Conclusion
Analyzing Ms. magazine articles on female genital cutting leading up to the Female Genital Mutilation Act of 1996 and the congressional records of the act itself shows the complexity of the topic. The Female Genital Mutilation Act of 1996 reflects the cultural sensationalization western culture puts on African culture.
In 2015, Ms. magazine published an article titled "Female Genital Mutilation Isn't Just An African Problem" written by Madeline Smola [15]. The article calls on readers to support the Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2015 that calls for a multi-agency plan to prevent female genital cutting. The global fight to end female genital cutting is still ongoing and Ms. magazine keeps up-to-date with all the change in legislation around the practice.
By analyzing Ms. magazine, female gential cutting is frequently used against women but it is also paired with a sensationalized and generalized portrayal in the media. To properly fight against female genital cutting, the movement needs to be led by women who come from the cultures where genital cutting is practice. Others who want to be supporters of the movement must seek proper education of the topic to avoid further fabrication of the practice and its cultural meaning.