Totally OT:circumcisions?

[deeaa*]

Hey,

Just popped in my head reading news - isn't it still rather common in some places in the U.S. to have boy children circumcised?

Just read in the news that some couple here had done that to their boy baby and they got fines for roughly 4000 dollars or so, half of it to be paid to the victim once he'll be 18.

[sunvalleylaw]

Not sure how you are going to talk about these issues without getting into religious or political decisions, other than to say whether or whether not it occurs, so be careful folks. It does occur quite regularly here in the states.

[Heywood Jablomie]

According to an article in the March/April issue of Mother Jones magazine, the routine circumcision rate in the US in 2006 was 56%. Personally, I feel that it is mutilation.

[sumitomo]

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!Don't do that it hurts! Sumi

[poodlesrule]

the routine circumcision rate in the US in 2006 was 56%. Personally, I feel that it is mutilation.

I thought the rate was much higher, mostly because the medical community thinks it is a much heathier "configuration" (for lack of better word).

[deeaa*]

Well yeah, I suppose it has started from religious practices somewhat, but I'm guessing that's not the basic idea usually. I mean, 56%? Can't be all or even significantly driven by religious ideals. I dunno if it's political either, I think it's just a matter of, hm, I dunno, customs in certain areas.

[Spudman***]

The argument I'd always heard was that it is easier to keep the unit clean and free from disease. Someone should do some research and find out exactly why this practice continues.

[Bloozcat]

It's origins are religious. It first started in Abraham's time and was part of God's covenant with the Hebrew people. It became a Judeo/Christian tradition after that.

[deeaa*]

I am under the impression that that indeed was a part of the original idea, along with the idea that it would disencourage masturbation, which was seen as a really bad thing in the 50's and so. However, more recent studies and reports have for long, IMO, only found bad things about circumcision.

I don't know if there are any exact ailments that one could have without circumcision, except perhaps in cases of extreme lack of cleanliness maybe, but I know for a fact that circumcision, even when done strictly medically, has a pretty high percentage of complications.

I see it like, if it's not broken, why fix it? Sure, chopping off the entire member would also save the person from a lot of trouble such as STD's but I figure there's some use to it since it's there ;-)

I don't know if those who've been operated really feel like they're missing anything - how could they anyway, but I'd not do it and definitely not to my kids.

[sunvalleylaw]

The health stuff seems to be a "depends on who you ask" deal. We looked at some studies when the kids were born that seemed to indicate that its health benefits were marginal, and really not a good reason when you look at the big picture, and presuming good hygiene. We opted to not do that procedure on our boys, but they are regularly reminded to wash.

[piebaldpython***]

If the rate is now 56%, then that means a whole bunch of people smartened up. Having been born in Philly in 1956, I can't think of ONE male that I know who was born in the USA before 1970 that wasn't circumcised. Not a ONE....unless he was foreign born or if his parents had recently emigrated from Europe.

My guess is that back in the day.....it was pretty much "automatic"....as in they did it right after they smacked the kid on the butt and put that "solution" into their eyes.

What seemed "routine", now seems "barbaric".

[Kazz]

Man can I remember going with my ex to have the circumcision done to my twin boys way back in 1991.....I was outside the office...and could still here them boys scream.....thank goodness this last time we had a girl, I could not have tolerated that noise again.

[bcdon***]

My guess is that back in the day.....it was pretty much "automatic"....as in they did it right after they smacked the kid on the butt and put that "solution" into their eyes.

Just like they used to remove everyone's tonsils. All these "automatic" operations are the bloodletting of our day, as is a pill for whatever ails you.

[mainestratman]

Both my boys were circ'ed. I got it done for half-off.. ;-)

[bcdon***]

Both my boys were circ'ed. I got it done for half-off.. ;-)

I'd offer you a tip to not do it again but I gather you already have two.

[Tig***]

I've seen this topic get pretty hot in other forums. Some feel very passionate about it. From what I know, it is really more cosmetic these days than anything else. If someone plans on their son becomong a porn actor, by all means, go with the snip!

I've known women who were very turned off by men who weren't circumsized, but then again, maybe they were just trying to make me feel better because I was.

But seriously, this is something the parents should decide before going to the hospital for delivery. Their decision is their own, and shouldn't be judged by outsiders.

[mainestratman]

I'd offer you a tip to not do it again but I gather you already have two.

ba dumpdump

[MAXIFUNK]

I have seen it done and all I'll say is there is now way I could do that to a child of mine.

As far as the 56% number sounds way to low for the USA. I would have to see more statistics from several sources before I accept 56% as factual number.

[Spudman***]

Man can I remember going with my ex to have the circumcision done to my twin boys way back in 1991.....I was outside the office...and could still here them boys scream.....thank goodness this last time we had a girl, I could not have tolerated that noise again.

I think it's supposed to be done before they get into their 20s.