Body Quote by Michel Onfray
“How strange that excision – female circumcision, with several languages using the same term for both kinds of mutilation – of little girls should revolt the westerner but excite no disapproval when it is performed on little boys. Consensus on the point seems absolute. But ask your interlocutor to think about the validity of this surgical procedure, which consists of removing a healthy part of a nonconsenting child’s body on nonmedical grounds – the legal definition of… mutilation.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Ethics of Female Circumcision, 2015
The quote highlights a double standard where female genital cutting is condemned while male circumcision is socially accepted despite both involving non‑consensual removal of healthy tissue.
In simple terms: Society treats similar procedures differently based on gender.
Key Takeaway
Question gender bias in medical ethics.
Themes
gender bias
ethics
cultural norms
human rights
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
ethical
analytical
When to use this quote
- parental decision making
- policy debate
- public health campaigns
- legal reform
Key Concepts
bodily autonomy
consent
medical ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does gender influence moral judgments about bodily integrity?
- What criteria should determine acceptable medical procedures on children?
A Different Perspective
Cultural traditions often outweigh ethical concerns in public opinion.
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