Her husband has had it with her. Every time the subject of circumcision came up, she went ballistic. She understood that some religions required this procedure as some kind of proof. She had been aware of the topic for many years. “Circumcision,” as some like to call it politely, but to her it was mutilation.
The topic brings up serious political issues and pent up emotion combined: women’s rights, reproductive rights, sexual freedom, double standards, complications in childbirth, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, infections… None of it is very pretty.
In older days men may have performed clitorectomies on their daughters or wives if they seemed hysterical or rebellious. Or they may have given women ice baths or electric shock to give them relief from their “hysteria,” aka: expression of sexuality. So, it’s nothing new even in western culture.
Her own parents took her to a specialist when she was thirteen to find out if she was still a virgin. They didn’t explain anything to her and she was terrified in that doctor’s office with her legs up in the stirrups as an unknown man probed her insides with tools and instruments made by men to measure women.
Just as her husband was frustrated with her boiling over with this topic, people are reluctant to speak of it, because it is truly an unspeakable act. When her brothers were born, they were both cut and it was terrible. Their poor little penis heads so tender and raw…. She had to change them, put Vaseline around their wounds, and wrap them with gauze. They cried and cried. Poor babes.
She thought of her own children and their births. It was never a possibility that she would have either of them cut. As a mother, she was honest with her kids about sex from an early age. It never made any sense to invent stories or lie about it. There was never a day that they didn’t know the truth. They were beautiful, whole, and strong.
Now in her husband’s arms she dedicates her orgasms to the countless women who have never or will never experience this powerful pleasure. What man wouldn’t want his woman come to him with open heart and a willing wet vagina? What man wouldn’t want to be blessed by her passion for him? And isn’t it her right to feel her own body respond naturally?
Some will be offended by this topic, but we must refuse to be silent. We need to talk about it so we can stop it. We should all be fighting for joy.
(First published 9/5/12)
