Taboo

I learned this from National Geographic Channel (yes I’m a  National Geographic GEEK). I found it interesting and sort of wanted to share what i learned.

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Many discontented women undergo plastic surgery to enhance physical aspects of their bodies. From cup A, they can jump to cup C with silicon implants and enhancements. In the Western part of the world, BIGGER IS BETTER. In pursuit of a better body, they are willing to undergo painful surgeries just to look good.

On the other side of the world, natives modify their bodies differently according to their culture. In Bafut, Western Africa, it is a tradition for mothers and grandmothers to iron the budding breasts of their daughters during the early stage of puberty. Some children — as early as 10 years old, undergo the painful process to suppress the natural process of womanhood. Everyday, for several months, the breasts will be flattened out and massaged by an ordinary household item like ladles, pestle, or an ordinary wooden stick exposed to the fire and removed just before they start to ignite. This process may temporarily hinder the growth of the breasts for sometime, or in some cases… permanently.

Some people may find it taboo. Where did these mothers get the strength to hurt their own daughters? How did these young girls, barely their teenage years endure the painful process of breast ironing?

In Western Africa, women independence is practiced. Unwanted pregnancy and forced marriages bring shame to the girl’s family. The tradition of breast ironing (done in secret) prevents the unwanted attention of men. Some girls cry, some even runaway; but some feel like it’s a tradition that must continue.