I just can't over this news story out of Phoenix about an 8-year-old Liberian girl who was gang raped by four boys (also refugees from Liberia) ages 9, 10, 13 and 14. And after the rape, her father shunned her because she had brought shame to their family by being raped. The father told authorities, "Take her, I don't want her." (Can you imagine??!?!) So the little girl is currently with Child Protective Services. And what she needs most right now is to feel safe, which you'd think would be at home with her family....
This whole thing completely turns my stomach and makes me screaming mad at the same time.
Apparently, in Liberia, women and girls are most often to blame. There is no equality and this father's kind of mentality of blaming her daughter for the crime against her is the norm. Theirs is a shame-based culture, and family honor comes first.
I really try to be open minded when it comes to other cultures, but this way of thinking is unacceptable and must end.
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Oh no, that is disgusting. I know that every culture has its norms but to blame an 8 year old for being raped is just inconceivable in my mind.
That poor girl--the one person who should be holding her and telling her everything is going to be okay has turned his back on her... Shame on him. If anyone put any shame to that family, it's the father.
July 26, 2009 - 6:43amThis Comment