National Georaphic's - Taboo is a learning program that it shows you the many cultures of the world and introduces you to the idea of new and what may seem bizarre to us, but defines their history and their identity. For example, a tribe in Africa has a ritual initiation they repeat every year. When boys become of age, all the adult males of the village come and cut the childs entire body with razors. This experience is supposed to be one of humility and a test of strength. The entire process lasts a few weeks and it is one the would humble even the mightiest of men. The once boys now men feel that the process is an essential one that helps them become a new man.
This clip did not really disturb me. Such initiations have occured throughout history, whether it be a right of passage or initiation into a club. It did not surprise me that these activities take place even today. The ideal behind it is golden, making the boys humble and faithful men. Of course, the whole mutilation thing kind of turns me off. That's where the whole practice loses face to the eyes of people of western philosophy. And because of this ignorance, such cultures are looked down upon and are overlooked. If only people could open up their eyes a bit.
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