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For centuries, Afghan men have taken boys, roughly 9 to 15 years old, as lovers. Some research suggests that half the Pashtun tribal members in Kandahar and other southern towns are bacha baz, the term for an older man with a boy lover. Literally it means "boy player." The men like to boast about it. "Having a boy has become a custom for us," Enayatullah, a 42-year-old in Baghlan province, told a Reuters reporter. "Whoever wants to show off should have a boy."
In Kandahar, population about 500,000, and other towns, dance parties are a popular, often weekly, pastime. Young boys dress up as girls, wearing makeup and bells on their feet, and dance for a dozen or more leering middle-aged men who throw money at them and then take them home. A recent State Department report called "dancing boys" a "widespread, culturally sanctioned form of male rape."
Even after marriage, many men keep their boys, suggesting a loveless life at home. A favored Afghan expression goes: "Women are for children, boys are for pleasure." Fundamentalist imams, exaggerating a biblical passage on menstruation, teach that women are "unclean" and therefore distasteful. One married man even asked Cardinalli's team "how his wife could become pregnant," her report said. When that was explained, he "reacted with disgust" and asked, "How could one feel desire to be with a woman, who God has made unclean?" advertisement | your ad here That helps explain why women are hidden away - and stoned to death if they are perceived to have misbehaved. Islamic law also forbids homosexuality. But the pedophiles explain that away. It's not homosexuality, they aver, because they aren't in love with their boys.
As one boy, in tow of a man he called "my lord," told the Reuters reporter: "Once I grow up, I will be an owner, and I will have my own boys."
Originally posted by Sherlock Holmes
Surely the fact that this practice appears to be confined to regions of Afghanistan suggests that it is cultural rather than religious ?
Sociologists and anthropologists say the problem results from perverse interpretation of Islamic law.
I don't see why the religious aspect needs to be brought up...
Originally posted by Bee2010
It is an inevitable reaction that men will seek other men and boys to satisfy their needs.
Alternatively is the men have access, they will seek out small children of either gender.
Originally posted by WhateverHappens
Originally posted by Bee2010
It is an inevitable reaction that men will seek other men and boys to satisfy their needs.
Alternatively is the men have access, they will seek out small children of either gender.
You are one sick individual.
Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic
Sociologists and anthropologists say the problem results from perverse interpretation of Islamic law.
Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic
Because that's the only way to spread the fear of "Islamification".
Sadly, my question was more rhetorical than a genuine inquiry, as the conclusion I had reached was the same as yours.
I find it sad how so many people will willingly let themselves get caught up in the Islamophobia that is constantly being reported as ''news''.
Originally posted by LarryLove
reply to post by MMPI2
This has been talked about before at great length on ATS. No new news here. As more clear-minded members have already said: this is cultural and not religious. Let us not forget how Catholic priests have a penchant for kids as well.