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04/27/2004: "News Report straight from Africa"

The African Daily News

Robert O'Harry

I have recently witness a custom that I have found native to the western culture. It is called by said natives 'waxing', the removal of hair from the body using bees wax or other very stick substances, by applying cloth strips and ripping the hair out in one 'swift' motion. Why do these people inflict themselves such pain? They claim it is 'beauty.' It is unsightly for a woman above 12 to have any form of hair on her body, except for her head.

Therefor, these people see that 'waxing' is a wonderful alternative to get rid of hair because it lasts a long time. Never mind that the wax takes away skin, causes alot of pain and is very messy. It can also be seen as a right of passage...the transition from the razor to the waxing cloth. Here is a basic rundown of this barbaric practise:

First, you heat up this wax substance. Some of them in the microwave, some even come with their own machines to wax! Then you apply wax to the area that will have hair removed. This is a very sticky process. Next, you find a piece of cloth and put it over the wax, and rub it for a few seconds. Then you parch the skin, grab the end that goes against the hairline, and pull back. Repeat as nessessary...

This is a scary procedure, especally since these westerners are so obsessed with having a clean 'bikini line.' This involves waxing *very* sensitive areas and it is not recommended for the faint of heart, or men. However, in their culture it is seen as a normal part of life to wax this area. I have seen this torture ritual firsthand, and I can personally say that westerners are crazy. Sure, here in africa, we may rip every hair out of our daughters heads for a right of passage, but this waxing ritual is just barbaric if I ever did see one!

This is Robert O'Harry reporting for the African Daily News.