These are feudal practices as Mao correctly understood which deserve to be consigned to the dust bin of history. I believe there is no defense which can effectively mounted to protect their claims, although rationalization is a powerful tool in the hands of those who have the power to enforce their will. FGM is practiced principally amoung rural African villages, as is the buring of brides in India, usually amoung those with low literacy and educational skills. It is also true as the program pointed out that the practice is coming under greater and greater criticism as people move out of the villages to the towns and cities. But, rural systems of education will not be sufficient to irradicate this menace to our sisters.
Grassroots movements are necessary.
The assumption that these societies are happy is bullshit Lauren. After all, many in my sample of Lower Wacker drive say exactly that. So the cognitive structure of choice intersects with the limited material resources to produce not only oppression, but also self-oppression. We convince ourselves that the options we have are the best of all possible options in light of any notion of a hopeful other. There is no compromise for that freedom which dreams a body of pleasure and joy, of equality and justice.