Andrea Forman
September 3, 2011
8:15 p.m.
After reports of young girls being sold an investigation has been open in some communities in Mexico. In Oaxaca girls between the ages of 11 and 15 are sold by their parents for money or even goods such as cattle, corn and beans. Some of these “purchases” are for future husbands while others are being sold so they can be taken to other cities and help in domestic labor. Once the girls are sold their parents give up all rights to their child. These children are only being sold for up to 3,000 pesos the equivalence to $245. Officials say as long as these Indigenous people do not violate Mexico’s constitution dealing with Human Rights they will respect these group’s practices.
Though this is an ancient tradition for many of these communities it shows how from the beginning of time women were never equal to man. Though these women are being sold in a sense I guess someone could say they are showing their gratitude and what they believe these women are worth but it is degrading. It shows ownership from the man and shows the hierarchy within the community and patriarchal society in which they live. Inequality is prevalent all over the world we cannot get away from it but most societies have begun to modernize from their traditional beliefs. There have always been differences between men and women. Traditionally families of the groom were to offer cattle or money for the wedding or to help the couple begin their life. Now some of these girls being sold are being exploited for their work.
3 comments:
Human right is always a sensitive subject especially when dealing with young girls. When analyzing these situations you have to not be judgemental of other peoples culture. I do have a problem with selling women for just 250 dollars but, it's also apart of their culture. The problem is that the girls are being exploited for work which is not apart of their traditions.
This really shows how much more growing we have to do as a people. Selling women or anyone for that matter is just plain inhumane. I do not agree with it at all, no matter the culture. They need a serious wake up call.
I am personally against the buying and selling of human beings. I also believe that this culture has not yet "evolved" in terms of equality, and that change in women's rights is a necessity. But, I also feel that it is not my place to determine that culture's social norm. If the people of that society view this as acceptable, is it really a problem?
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