I am very offended and almost surprised that such an event occurred. I feel that there many issues surrounding the creation of a cake which was supposed to represent a black woman, yet was conveyed by an Afro-Se Afro-Swedish artist Makode Linde – who was blackfaced, let alone performing a clitoridectomy on the cake as an attempt to bring awareness to the global practice of female circumcision. This cake symbolizes the notion that genital mutilation is a “primitive” practice, which is more commonly performed by black individuals. The creation and actions of the individuals involved further supports the notion of an “us” vs. “them” mentality. For Westerners are depicted as having overcome inequality, as being more innovated, and having the authority to “help” the less unfortunate individuals affected by the practice of female circumcision. However, within western society genitalia mutilation occurs, yet is centered within a medical realm as a cosmetic-surgery procedure. Furthermore, the fact that this cake was presented during an event and did not create a sobering or awakening effect, but rather elicited a response of laughter and photo-taking, suggests that there exists a sort of entertaining element to the cake, just as freak shows and photos served previously in history. I don’t agree with the supporters of this event and act that this “artistic” attempt to address a global practice of female circumcision was simply that, a way of shedding light on an issue or sparking discussion surrounding the topic. Much rather, I feel that this was a racist and inappropriate way to addressing the practice of female circumcision. It only further instills the notion that this is an “others” problem, and negates to acknowledge larger socioeconomic, political and historical involvement.
Angela B.
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