This is a number that should induce massive gender-neutral outrage.
According to draft statistics in a CDC study released to The Guardian and offered at Raw Story for our communal horror, the reported amount of women and girls mutilated and The population of my native state of Vermont is less than that without the seasonal flocks of second-homers. From the article, an excerpt on why the timing is so meaningful. And the facts so in need of noting and acting on. Post outrage. New figures from the Population Reference Bureau, due to be released on Friday – International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (an annual awareness day sponsored by the UN) – are expected to reflect the draft CDC study, due to be published in the coming months. The extent of female genital mutilation in the US has been exposed following pressure from campaigners, including a global campaign against FGM led by Jaha Dukureh, a 25-year-old mother from Atlanta, who was cut as a baby in her home country of Gambia. With the backing of the Guardian, Dukureh launched a petition last May successfully calling for a new prevalence study into FGM to be carried out and for a working group to be set up. “This is a huge moment – once we have proper data we can really start taking first steps to end FGM in the US,” said Dukureh. “I haven’t seen the CDC study but these draft figures appear to prove what we already knew: FGM is an American problem, we can’t keep on ignoring it, we can’t afford to leave these girls at risk.” The last time I wrote about this, was prior to the arrival of an incredible female on the right side of history, Jaha Dukureh. Change.org was involved in a petition to aid her cause, and grassroots activism culminated in the launch of a key study by the president following a 2014 summit on the atrocities. Have a look at the video she put together to inform and activate this country about the under-covered issue so close to her heart. It might tear yours up, mine needs a tailor, but better that than the stupefying numbness of the Regressive GOP who See No Evil when it suits.
That this type of savagery has resulted in “the cutting” of approximately half a million females in these United States ought to be as motivating as the beheading of prisoners in countries that openly perpetuate the practice of FGM. Why do I feel Republicans would only be concerned that the victims weren’t sneaking free baby killing pills? 
Hard to believe that churches that push this are not ridiculed and that joining such a cult should not be grounds for taking these kids away from their parents and then locking the parents up for life.
513,000!!! That is an astronomical number. I can’t get that amount of people into my head. Maybe world wide but just here in America? Wow
I know topjob! Worldwide estimates run to 125-130 million according to UNICEF, and those totals are from a 2012 study that has been criticized in some circles for [understandable] under-reporting. In the ’90’s the figures for victims in Europe alone were over half a million, if I recall correctly.
I don’t understand the mixed up pleasure of one sex is eliminated for another. This sit is grossly unreported. Glad that you are on this., Glad I know about it.
But the frigging numbers are staggering I think I will pay attention to another atrocity.
Thankee topjob – that makes a difference and means a lot. I first learned about the scope of the numbers 30 years ago in field research in Third World countries (as they were then known, I feel ancient) on family planning/women’s health/population ‘control’ and all of that. It has haunted me for years in ways other practices we would find unfathomable haven’t. There are actual tribal regulations about tissue removal amount and particulars that vary with region and tribe.
When I heard Kathy Griffin (she went there) speaking about FGM in a stellar comedy special – she’d been to Iraq with a USO type org and took exception – a few years back, I started looking into it again. Proving that humor can indeed be used to provoke when needed, which is one of many reasons I appreciate being here at Nicole and Laffy’s spot so much.
Ha! You feel ancient. I am over 70 years old and am not adverse to being surprised. I am occasionally staggered by some things and some numbers. I have a twitter account where you can drop such atrocious social behavior on me and I would then pass it on. I am at @topjob66t on twitter and I promise to promote awareness of this. (For some reason I have a lot of female followers. Not thousands … but real advocates for women in advocacy. Maybe it is because I am with the ladies. And I am honest.) Provide links that are real and verifiable and I will get this crap on a roll.
Thanks for reminding me of this barbarism.
TJ
PS I am with twitter for just a few hours when I am getting my TV fix. So if you actually contact me it may be hours before I retweet you. Not totally aware of all the ins and outs with twitter but it is a powerful tool.
Funny you should say that about social media timing – I’m a snail compared to the wizzes here!
Thank you deeply, topjob that means so much and I appreciate the time and concern – liberals really do play better. And there is more of that atrocious social behavior that will give you a Dorothy Parker elbow.
There are light and fun things here too, Laffy and Nicole know that laughter is the best cure sometimes. I’m an apprentice. Trying to rustle up some live chat on Saturday Night Live (not new so you get to see things in more detail but don’t miss too much if you type, lol).