Tradition vs. Autonomy: Examining Female Genital Circumcision in So the Path Does Not Die by Pede Hollist

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Introduction

In So the Path Does Not Die by Pede Hollist, the theme of female genital circumcision (FGC) plays a significant role in shaping the protagonist’s life and choices. The novel explores the deeply rooted cultural practice through the perspectives of Finaba (Fina) and Cammy, highlighting the generational and ideological tensions surrounding FGC in African societies.

Understanding the Theme of Female Genital Circumcision (FGC) in the Novel

FGC is portrayed in the novel as both a cultural tradition and a source of trauma for the protagonist, Fina. The novel examines the practice through:

• The social expectations that pressure girls to undergo FGC.
• The physical and emotional impact of the procedure.
• The struggle between tradition and modernity, as seen in the opposing views of different characters.

Fina’s personal experience with FGC significantly influences her choices regarding identity, relationships, and migration.

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Finaba's (Fina's) Perspective on FGC

Fina represents a victim of FGC who struggles with its long-term consequences. Her perspective is shaped by her traumatic childhood experience and the way the practice affects her emotionally and physically.

1. FGC as a Source of Trauma

   • As a young girl in Sierra Leone, Fina is expected to undergo circumcision as part of her initiation into womanhood. However, the experience is deeply traumatic, leaving her with psychological scars that affect her sense of self and her relationships with others.
   • The pain and suffering she endures make her question the necessity of the practice, especially as she grows older and becomes more exposed to alternative perspectives on womanhood and identity.

2. FGC and the Loss of Innocence

   • The experience of circumcision marks a turning point in Fina’s life, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of cultural expectations.
   • She begins to resent the tradition and those who enforce it, feeling that her autonomy was taken away from her.

3. FGC as a Factor in Migration and Identity Struggles

   • Fina’s experience with FGC becomes one of the reasons she distances herself from her homeland. She associates the practice with oppression and a lack of personal agency, which fuels her desire to escape and seek a life where she has control over her body and choices.
   • However, despite her rejection of FGC, she struggles with cultural displacement, feeling caught between her African heritage and the Western ideals she is exposed to.

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Cammy's Perspective on FGC

Cammy represents a modern, Western-influenced perspective that is critical of FGC. Unlike Fina, she has not undergone the procedure, which gives her an outsider's view of the practice.

1. FGC as a Violation of Human Rights

   • Cammy sees FGC as a form of oppression and gender-based violence. She strongly opposes the practice, believing that it violates a woman's right to bodily autonomy.
   • Her perspective is influenced by Western feminist ideals, which emphasize the importance of consent and personal choice in matters of tradition and culture.

2. FGC as a Symbol of Patriarchal Control

   • Cammy argues that FGC is not just a cultural tradition but also a tool used by patriarchy to control women's sexuality.
   • She believes that by subjecting girls to circumcision, society enforces submission and purity, ensuring that women conform to traditional roles without questioning them.

3. Clash with Traditional African Values

   • Cammy’s strong opposition to FGC sometimes puts her at odds with those who defend it as an essential cultural practice.
   • While she acknowledges the importance of cultural identity, she believes that harmful traditions must be abandoned for progress to take place.
   • Her stance aligns with global human rights campaigns against FGC, advocating for education and awareness as a means of eradicating the practice.

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The Clash of Perspectives: Tradition vs. Modernity

The contrast between Fina and Cammy’s perspectives reflects the larger cultural debate about FGC in African societies:

The novel presents these conflicting perspectives to highlight the complexity of cultural change. While Cammy’s outright rejection of FGC aligns with progressive ideals, Fina’s experience shows that breaking away from harmful traditions is not always straightforward—it is entangled with emotions, identity, and societal expectations.

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Conclusion

In So the Path Does Not Die, Pede Hollist explores the theme of female genital circumcision through the contrasting perspectives of Fina and Cammy. Fina, as a survivor, grapples with the trauma of FGC and its impact on her identity, while Cammy, as an outsider to the practice, approaches it from a human rights and feminist standpoint. The novel presents FGC as a symbol of the tension between tradition and modernity, highlighting the personal and societal struggles faced by those affected by the practice. Through these perspectives, Hollist challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of cultural identity, autonomy, and the need for progressive change.