The Kite Runner:Gender roles in society
From the article:
http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2015/11/03/afghanistan-sexual-abuse-of-boys-resurrected-after-u-s-toppled-taliban/
I learned that "Bacha bazi “encompasses the ancient Afghan custom of powerful men sexually abusing young boys,” notes the office of the Special Inspector for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its most recent quarterly report to Congress. “The Taliban made the practice punishable by death, but bacha bazi has been resurrected since the fall of the Taliban.”
“Under the practice, young boys, also known as ‘chai (tea) boys’ are sold to wealthy and powerful men for entertainment and illicit sex,” it continues. “As women are not allowed to dance in public, boys are made to dance and perform feminine gestures and acts. Boys have been raped, kidnapped, trafficked, and even sold by their parents for family prestige and money.”
This custom that is brought on to young boys by wealthy men looking for entertainment was outlawed by the Taliban but it is now coming on strong since the Taliban s grip has loosen.These boys fall victim because they come from poor backgrounds and seek money. This effects real life boys boys like Omid
" Omid's story
I spent months trying to find a bacha who was willing to talk about his experience.
Omid (not his real name) is 15 years old. His father died in the fields, when he stepped on a landmine. As the eldest son, it's his job to look after his mother - who begs on the streets - and two younger brothers.
"I started dancing at wedding parties when I was 10, when my father died," says Omid.
"We were hungry, I had no choice. Sometimes we go to bed on empty stomachs. When I dance at parties I earn about $2 or some pilau rice."
I ask him what happens when people take him to hotels. He bows his head and pauses for a long time before answering.
Omid says he is paid about $2 for the night. Sometimes he is gang raped.
I ask him why he doesn't go to the police for help.
"They are powerful and rich men. The police can't do anything against them."
Omid's mother is in her early 30s, but her hair is white and her face creased. She looks at least 50. She tells me she only has half a kilo of rice and a few onions for dinner. They've run out of cooking oil.
She knows that her son dances at parties but she is more concerned about what they will eat tomorrow. The fact that her son is vulnerable to abuse is far from her mind."
source:http://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11217772
These boys have no choice in the life that they are forced to live its either dance and go along with the sexual assault today or face the starving face of family members they leave at home.These boys have no way to go to the police and even if they were to do so nothing would have been done because the abusers are wealthy and will never face any consequences for their actions.
"There have been very few attempts by the authorities to clamp down on the bachabaze tradition.
Muhammad Ibrahim, deputy Police Chief of Jowzjan province, denies that the practice continues.
"We haven't had any cases of bachabaze in the last four-to-five years. It doesn't exist here any more," he says.
It is the on the increase in almost every region of Afghanistan - I asked local authorities to act to stop this practice but they don't do anythingAbdulkhabir Uchqun, Afghan MP
"If we find any man practicing it we'll punish them."
According to Abdulkhabir Uchqun, an MP from northern Afghanistan, the tradition is not just alive, but steadily growing.
"Unfortunately it is the on the increase in almost every region of Afghanistan. I asked local authorities to act to stop this practice but they don't do anything," he says.
"Our officials are too ashamed to admit that it even exists."
Source :http://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11217772
