Taboo...BLog #7

I found both videos interesting, but the one that got my attention the most was the 1st one, the video that shows how a boy becomes a man somewhere in Africa. I personally think that cutting someone's skin is really dangerous and hazardous for that someone because the person can lose blood, infections can get into his body, it leaves scars, and so on, but I think is an original and yet intense way for a boy to make the transition to become a man. They also are somehow humiliated in order to let them know how important this is for their tribe and how they have to respect their elders. I think this is sort of an extreme way to become a man because I find it inhumane, but it sure makes them realize how important it is and it helps them realize their new responsibilities in life as a man. It is like the Jewish tradition of the bartmitzvah, but with more meaning to it; more soul, dedication, suffering, and appreciation of what they went through to become a man.

The other video was really interesting too. It shows how traditions and believes can change people, not only morally and mentally, but also physically because this video shows how women in a tribe in Asia..?...go through a process to get a longer neck. I think this is also a little too extreme, but it is somehow pretty and it shows how dedicated they are to their people and their customs and how they dare to be different and are admired by their unique beauty. Some people might find this custom crazy, but hey! People here in the States get tattoos, piercings, plastic surgeries, and so on just to feel more comfortable with themselves, or just to fit to society and sometimes it does not even have a meaning for them to go through all those processes in order to achieve certain look, or just to belong to society. I admire these women because they go through this change for them, for their families, friends, and their traditions.