After reading the article on the Scarification and Tattooing in Benin, please consider: 1) What were your initial thoughts about tribal scarring?
2) How have your thoughts altered after reading the article?
3) What have you learned about scarification?
4) Do you agree that scarification is acceptable or is a human right's violation?
30 comments:
Juliana Ahern
1) I knew tribal scarring was practiced but I didn’t know much about it or where exactly it took place.
2) My thoughts on tribal scarring changed because I thought the scarring was a choice but people have to participate.
3) I learned that a child as young as two or three gets scarred and if they don’t, they are considered not human by the elders.
4) Scarification should still be allowed because to some people, it might mean a lot to them but it should be more of a choice but the age should be raised.
1. My initial response of the tribal scarring is that i dont think it is necessary. People should not have to be held down to get their face or any other body part cut. It should be by choice not by being forced. I didnt really know what it was about until after i read the article.
2. After reading the article i now know more about the scarring. I still do not think it is right, but it is there tradition and its what they believe in.
3. I learned that babies should be getting cut by 3 years old. If they do not get cut then they are not "accepted." The scarmaster says a prayer over the child to their ancestors. After the cutting the wound gets dried in the sun and they use anti-flammatory and a chicken feather.
4.In my opionion the cutting is a violation to human rights. They should not be made to do this and they should have a say in if they want to get the cuts or not. People cutting each other is not okay, and it shouldnt be done if the person does not want to. Especially babies.
1) What were your initial thoughts about tribal scarring?
I didn't really have any major initial thoughts about tribal scarring. I did not know much, I did't even know that people in Africa did this.
2) How have your thoughts altered after reading the article?
After reading this article I have realized that these people take scarring seriously. New thoughts that have formed from reading this article is that it is a violent process.
3) What have you learned about scarification?
I have learned that people in Africa believe that scarification is necessary to get a spouse. Robert's parents believed this so they held him down while he was getting scarred.
4) Do you agree that scarification is acceptable or is a human right's violation?
I do not agree that scarification is acceptable and that it is a humans right's violation. People should be able to make their own decisions.
1) My initial thoughts about tribal scarring was that it is a form of tourture. From looking at 6the pictures of tribal scaring in class it creeped me out and made me feel bad for the children that had to endure this pain.
2)After reading this article i came to see that tribal scarring is a way of life for the Bétamarribé tribe. It is expected for all members of this tribe to get tribal scarring if they wanted to be accepted into the tribe. In a way it resembles our society today because it reminds me of tatoo's.
3) I have learned that scarification happens to a child around the age of three. Also if you do not recieve carving to ur face and you die you are not to be allowed to get burried in the tribes cemetary.
4) I do not agree that scarification is acceptable. This is because i feel that the members of this tribe are being forced to scar their face in order to stay in the tribe. I feel that tribe members should decide what they want to do.
1) What were your initial thoughts about tribal scarring? I didn't really know about it at all. Like I knew that places in Africa did tattoo type things all over there body but not like this.
2) How have your thoughts altered after reading the article?I now think that this scarification is very cruel, but a tradition so every one has to do it. But I also think that it is dumb that you are not considered a human if hey don't get it done.
3) What have you learned about scarification? That you get the lines drawn on your face when your two to three years old. And that the people who draw the lines come once a year.
4) Do you agree that scarification is acceptable or is a human right's violation?I think that it is acceptable because it is a tradition to the kind.
1.My initial thoughts about tribal scarring was why they would harm themselves for their perception of beauty.
2. After reading the article my thoughts altered. I now understand that the tribal scars were a symbol of initiation into the tribe.
3. I learned that the majority of sarafications takes place at a very young age.
4. I disagree that scarification is acceptable. I believe these children deserve a choice in which they do or do not recieve the scarring.
1. Before this article I have previously thought that tribal tattoos and scarring were just a simplicity. I believed that they had recieved them when they reached an older age.
2. After reading this article I have come to the realization that this is a serious issue. The children are forced into having this done at the young age of 2 years old.
3. I have learned that different markings mean individual things for different families. Children are forced against their will to get this done. "Robért was forcibly held down by his uncle, brother, and father while the scarmaster’s iron tool carved open his face." (Paragraph 2)
4. This is a violation of human rights to the highest degree. These children are forced at a young age to get this done. It would be completely different if these people decided to get this done later on in life.
-mike masala
1.) My inital thoughts about tribal scarring is that it was just something that the whole tribe wanted to do. I thought all these people wanted to have this done to themsleves for the tribe.
2.) My thoughts have altered after reading this because now I think of it as something that is forced upon all these people in order to be considered "one of them". Most people don't even agree to have this done like Robert.
3.) I learned that scarification is something done to the tribe members to be initated into the tribe. Also there are many popular designs.
4.)I think it is a violation because it is being forced upon people who do not agree with it. THis should be something you can choose to have happen to you because it is such a painful event.
Nick petersen
1.) My initial thoughts about tribal scaring is that it was cruel. This act is done to a child who is unable to choose if they want this done to them or not. Also as the article shows, if a child did not want to get the scars they were forced to.
2.) My thoughts have altered after reading this article because that is what is considered beautiful in their culture. This is what these people must do in order to be considered beautiful and to be accepted into society.
3.) I have learned that this is so much more than a tattoo it is a huge part of their tribes culture and if this is not done they are viewed as a outsider.
4.) I do believe that it is acceptable it is a huge part of their culture and has been this way for thousands of years.
Miranda Donato & Rachel Smith
1.) We thought it was relatively disgusting, and unnecessary.
2.)We learned that facial scarring is part of their culture and that without it they would not be accepted, and would also have trouble finding a spouse and gaining respect from their anncesstors.
3.) That it is a passed on tradition and without it they won't fit in with their community, and that it is done at a young age.
4.)WE believe that it is like the tattoos of our culture and is socially acceptable to them, but they should have a choice to do it or not instead of when they are infants.
1.My initial thoughts about tribal scarring is that I didn't know people did it especially at such a young age.
2. After reading the article I don't agree with their beliefs. I don't think it's right to cut a childs face when he or she does not want to particapte in the religion.
3. I've learned that if one does not go through with the process of getting cut then they will not be accepted in the "religion". Also if one does and has not been scared they are not allowed to be buried in the cemetery because they have not been blessed.
4. I do not agree with the scarification because it is a violation of humans rights. I think it should be a choice not a must.
-Shannon M.
Brittany Alioto
1) My intital thoughts before reading this article were, yes scarification is wrong and it should be abolished.
2)I had prior knoledge of scrification before reading the article, so my thoughts were not altered all that much.
3)Scarification is a right of passage in many African tribes. Without it you are not accepted into the tribe, and iften not even considered human.
4) I completly disagree with scarification. I feel that it is a violation of human rights. The thought that children forceably get their faces ripped open is sickening to me. SCarification is wrong.
Erik “ICEBERG” Berglund
1. At first, I thought tribal scaring was kind of weird and gross and that it shouldn’t happen because it looks really painful
2. Yes they have. I do think that it is acceptable, but I don’t think that it should be done on children. It should be more of an option because some children may or may not want it to happen.
3. I learned that they have a ceremony for it. I didn’t realize realize that it was made as such a big deal.
4. I do agree that it is acceptable because it is the same thing as a tattoo, but I believe that it shouldn’t be done to children.
1) What were your initial thoughts about tribal scarring?
I did not know very much about tribal scarring before reading this article, but it seemed to be to be a very cultural yet painful ritual.
2) How have your thoughts altered after reading the article?
Tribal scarring is a very honorable and respected thing in the Bétamarribé culture. Although i still do not believe in it, they have very strong feelings about this ritual.
3) What have you learned about scarification?
The scar masters use a iron tool made by black smiths to cut intricate lines and patterns into different parts of the body. If you do not have these scars you will not be buried in the town when you die. They also say if you do not have these markings you are "not Bétamarribé" and not respect in the tribe.
4) Do you agree that scarification is acceptable or is a human right's violation?
I do not agree with this ritual, i believe it violates humans rights.
1. My initial thoughts about tribal scarring was that if it was apart of their tribe to do then it was there option to do.
2. My thoughts have altered after reading the article by how they force babys to get there face cut so it wasnt an option so i do not think it is alright.
3. Scarification is apart of the tribes lifestyle and if a person does not do it then they are not "human".
Brent Condon
1. I initially thought that tribal scarring was similar to modern day tattoos.
2. I realized how important this was to the people getting scarred and found out the only thing similar with tattoos and scarring is the use to express art
3. Some of the things I learned from this article would be the amount of tradition going into it, people without scars were not considered humans, and that some children lose consciousness because of their loss of blood.
4. I can’t really make an opinion of this because it has a lot more meaning to them than it does to me, however, I can safely say that I would not want to have any tribal scars.
1) What were your initial thoughts about tribal scarring?
I have only heard about the scarring but i just thought of it as something that the people in Africa do.
2) How have your thoughts altered after reading the article?
Yes I understand why they do it as it s a way of their culture but since i am not from Africa i don't really like it and would never do it to myself or have someone else do it for that matter.
3) What have you learned about scarification?
i have learned learned that it is apart of their culture and for men its how they find their wives and for woman it represents their beuty
4) Do you agree that scarification is acceptable or is a human right's violation?
I personal don't think its acceptable especially if the person doesn't want it but in Africa its how they function
1.) My initial thoughts on tribal scarring was that i was confused at why theses people would be doing this stuff to their faces, backs, and stomachs. I dint know why these people would go through the pain of scarring themselves until i read the article.
2.) After reading about the tribal scarring, my thoughts changed dramatically. Now that i know these people scar themselves because its a tradition to their tribe, i am not confused and grossed out at what they are doing to themselves.
3.) The biggest thing that i learned abhout scarring is that if you dont get scarred, you wont be buried with the rest of the tribe in the cemetary.
4.) I think that scarifiction is acceptable only if the humans want it to be done to them.
1.) Its an unhumane process that shouldn't be done to anyone, especially young children. I also wondered how these people survived the scaring with such a lack of medical resources.
2.)My thoughts are still the same but increased. As I learned much more graphic details on how it is done. Just the thought of being held down as a child and having this done, is crazy. And how mothers and fathers could see their children go through such pain just amazes me.
3.)I learned that while at a young age, usually around 3, you have to be scared in many different places on your face. You are held down as a child and scared with a sharp arrow head while blood is everywhere. Then, once the its done, charcol is poured on the wounds to keep again evil spirts and help the healing process.
4.)Absolutely unacceptable, and should be stopped right away. This is an extremely inhumane thing, and it still pondures me how this is still going on in current day.
Nate Steele
1. My initial thoughts on tribal scaring were that they look very painful. I wondered why anyone would want to participate in such an activity.
2. My thoughts changed because I learned that scarring is expected. If someone wants to get married and be accepted in their community, they need to do it. They also need them if they want a proper burial.
3. I learned that to be a Bétamarribé one must have scarring on them. The patterns made are chosen by a pattern in five cowrie shells that are put into a pot of water. Some say the spirit of the child determines the way the shells will fall.
4. I think Scarification should still be allowed. I mean obviously it would not happen in our society but it has been around for so many years in places where it is done. It is a tradition that was passed down and has a deep meaning to people like the Bétamarribé. I would say it should be a choice but even then, people would feel pressured into getting their children scared.
1.) Initially I thought tribal scarring, just was not right, I understand traditions, but still.
2.)My thoughts really were not altered by this article, if not worsened.
3.)I learned that scarification patterns are determined by the patterns of shell thrown into water.
4.)Personally i do not believe that any blemish on the human body should be done unwillingly. Scarification falls under this category and quite frankly I believe it to be acceptable.
Seth Killingbeck
1) What were your initial thoughts about tribal scarring?
I knew tribal scaring was supposed to be portrayed as beauty but I had never thought that when I saw it I would also portray it as, beauty. I always thought beauty was nice hair, pretty make up, etc. But tribal scaring is natural and rare beauty.
2) How have your thoughts altered after reading the article?
After reading the article, when I look at tribal scars I don’t cringe or feel disgusted. I can now understand why these people do what they do and how they do it. I now truly believe that what they are doing is only because everyone wants to be beautiful.
3) What have you learned about scarification?
I have learned that if you don’t get scars across your face as a young child, you are not considered human and will not be buried in a tribal burial ground. I also learned that it is not just a way to show beauty but it is a way to be identified with your people.
4) Do you agree that scarification is acceptable or is a human right's violation?
Personally, I do agree that scarification is acceptable. I believe that if people want it, why not have it? I think that scarification goes too far back in life for it to be a violation of human rights. These people are doing this to themselves because it’s all they’ve come to know and believe in.
-Jess milano
Alex Hayes
1. My initial thoughts about tribal scarring were that it must be really painful and gross looking.
2. After seeing the pictures in the article I now think that the scares are cool looking and intricate, but I still think it must hurt a lot.
3. I have learned what age the scaring is done (usually 2 or 3), why they do it (to show tribal membership), and how the cuts are cleaned and kept from infection.
4. I think that the people doing it are choosing this for their child because it is what they feel is best for them, and that’s a parent’s job, to do what they think is best for their child, so it is acceptable.
1) What were your initial thoughts about tribal scarring?
I have never heard of tribal scarring and when I saw it, I thought it was weird. I tried to keep an open mind about how they see it as beauty rather than something abnormal.
2) How have your thoughts altered after reading the article?
Looking through the pictures made me realize how interesting different parts of the world are. I now know that beauty can be portrayed in many different ways that may seem different to other people. It is a form of identity and also beauty and the fact that children get it at such a young age amazes me.
3) What have you learned about scarification?
I have learned that if you don’t get the scarring at a young age you are not seen as a human. They will not be buried in the tribal burial ground where the rest of their family will be. I also learned that it is used to show what tribe someone is from, not only for beauty.
4) Do you agree that scarification is acceptable or is a human right's violation?
I feel that scarification is okay along certain lines. I think that if someone wants to get it they can. If they don’t want to, I don’t feel that they should be looked at any less than someone who does. I think that children should not get it done until they are over a certain age.
-Courtney Desautel
Ashley Boulos
1) What were your initial thoughts about tribal scarring?
Although I did not know much about tribal scarring my initial thoughts about tribal scaring were that it was a scary and very violent thing to do to someone. I felt that it was a violation of the rights of humans and that it was unfair to make them receive the scarring at such a young age.
2) How have your thoughts altered after reading the article?
After reading this article I realize that the scars are more about beauty and fitting in rather then harming the people. Although I still feel it is a cruel thing to be forced on the people. I think they should have a choice on whether they want to have the tribal scarring or not.
3) What have you learned about scarification?
I have learned that when deciding which scares to place of the child’s face they cast a set of five cowrie shells in a pot and depending on how the cowries land tells the scarist which pattern to cut in to his or her face. After the pattern is determined the children are places on a bed of broad leafed plants to be scarred. After cutting the scarist prays to the ancestors welcoming that child into their tribe. I have also learned that in order to get a spouse people think they need to be scarred. Men and woman without tribal scarring have a very hard time trying to find love.
4) Do you agree that scarification is acceptable or is a human right's violation?
I do not agree that scarification is acceptable. I think that it is a human rights violation. The fact that the people are forced to be scarred and do not have the option causes it to infringe the rights of these men and woman. I feel that if they do not get scarred they should not be treated any differently then they would be treated if they were scarred, and they should not be excluded by their tribe for not receiving the facial and body markings.
1) What were your initial thoughts about tribal scarring?
I had previously heard about tribal scarring, and thought it was a somewhat brutal, and strange practice.
2) How have your thoughts altered after reading the article?
The article made me realize that this what people must do to be accepted as a member of their society. The article gave me knowledge about how important this is to the tribe, and why they do it.
3) What have you learned about scarification?
I learned that scarring has very significant meaning to the tribe, and that without these scars, a child cannot gain acceptance. I also learned about the process of scarification, how it is done step-by-step and why each phase is significant. I also learned just how bloody and visceral scarring can be.
4) Do you agree that scarification is acceptable or is a human right's violation?
I think that scarification should be a choice for the person, not something that their parents decide for them. If the person wants to endure the process, they should be more than welcome to, but forcing people to do this at any age is wrong. I also believe that the taboo of not having scars is unfair to those children who do not.
1. My initial thoughts of tribal scarring was that it was unnecessary and cruel.
2. After reading the article I still feel the same way but I feel that it should be done at an older age as an option.
3. I have learned that tribal scarring is even crueler and more painful than I had imagined. The process is extremely blooding and terrifying for the child. The author explains the physical and emotional pain the child goes through and sometimes they even faint from how unbearable the pain is.
4. I believe this scarring process is a human rights violation. This is because it is being forced upon the child. I feel that the scarring should take place when the child is old enough to understand what is being done to them and if they want the scarring to take place or not. If the person decides not to do it they will not be killed, they will only appear “unattractive” to some people which is not the end of the world. Scarring your own body should be a personal choice and not be forced upon anyone.
-Danielle Puopolo
Peter Daniels
9/26/11
F Block English
1. Initially, I didn’t realize how intense and intricate the patterns were for the facial scarring. Also, I didn’t understand why people didn’t want this process done.
2. After reading this article, I realized how much time and effort went into the facial scars and how detailed they were. There is a long, difficult, and drawn out process for the small babies receiving their scars and I see now how people might think that this process is inhumane to do to small children due to the amount of pain that they are put through.
3. I learned that the scarring was a very dangerous job for the scar-masters. Also, I learned that some children, including the author’s friend Robert, didn’t want this done. I originally thought that the tribe members thought that this was a rite of passage and that they all wanted to have it done so that they could become true members of the tribe. But now, I realize that this was an extremely painful process and that most children were afraid of it.
4. I think that scarring is a huge part of these tribes culture and for that reason, it is acceptable. Who are we to say that they should stop their traditions because we don’t think its right? Personally, I would not want scars on my face, or those of my children, but I don’t live in an area where that is a part of our culture. They think a facial scar make them beautiful, and just because we don’t agree does not mean that they shouldn’t be able to do it.
1. Initially my thoughts about tribal scarring were that it was just simply unpleasant and pointless. I wondered why they would go through that much pain for a scar. Also I wasn’t quite sure what they all meant by the scars and if it was something everyone had to do.
2. After reading this article I have somewhat of a different view on tribal scarring. I now understand the significance of each scars and why they did it. I learned that if they didn’t then they wouldn’t be accepted into a tribe or be buried in the village cemetery.
Hannah Lee
1)What were your initial thoughts about tribal scarring?
My initial thoughts about tribal scarring are that I didn’t really have an idea that anyone of this was going on. After seeing the pictures and the process of which it is done I think it is painful and almost as a punishment.
2)How have your thoughts altered after reading the article?
After reading the article my thoughts gave altered because the tribal scarring is done as part of the culture and actually has a purpose. I think it is still wrong to do though because it is permanently on you and if you do not have it done you are not recognized by the tribe so the people are pressured into it.
3) What have you learned about scarification?
I have learned that scarification is done by almost everyone. Babies as young as 2 years old are held down and forced to receive the scarring. If you do not have this done you are not recognized by the tribe and when you die you will not be buried in their cemetery.
4) Do you agree that scarification is acceptable or is a human rights violation?
I think that scarification is a human rights violation. No one should be forced or pressured into this I think it should be a choice and if chosen not to, they should not be punished for it.
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