We have a pretty easy time of with puberty compared to many of the puberty rites that go along some of the initiations I've been reading about. I don't think many of us have had to go through traumatic circumcisions, or be dropped out in the middle of the ocean to swim to shore at the first sign of menstrual cycles, or had our breasts ironed, or gauged our lips for beauty (ouch), or forced to burn our hands by handling a burning ball of cotton and then wear a mat covered with biting and stinging ants.

I don't think Western girls can say that learning to use an eyelash curler for the first time is anywhere near that painful. Sure, junior high is not usually full of fond memories, and some things can be emotionally distressing, but is any of that nearly as bad as all of the above?

I think this initiation assignment is wonderful in two ways - it gives us the opportunity to learn about different cultures from all the corners of the world, and it (at least, it does for me) gives pause for us to realize how fortunate we are that only dealt with acne and braces, and not scarification and poison. We are incredibly lucky.