernlund (Editor)
>
> Our Price: $22.50
>
> Availability: This title usually ships within 4-6 weeks. Please note that
> titles occasionally go out of print or publishers run out of stock. We will
> notify you within 2-3 weeks if we have trouble obtaining this title.
>
>
> Category: Nonfiction
>
> Naphiyo,
>
> Comrade ML Jassey-Conteh
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L
> Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
> You may also send subscription requests to
> [log in to unmask]
> if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your
> full name and e-mail address.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L
> Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
> You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask]
> if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L
Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask]
if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------