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Written on: 08. 05. 2009 [11:20]
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Gecko
Hendrik
Topic creator
registered since: 12.02.2009
Posts: 33
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"THANKS for giving me a chance to respond to Mervin //Areseb’s response on 24/04/2009"
Don't mention it, but you are misguided my friend .
"And secondly my emphasis on polygamy is and still remains that it is our traditional exercise and to abolish polygamy is a slaughter of our cultural customs."
So too the democratic voting system should we question that too and maybe abolish that as you put it? And what about telecommunication, I am sure you had a traditional way to communicate long distance?
"We are embracing foreign cultures by adopting their practice over the expense of our own cultures."
Has nothing to do with that if a culture is true and steadfast you would find a few patriots within that culture to uphold the traditions. Every person has the right to choose for themselves whether to adopt a foreign culture for personal gain this cannot be forced upon any one.
"1. You say polygamy is a violation of human rights, is it not a violation of human rights to stop someone from exercising their tradition and customs?"
In many of a polygamist situation the woman does not really have a say in the matter, is that not a taking their rights in consideration?
"The issue of HIV-AIDS testing is a voluntary choice. I still strongly argue the spread of HIV-AIDS as a reason to abolish polygamy is unacceptable and if it be the case, I think educated partners in a polygamous marriage will pride themselves to take correct protective and caring steps. HIV infection in any marriage is brought by unfaithful partners and let us accept that it is the reality."
True but not true with the emphasis on EDUCATED, and somewhere down the line you would want to have children from your many wives then how are you going to solve the 'protection' issue? Surely you know that the contraceptive pill does not stop HIV and that the only chance you will have to moderately stop the spread of HIV is with a sock over your schlong. And besides sleeping with one woman and then another is unfaithful even if all parties agrees on the whole. You might not just get HIV but how about Hepatitis, and other STD's.
"2. There are no Namibian cultural customs that hinder development unless you mean that development of any kind can only be achieved if we practise the same traditional customs as of those of developed countries."
Hogwash Namibia has close to 11 cultures within its borders and not all follow the same tradition, maybe you should look around you, not everyone in your immediate area speaks your language nor has the same cultural background as you.
"We have countries like China for instance, which is culturally rich yet it is one of the best-developed countries in the whole world."
China is not one of the best developed countries of the world. In China the average yearly income for a worker is about 4800 NAD, large parts of the country still has no electricity, running water, education, or a proper infrastructure. As far as I am concerned Namibia is better developed then China?
"3. Will we have any tourists/visitors to stop over in our country to learn about our cultures if we possess the same cultural customs (as they do)?"
Yes we will and we do, Tourists don't just come to see the cultures and the people they come to see the vastness of our country and the beuty it offers. The Game in our parks and the natural wonders they present.
"Culture and tradition is a heritage, not a technological thing we can develop or upgrade. Let’s preserve our traditional norms."
If you are afraid your culture and traditions are being demolished then you should blame those younger ones within your culture for not embracing the traditions and also voting for human rights.
"Soon you have a law that implicates the Ovahimba as being ‘indecent’ for exercising what has been custom to them for generations and generations. Namibia watch out."
There is a law it is called INDECENT EXPOSURE IN PUBLIC AREAS, but since it is a traditional entity that the HIMBA chooses, the law can not do much about it. Poligamy on the other had got abolished by choise of the varios cultures with in Namibia because of health and human rights issues. And I believe you voted for that when Dr Sam Ndjoma became a pressie.
"Kabende Kidd"
Get real man...
[This article was edited 2 times, at last 08.05.2009 at 11:33.]
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Written on: 08. 05. 2009 [16:03]
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Noukie
Noukie
registered since: 15.04.2009
Posts: 7
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The idiocy surrounding polygamy is not necessarily the element of human rights and development issues being violated. It is taking a good ideology such as polygamy and practicing it the wrong way and still claiming it is good. I think we have lost touch of the initial idea by our ancestors and we are currently defining what and when we practice polygamy.
“Polygamy, “umbuntu” extended family units” are all terms that are synonyms to the African cultures. But if the human practices under these terminologies hinders development than we should look at ways on how to better these cultural inheritances whilst at the same time preserving humanity.
Why does it become an issue of "embracing foreign cultures by adopting their practice over the expense of our own cultures?"
Why do we as Africans welcome some jargon's of modernization and development and when it comes to critical issues which has an impact on our health we jump to call it a violation of human rights. No one forced telecommunication and democratic elections but it was deemed necessary for human civilization. We as Africans are part of human species on planet earth after all.
I personally think ending practices that seemed to be deteriorates of our societies is just necessary in shaping the Africa we want to see.
And if we embrace the cool changes brought about by development than we might as well as look at the issue of polygamy from an education point of view. What efforts in terms of communication are in place in order to maintain that our custom is not lost and practice in safe and sound ways .We should look at creating awareness and educating African nations on the correct ways of practicing polygamy.
At the moment we are seeing men having wives and a queue of mistresses and yet justifying that it their inherited African culture of polygamy forcing them to do this. TO me the custom is wrongly practice and something ought to be done.
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Written on: 13. 05. 2009 [13:17]
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kimer1970
Kimberly
registered since: 13.05.2009
Posts: 1
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As a foreigner/tourist visiting Windhoek, Namibia for the first time in my lifetime I feel the need to express my opinion, as always. I have heard from a friend, who lives in nearby Katatura, that polygamy is his tradition. I am an open-minded Canadian, with lots of sexual experience. That being said; I chose to have relations with my partners and they had the right to choose too. Polygamy is a long-practised custom that has been completely one-sided. I have no objection to having more than 1 legal partner; I do have an issue with the women in those relationships not having the same right to have multiple partners. Sex is everywhere, but here it is not talked about - that leads to devastation! You need to be educated enough to talk about what you want/enjoy, in order to participate freely and safely.
Always honest,
Kimberly  |
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Written on: 14. 05. 2009 [10:51]
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Gecko
Hendrik
Topic creator
registered since: 12.02.2009
Posts: 33
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Exactly, my point!
I too think it is one sided, what will African ment do if women desided to have More than one husband?
Remember that Namibia is moving towards equality of the Sexes, if Poligamy is legalised that means that women too have the right to have multiple legal partners. Wake up Africa the traditional way of life is not what it used to be. I am classified as a WAM by our Government, and my traditions and culture has been adapted to accomodate all the other traditions in our country. Ln laymans terms it is called diplomacy (stay true to your culture but don't force it)
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Written on: 13. 06. 2009 [14:55]
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Leisureriver
Leebendt
registered since: 13.06.2009
Posts: 2
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Just because something has been done for many years, does not mean that it should be done!
However, if people choose such existences - then I say let them get on with it Each to his own! 
I gladly withdraw my support from such practices, because they just seem rather unfair, complicated, expensive (probably) and down right DAFT! 
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Poligamy and the idiocy that surrounds it.
