M9.

Activity: Reaction Essay

a.) Suri women

In the documentary shown in the video of lip plates culture of Suri women, I felt sad and
amazed at the same time. Because they endure the pain they experience, even if it is physically
painful. Also, it is their culture, so they are respecting it. Even if some of them did not want to
and were forced to do it. Nonetheless, still it is their choice. In my perspective men should wear
it too so that they can understand the pain that every women feel. They are compelled to
disfigure themselves for the men in the tribe. But I can say that it’s commendable that some
young women are standing up for themselves and refusing to do it. She defies the odds and
does what she believes is right for her. Not worrying if a man will marry her and give her cattle.
As she says. “If he likes me he will give me cattle.“ Otherwise, he can find another girl. Their
lives and happiness worth more than a cattle. It's really sad that their lip plate basically
determines their worth. They’re value is so much more than a cattle. Furthermore, it is their
standard of beauty. It is their culture and for them it is beautiful. This is what they perceive as
true beauty and that changing their physical appearance in order to be loved, respected and to
create wealth for their families makes them genuinely happy even though they did not want it.