Mar 2, 2011
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Dec 4, 2010
Explanation of Pedophilia in Afghanistan
In the previous post I wrote about a piece that discussed pedophilia in Afghanistan. That piece made me research about this phenomenon and the result is a paper you can read here. I would like to call it "A Study In-Progress" since I do not regard it as complete.
Nov 14, 2010
Afghanistan's Little, But Neither Dirty Nor Secret
We read in class a piece from San Francisco Chronicle, titled "Afghanistan's dirty little secret," by Joel Brinkley. It was a sociology class, and we were discussing sex and gender. The piece talks about bashabazi (pedophilia) in Afghanistan. The writer assumes having revealed a "dirty secret" from Afghan culture. However, I must say, as an Afghan and I would be able to assert that many other Afghans believe so, that pedophilia in Afghanistan is not a secret, but everybody knows about it. In addition, it is not considered "dirty." I do not say it is believed to be a good thing, however, the people, who does that, do not hide themselves and their tendency from public; the others, well, don't do it and don't like it either. Brinkley in this piece however does not want to open a sociocultural phenomenon while having a relativist, neutral, scientific manner. He talks about pedophilia with all hatred and disgust, as it is obvious from his title. He also says,
"So, why are American and NATO forces fighting and dying to defend tens of thousands of proud pedophiles..."
It's very insulting. Is Afghanistan the only country on the Earth that some people have pedophilic tendencies?
Oct 20, 2010
Some sketches for a piece
Is Cultivation of Narcotics in Afghanistan Ethical?
“Yes” might be the answer by many who argue that by letting Afghan farmers cultivate narcotics, we will provide them with a livelihood without which they would be left with the risk of death, out of poverty. Since, almost there is no other effective means of livelihood, by letting the poor farmers to grow poppy, at least for a few years, and then stopping the cultivation when they are financially strong, they would be able to stand on their feet.
On the opposite side, some argue that, if we let people to cultivate opium poppy, we would help the smugglers, warlords, criminals, and the Taliban to find sources of financing. In addition, it is unethical since narcotics are harmful for societies and people all around the world.
Imagining yourself in a government position with the authority, would you consider it ethical banning or letting free the poor farmers to grow poppy?
“Yes” might be the answer by many who argue that by letting Afghan farmers cultivate narcotics, we will provide them with a livelihood without which they would be left with the risk of death, out of poverty. Since, almost there is no other effective means of livelihood, by letting the poor farmers to grow poppy, at least for a few years, and then stopping the cultivation when they are financially strong, they would be able to stand on their feet.
On the opposite side, some argue that, if we let people to cultivate opium poppy, we would help the smugglers, warlords, criminals, and the Taliban to find sources of financing. In addition, it is unethical since narcotics are harmful for societies and people all around the world.
Imagining yourself in a government position with the authority, would you consider it ethical banning or letting free the poor farmers to grow poppy?
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