Desire in Tunisia

Halfaouine is a movie that depicts the ideal image of desire through a young boys eyes named Noura. Noura is a boy seeking manhood, but is not at the age where it is acceptable. Young children go to community showers with their mothers until they are at age an age where they are too old or too curious. Noura watched the old teenage boys harass woman and “hit on” them as he was growing up. Come the age of twelve Noura became very curious. He would beg his mother he needed a shower and refused to go to the men’s shower so that he could see the naked women. The women represent the desire for manhood. Noura wanted to discover all parts of a woman’s body looked like and during the shower times that was not possible. The women had exposed breasts and bottoms, but cover their front private areas with a cloth or a ban. Noura’s family maid was young and attractive and he believed he could fulfill his desires by touching and undressing her in the dark at night. At home point Noura even tricked her into exposing her body so that he could massage her. Noura was smart in find ways into the world of a woman. He truly wanted to experience manhood and the curiosity was getting the best of him. After the maid was caught by Noura’s mother she was out of a job so at that point there was no more loss for her. The maid met Noura in his room under the covers and waited until he arrived. Upon arrival Noura received a slight smile and the lights went off. The maid brought a young boy into manhood. Noura’s desire of exploring the female anatomy was temporarily filled, but this will lead him to wanting more. There is no amount of something that is full of adventure and curiosity.

I found the process of circumcision very fascinating in that its extremely different from what I am accustomed to as an American. I didn’t realize it was so ritualistic in other cultures. My question about this experience is how it plays into the role of love and desire. I know there is a connection, but I am not finding it in my mind to share with you my opinion. Is circumcision very ritualistic in other cultures or is it just Tunisia?

The cultures were so drastically different from what I know as an American. I could not imagine growing up the way this culture did and I mean this with no disrespect. It’s incredible people can grow, develop and find strength in seeking and desiring love.