Melissa's Blog_African Studies

Swaziland’s king Mswati III went to visit Zambia with his third wife, and his daughter. The reason why this king paid a visit to Mswati was in search of his 14th wife. This king felt like 13 was not enough for him that he decided to go for a 19 year old. This young girl is named Simphele Mashwama, and she is from Zambia. In Africa there is a tradition that whenever a king gets a new wife, there are around 40,000 dancers who perform for the king and his wife. This to me is ridiculous, I feel like men are the only ones who benefit from this open marriage because they are allowed to leave one of their wives for another one. As for the women they are stuck with their husband and only him. Women can not have multiple husbands, like men. I also feel like 14 is a very large number. I really do not see why a person needs to have 14 wives? I feel like one should be enough, because if you have 14 wives, I feel like you do not really know what falling in love really is. The reason for that is b

For todays blog post I will be speaking about the Plague in Madagascar. Several years back in Europe there was a disease called the ‘Bubonic Plague’, where many people were killed. This plague comes from animals like rats, and fleas, which means it is easy to catch. Although we have found a cure for this infection, this disease is still found in the streets of Africa. Africa is the most common country that still has a plaque. About 10% of the people catch this disease which means that not a lot of people in get it, but there is still the risk of catching it. This plague is also found contaminated water, which is good sanitation is necessary. Also, because their is still the risk of catching it, it is best to get the shot and prevent it. If you were to catching this plaque, you need to cure it fast because it can be deadly. http://www.bbc.com/news/av/health-41973621/madagascar-s-worst-plague-outbreak-in-50-years

Today’s post I am doing it something that really struck out to me. My blog post will be on the Amazon Prime series, ‘Tribes’. Today in class we watched the first episode of the documentary, and I can honestly say that I was so shocked, about the circumcision of the young boys. I can not even imagine their pain, and how much it hurts to get circumcised, live without medication. Circumcision is a big event in the live of the people who live in the Nile tribe. Once you are ready to get married, you must got through the process of a circumcision ceremony, where you are surrounded by your friends who will be your support group throughout your recovery. Then you are seated outside, and a men continues the process. When this is happening you are not allowed to complain, or make a sound at all. If you do you are seen as a disappointment to your family, and will not be able to marry. This really shocked me because these young boys get really sick after the circumcision because nothing is sani