I was looking around the BBC news site this morning and was shocked to read that ‘female circumcision’ is becoming more common. I didn’t even realise that this practice was even happening, let alone it being on the rise. I find the whole thing rather disturbing, as the procedure involves (a) the clitoris is removed; (b) the clitoris and surrounding labia are removed; (c) the clitoris and labia are removed and vagina sewn up, leaving only a small opening for urine and menstrual blood. It is practiced by parents on religious grounds, and to preserve virginity, making the girl more likely to get married. Personally I think it’s disgusting that parents should put their daughters through this ordeal for nothing really, as there are no medical benefits, attitudes are changing among the younger generation, but it’s the older generation clinging onto traditions that are barbaric at best, which is passed down to a small percentage of the next generation, enough to keep the practice going.
Read more about this story, here, here, and here.
On a more positive note, for Plymouth Argyle anyway, Bristol City lost 1 – 0 away at Tranmere on Tuesday evening, which is great news for the Pilgrims as they are 9 points clear of 3rd place Bristol City at the top of the table, with both teams having played the same amount of games, although QPR still have a game in hand. Argyle is looking really strong for the division 2 title now, barring any last minute disasters.