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This news article takes place in Ekuvinjelweni, a town in Swaziland. It says that she was "tekaed." Although the article is in english, the native language is SiSwati, and I think this word is not in english. The boyfriend doesn't see anything wrong with him marrying a girl 9 years younger then him, who is still a minor. To me, this really shows how different the moral values are in Swaziland, and how there is a double standard for sexual acts with women. Men are allowed to have multiple wives, and sex with minors. This is one of the many reasons why HIV is so prevalent in Swaziland; women are treated as if they are only meant for childbirth. AIDS is spread much more rapidly this way, and high percentages of AIDS leads to poverty.
I think articles like this are worth reading. I am very interested in things like this, and I really enjoy keeping up with recent news of places I have visited.
Citation: I don't actually know if I am doing this correctly so if anyone can help, please tell me.
Bhembe, Skumbuzo. "Girl (14) Tekaed." Times of Swaziland Sept. 17, 2008; 1-2. September 17, 2008.
8 comments:
That is so cool that you went to Swaziland! But you're right that the double standards in that culture are pretty disturbing. Its hard to think that situations like these actually occur today, not just in the old civilizations were studying now in social studies. It makes you wonder what the leaders of this country are thinking to allow such behavior, especially in the king's own household. I cannot imagine anything like this being condoned in the US, and I am glad for that to say the least.
It sounds like you had a good time in Swaziland, but again your right that some countries treat women just like birth givers. We are lucky to be living in the US because it has high morals and standards and offers the least racism and sexism. As Gwen has said, these things are explained to have happened back then in old civilizations, however, to be seeing that it still happens frequently today is very disturbing. However, after you have told me about the fact that the leader has 10 wives, I feel that he's just like an ignorant tyrant that does not know much about caring about the country, but can only know how to benefit and please himself. It is one thing to say geographic luck plays an importance in how a country will play out, but the leader also plays an important role because without a good leader, you cannot have an excellent society.
It scares me to think about living outside the US. Other countries don't have as much openness of views on things like woman and minors. I can't imagine living somewhere else knowing about how the US works. I find myself being less and less surprised at all the immigrants from around the globe. America really is the place to be because everyone has protection and the right to be who they are and do as they please as long as its inside logical boundries.
Swaziland sounds like a great place Mara! It was really weird when you said that "their king had more than 10 wives." I was like, Oh wow, I forgot that there were still kings in this world. Shows how much I know. I just wanted to comment on the part about minors and women, and how they are treated. Yes, it does go on all over the world, all the time. I know people who are in that situation and most of them, I have gotten them help. Its just awful to see them get taken advantage of and watch them struggle. And America may look good compared to other countries, but in the big picture, not really.
wow i've never heard of anyone going to swailand! altho i've actually met someone from it! Thats just so sad that men treat wonmen like that no one bothers doing anything about it! The aricle about the girl is unbelieveable! It seems like there are basically no laws in that country. No wonder AIDS/HIV is so revelent there! Imagine what kind of example the men in that country are getting from the ruler! Good thing U.S.'s presidents are much better! Poor people living in those kind of countries.
You went to Swaziland?! That's awesome! It is pretty horrible to think of how the women are treated in other parts of the world. It really does make me sick. But the story you had reminds of a story we heard from our health teacher today about this 19-year-old girl who was living with a 29-year-old guy who was married. Apparently she was found shot in his car recently, and police think the man she was living with did it. Quite a disturbing story, but it seemed to apply to your article.
Wow, that must have been an amazing experience. It really opens your eyes to how different a lot of the world is from the united states! It amazes and shocks me when I read articles like this because I tend to forget how lucky I am to be living somewhere like the united states. It is hard to understand what the king is thinking, does he not see the suffering of his people, or does he just not care?
I think it is interesting when you here about the problems in other countries because in are country we would think of those acts to be okay such as with this article. I also think that its good to read these articles so you know whats going on in the world.
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