Tribal Markings

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Tribal Markings

Here we go again. Why should Tribal Marks be considered slashes?

There are differences between slashes and markings, and the fact that some people may have slashes rather than markings is solely an issue to be discussed between the slasher and the slashee or others equally concerned.

When we continue to present half-truths to others otherwise uninformed, especially in foreign settings, we perpetuate the rumours which end up causing backlashes rather than solutions.

The fact that Mr. or Mrs. A do not like the tribal markings on their body, face or whatever, and that it causes them discomfort, distress or shame should not exclude the fact that maybe Mr. or Mrs. B are proud of their markings for whatever reasons, heritage, culture, tradition, beauty, etc., and equally find that it makes them unique, sexy, distinguishes them or brings them cultural pride.

Another example is piercing, Africans have always pierced their female children's ears, while westerners do it optionally. Does that mean Africans and those Caucasians who choose to pierce their ears or those of their female offspring are barbaric?

Let's move along, and consider piercing of other body parts. Africans and others from various nationalities have been known to do these for centuries, does this mean they are all barbaric? How about the American and European teens of nowadays who dare to pierce body parts once unheard of (nipples, tongues, and others I do not care to mention); are they similarly barbaric or have they simply watched too much PBS (Public Broadcasting Station for those who may not know)? Gone are the days of simply earrings and nose rings, now you have tongue, nipple and butt rings

Circumcision both male and female have also been practiced by various cultures and religions for centuries, and though we note that some people have done it without much care or the continuation of certain types of circumcision may no longer serve meaningful purposes, should we consider every act of circumcision barbaric.

We should not forget that in America which is part of the western world, some serial rapists beg to be castrated, which is an act that goes way beyond markings or circumcision, can we say this is enlightenment and worthy to be emulated?

Tattoos are also worthy of mention. Different cultures worldwide believe in different levels and types of tattoos, some temporary, others permanent, for variety of reasons; religion, tradition, to make statements, for identification and sometimes simply for beauty. Such are tattoos on feet or heads of Moslems, Indians, Hausas, Fulanis, Tuaregs, regardless of what colour ink or designs are chosen, or the types that westerners regardless of whether they are simply law abiding citizens or gang members indulge in on their backs, arms, chests, legs and other body parts.

An African or Indian with Tattoos to beautify themselves such as those used during weddings and other ceremonial activities may be shocked to see the tattoos of snakes and other seemingly weird choices made by some Caucasians, but I'm sure they'll agree that 'to each his own,' as they are not personally affected by those people's choices.

Some of these tattoos are temporary while others permanent can rightfully be called markings, so which do we now consider as barbaric? Some Caucasian women equally tattoo eyebrows, eyelines, liplines, etc., so are these all barbaric?

We are all individuals and have the choice to celebrate ourselves in anyway law abiding way we see fit. If I choose to tattoo my butt and you choose to pierce your private organs; or if I choose to give my children or even myself tribal markings and you choose to circumcise your sons and daughters, this is simply a part of our differences, regardless of our race, citizenship, nationality, culture, religion, language, financial standing, class status or education.

The bottom line is the world has vast cultures, traditions and practices, rightfully so, since everyone is different and may simply choose to differentiate and distinguish themselves further; so while we may not agree with the choices of our numerous fellow beings, we should, when acts of theirs do not in anyway directly affect our well being, respect their choices.

Moreso, in regard to various African practices which to our surprise may not be peculiar to Africans only, we should learn to appreciate and celebrate our differences rather than condemn them.

Cxsm

4/19/05

© Cxsm 2005 All Rights Reserved
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Why worry yourselves about human markings of this world, instead 'Seek to bear the spiritual mark of the Lord Jesus Christ, and vehemently avoid the mark of the beast'. - Cxsm

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