Homosexuality In Tanzania Essay

Homosexuality Tanzania remains to be a nation dwelling on ideals of the past; male dominated societies, women forced into early marriages, and grand families. Homosexuality, rather the negative perception towards it is another example of that. Although it has always been a subject that has been looked down on by in many communities, the Tanzanian government recently made an approach to eradicate the practice as a whole. Homosexual acts have been sanctioned illegal, and anyone who is in contact, or in social networking range, with another person practicing the forbidden acts is subject to the same consequence. A prison sentence for a term more than one year and less than five years, or a fine not less than one hundred thousand and not exceeding …show more content…
In rural areas of Tanzania, there has been an increased occurrences in number of cases of female students becoming pregnant prior to completing basic education. Despite becoming pregnant, certain girls decide to pursue education into higher institutions of learning. This is extremely taboo in tanzanian culture, however it was also punishable by the law. The pregnant female and the male who impregnated her are both expelled from school, combined with a jail sentence after the child is born for both parties.

Some of the more traditionalists believe that just because a female teen does not take care of herself and becomes pregnant should not be allowed to attend school once again, unless it was a case of forced rape. This defense is to maintain the current social norms in place. If there were multiple girls who became pregnant, and after giving birth went back to school, it would convey that becoming pregnant during schooling years is normal. That it is okay to fool around and be cautious of one's actions towards their future. …show more content…
Apart from being important to the tribe or family, they are a symbol for wisdom and experience for the rest of of the community. Any defiance shown towards an elder, such as not greeting them with the appropriate word “Shikamoo” is believed to result in a week full of bad luck. When making conversation with an elder it is necessary to put oneself equal to, or below the level of an elder. For example, if an elder were sitting down, for one to initiate a conversation they would have to lower themselves to the level of the elder either by sitting or crouching, thus they are able to converse. In addition, elders seem to extensive knowledge about certain topics, therefore whenever they are to speak it is highly important that one does not call them out on the spot for an error. That comment should be saved for later when one and the elder are in the presence of none else. Similarly it is taboo for one to speak back directly to an elder, it comes off as rude and repulsive. Parents in a way are elders as well, Father and Mother has reserved words when being in conversation with. It is necessary for a Tanzanian child to call his/ her father and mother “baba” and “mama” and likewise, these words have to mentioned in any reference when speaking directly to that parental figure. For example a child would have to address his