Traditionalists are decreasing almost daily, shifting to a much more ‘modern’ lifestyle. This could be as a result of the many changes happening in the world and thus forcing traditionalist societies to adapt.
However, the beliefs of the previous generations must be preserved and passed on to the current generation.
The main way to pass on these rules and regulations is through culture. This is true for any culture, although these days’ people choose to follow the procedures that best suit them in their culture.
One such procedure that has tremendously changed is that of virginity testing.
According to the previous ‘older’ generations, virginity testing was a must. The procedure displays purity, self-respect and dignity. It also showed respect for the community. If the virginity testing procedure was ignored, it showed disrespect and a lack of discipline for oneself and the entire community. Sexual intercourse before marriage is seen as a sin and a disgraceful act. Therefore, the ‘older’ generation emphasized the virginity testing procedure.
Virgins are viewed as assets for marriage. A marrying man will prefer to wed a virgin as she is still seen as ‘pure’. The father of the bride will be seen as a dignified, well respected man and a man of status. This will lead to the father of the bride been given more labola.
For modern females, this procedure is not seen as necessary or dignified. It publicly categorises females into a group of either a valued or devalued individual.
This could be seen as a virginity lie detector test.
The South African Constitution highlights the way of life and the rights of an individual regardless of race or culture. Dignity can therefore be seen by the choices of the female participating in the virgin testing and not necessarily by the community.
A female should be awarded the opportunity to choose whether or not she wants to participate in the virginity testing procedure. If a female is forced to go through with the virginity testing, it infringes on her human dignity. We need to ask questions such as,” What happens when it is discovered that a female is not a virgin because she was sexually abused or raped?”, “What are the consequences if this is discovered?”, “Will she regain her human dignity and self respect?”
Although (forced) virginity testing goes against some of our rights in our countries constitution, this procedure should still be practiced by those who are willing, as it is part of a cultural procedure. Those females, who are willing to expose themselves to their communities as virgins, will do so to bring out their cultural values and to uphold their self-image. Traditionally, being a virgin makes you dignified. However, not performing the procedure does not make you undignified.
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