Crossing Cultures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Crossing Cultures - Essay Example However, as the world begins to shrink, in relation to the expansion of international relationships, the question arises as to whether various cultural beliefs should be imposed on others in global society. There is the old adage suggesting to live and let live, emphasizing that what is deemed right for one individual may actually be perceived as totally wrong for another. This creates a debate as to whether a nation, such as the United States, who touts its own views regarding morality and culture on a global scale with strong conviction, should be allowed to dictate the nature of global human rights. Especially pertaining to women, many foreign nations believe that women must conform to a lesser position in society, thus they refuse women the equal rights of their male counterparts. Should the United States (or any other Westernized nation) be allowed to dictate global rights for women and use their authority to change foreign beliefs? This paper will answer this question. Traditional Muslim beliefs in the African nation of Sudan dictate that female genital mutilation is not only an acceptable practice, but is mandated by religious doctrine (Hosken, 2005). In many instances, Muslim men in Sudan will refuse to marry a girl who has not had her clitoris removed and her genitalia sewn closed (Hosken). In most Westernized countries, this would be a criminal offense punishable by years of imprisonment for sexual assault and mutilation of a juvenile, and would likely create an explosion of social outrage over the activity. Despite efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations to prevent this genital mutilation as a method to promote global human rights, the practice continues to victimize innocent Sudanese women. It is relatively common knowledge that efforts of agencies such as the WHO and United