I recently stumbled upon an article titled "Egyptian Lawmakers Want to Ban Fake Hymen." This article was written just this week by Joseph Freeman.
The fact that there is even a need for the invention of such a device makes me really sad. The company that manufactures this product is marketing to the Middle East for obvious reasons. The product is affordable to women of any economic status, costing only about $30. As I see it, the risk of using this product outweighs the risk of not using this product for some women. While women who are caught using this device may be murdered, women who engage in premarital sex may also be murdered.
With varied opinions, this little gizmo is causing quite a stir with bloggers and in the news.
Just thought this was kind of interesting and strange.
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The Chinese company's marketing of this product to Egypt adds a whole new, global element to an age old problem. Women have been trying to fake their virginity for centuries and science has finally caught up with them. The sad thing is that the blame and expectation of virginity is always placed on women before men. What if a woman was pressured into having sex before marriage? Would that be so unlikely in a patriarchal society? I agree. The demand for such a product is sad.
ReplyDeleteThis post speaks to the fact that women, not only in the Middle East, are often viewed as commodities. That a female can be "spoiled" due to her sexual status is disturbing. However, a male is more often (though not always) celebrated for his sexual escapades. This is a double standard that exists throughout the world and the invention of devices such as the "fake hymen" simply reflects our obsession with female sexual purity.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that this is a very strange article and wonder how this even came about. I also agree with Katie that 90% of the time it seems as if only the women are being prosecuted for their sexual relations and never the men. I wonder what makes it any different? Being pure is never a bad thing, but it is also the choice of that person and should not be made by the culture or society. This is a private issue that i think should stay private.
ReplyDeleteWhat about rape or women whose hymens break due to nonsexual activity? Really, does anyone know? I suppose I could try to look it up. This article alludes to several issues that I find infuriating. I'm glad you found it and posted on it.
ReplyDeleteWow. I think just the fact that women feel compelled to have this surgery says a lot.
ReplyDeleteWow, what an interesting article and concept. It's hard to believe it's gotten to the point of producing fake hymen, and awfully sad that it has to be that way for some women in some cultures. Similar questions were raised in my mind to what Virgina said-- what about victims of rape?!? It all just seems so unfair!
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