what if someone made a conclusion on american culture based on americans who have sex with animals, people who are involved in childhood porn, brothels in las vegas, television programs etc etc. I think that you should place everything into context, Do not be involved in sensationalism.
In the U.S., such practices are looked down upon and are not acceptable behavior to the vast majority of our peoples. Much of such abhorrent sexual behavior is illegal (child porn, sex w/animals, etc.). In Africa, the cultural practices spoken to in this article are considered "acceptable" behavior, a cultural heritage to be honored and followed. In fact, there will be punishments for not following the cultural requirements. Big, big, difference. There are inferior cultures, and the ones that follow such practices as those in Africa need to come out of the stone age and quickly. Such behavior is self destructive to their very own people. It's like so many of the Muslim traditions where women are second class citizens, and that's on a good day. These are misogynist societies and I am so thankful I live in a country where such practices are outlawed.
which cultures? I am African and I have lived in Africa all my life. These practices are looked down upon too. I cannot defend the whole continents actions, but do not generalize. How many countries are in Africa? how many tribes have such traditions? how many tribes are there in each country? Ill give an example. In Kenya we have 50 tribes, with 5o different cultures and beliefes. But the most popular is Christianity with a higher percentage of us attending church than the American population. Cleansing does not happen in most of the tribes in Kenya. But it does happen. But is it a significant reason for the spread of HIV. No!!
And why HIV is spread faster in Africa, I really dont know. People are sleeping around, but not more significantly than the USA. With the percentages of people in the USA who have STDs, especially herpes, chlamydia and gonnorrhea, it seems a large percentage of the population are engaging in unprotected sex.
So stop trying to bring down African culture. We have our issues and we have made mistakes. But this constant ragging of Africa is sickening. Most of the nations in Africa are less than 40 years old. When USA was 40 years old there was segregation, slavery, abhorrent killing etc etc. I am just saying give us a chance to get things together. If you dont think that USA should give any more aid. That is your view on things. You can never argue with the giver, as they say, beggars have no foot to argue on. And so all that Africans can do is keep trying to survive, ask for help if people are willing. If people are not willing. Then we will continue trying to strive. But please, dont attack,attack.
I have a culture, a culture I am proud of. A culture that is based on respect of elders, respect of the environement and most of all respect for God. And my culture does not need to feel superior, because it lacks all ideations of inferiority.