Giuseppe embarks on a unique mission in Mauritius, exploring the cultural practices and beauty standards through his “Project Happiness.”
His journey takes him to Kiffa, far from the capital and usual tourist paths, to delve into a deeply rooted custom affecting Mauritanian women. His aim is simple yet profound: to uncover what happiness means to the people he meets through the lens of their traditions and lifestyles.
In Kiffa, an ancient tradition persists discreetly. It involves “Leblouh,” the practice of force-feeding girls to make them gain weight rapidly. This practice stems from the belief that a plumper figure symbolizes prosperity, health, and fertility, traits highly valued in a wife.
Despite the widespread nature of this practice, with around 80% of women having undergone it, it remains a sensitive topic, rarely discussed openly.
Giuseppe’s interactions reveal the complex emotions surrounding Leblouh.
Many mothers, believing there’s no alternative for securing their daughters’ futures, subject them to extreme eating regimens. This often includes the consumption of vast amounts of food and drink, sometimes under duress, reflecting a harsh reality masked by the guise of tradition.
The market in Kiffa offers a vibrant backdrop as women engage in embroidery, crafting traditional Mauri cushions. Here, amidst the bustling activity, the real stories of these women unfold. Giuseppe’s presence, a rare sight in this locale, stirs curiosity and gradually opens doors to deeper conversations with the local women.
As he navigates through these interactions, Giuseppe learns of the physical and emotional scars left by Leblouh.
One woman, recalling her own experiences, shares poignant insights into the pressures of conforming to this beauty standard. She explains the substantial meals and drinks, like camel’s milk mixed with millet, which are central to the fattening process.
The discussion then shifts to the broader implications of such beauty ideals. While the local view deems fuller women as more desirable, this often comes at the cost of their health.
The conversation opens up about the evolving perceptions of beauty and health, highlighting a gradual shift as more people recognize the dangers associated with obesity.
Mauritius’s unique perspective on beauty challenges commonly held standards elsewhere.
However, it also raises critical ethical questions about the prioritization of aesthetic ideals over individual well-being. Giuseppe reflects on these themes, considering how societal norms can sometimes obscure the more profound, often harmful impacts of such practices.
His journey is not just about uncovering harsh realities but also about finding moments of beauty in unexpected places. The oasis in Terjit, revered for its serene beauty amid the harsh desert, symbolizes hope and survival, offering a poignant contrast to the intense social pressures experienced by the women of Mauritania.
As he concludes his visit, Giuseppe contemplates the universal quest for beauty.
He reflects on how beauty standards are heavily influenced by cultural context and how true beauty might actually reside in our individual differences and moral values.
His journey through Mauritania not only exposes the stark realities of Leblouh but also invites a broader reflection on the diverse interpretations of beauty around the world.
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