Circumcision

Thom Yorke · 10-01-2011, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

I'm curious why people are discussing this as a health risk, or not. The reason why children are circumcised has nothing to do with medical science. It's in the Bible, and the vast majority is carried on due to tradition.

Now, find me an analysis on cutting off toes, or nipples, or the health effects of anything else. There are none. The only reason that it's being analyzed on that level is to distract the fact that the tradition has been carried over so many years obviously due to religious tradition, any other 'health fact' involving is just a distraction of that.

The only reason I personally haven't mentioned religion or culture is because I put no weight behind it. Sure, that's a main reason why people have their children circumcised but it's definitely not the only one. The only factor that will come into play when I make the decision to circumcise my kid will be for medical purposes.

Just because some religious zealots may try to overstate health complications for the uncircumcised and use it as a distraction doesn't mean you should throw out the idea completely. There are increased health risks if you don't perform the procedure.

Paedantic Basterd · 10-01-2011, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thom Yorke

Just because some religious zealots may try to overstate health complications for the uncircumcised and use it as a distraction doesn't mean you should throw out the idea completely. There are increased health risks if you don't perform the procedure.

I'm guessing that the risks associated with not lopping off your foreskin are so minor as to be totally arguable, as the risks with using mouthwash or drinking apple juice or being left-handed are. If they were notable risks, then by now I think we'd have naturally selected the foreskin out of our genepool.

Guybrush · 10-01-2011, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedestrian

I'm guessing that the risks associated with not lopping off your foreskin are so minor as to be totally arguable, as the risks with using mouthwash or drinking apple juice or being left-handed are. If they were notable risks, then by now I think we'd have naturally selected the foreskin out of our genepool.

Yes, the foreskin has important biological functions as Erica pointed out, for example being highly sensitive and allowing for non-abrasive sex. What the last part means is that the extra skin on the penis acts as a sort of buffer rolling over the shaft which for example allows for non-abrasive masturbation without lubricants. Basically, cutting the penis would impair sexual function for example when masturbating which I'm sure is deeply rooted in why the culture developed in the first place. Religions typically have problems with sexual drive.

As an intact male, I feel I should point out that I don't have any problems cleaning myself. My foreskin retracts just fine and if for some reason it doesn't for some, that's a medical problem that can and is taken care of without circumcision.

Howard the Duck · 10-01-2011, 04:07 AM

it's there no option for "indifferent"?

my dad is circumcised, i'm not

he certainly had no problems conceiving me

Guybrush · 10-01-2011, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Il Duce

it's there no option for "indifferent"?

I'm not really that interested in indifferent opinions. I think people who are indifferent about it should read a bit - for example the stuff Erica mentions - and then form an opinion against circumcision.

The Monkey · 10-01-2011, 04:44 PM

It's no better than cutting out the tongue on a newborn infant. It's a barbaric practice that ought to be criminalized. If it wasn't for the religious context, everyone would be revolted by it. Just another proof of the undeserved respect that religion receives in modern society.

Mykonos · 10-01-2011, 04:53 PM

Well, I can see what you're saying with babies, but I don't think it should be banned for anyone capable of making a decision. Like people here have said, everyone sees things differently, and some people might want it, even need it.

midnight rain · 10-01-2011, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tore

Yes, the foreskin has important biological functions as Erica pointed out, for example being highly sensitive and allowing for non-abrasive sex. What the last part means is that the extra skin on the penis acts as a sort of buffer rolling over the shaft which for example allows for non-abrasive masturbation without lubricants. Basically, cutting the penis would impair sexual function for example when masturbating which I'm sure is deeply rooted in why the culture developed in the first place. Religions typically have problems with sexual drive.

I'm confused by what you said here. Are you saying circumcised people can't masturbate without lubricants?

Mykonos · 10-01-2011, 08:04 PM

I've decided that on a purely personal note, I'm voting against. I've heard... cases with... a little more than usual being taken off in the operations. I'd rather not take that risk, no matter how small it is.

~~someonecompletelyrandom~~ · 10-01-2011, 10:07 PM

If I were a lady or gay, I'd definitely prefer a nice, clean rod as opposed to something that looks like it washed ashore on a beach in New Zealand.

View Poll Results: How do you feel about circumcision?
For	11	26.19%
Against	31	73.81%
Voters: 42. You may not vote on this poll

10-01-2011, 04:44 PM	#36 (permalink)
The Monkey Music Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Sweden Posts: 803	It's no better than cutting out the tongue on a newborn infant. It's a barbaric practice that ought to be criminalized. If it wasn't for the religious context, everyone would be revolted by it. Just another proof of the undeserved respect that religion receives in modern society. __________________ Now another stranger seems to want you to ignore his dreams as though they were the burden of some other My Last.fm Last edited by The Monkey; 10-02-2011 at 11:01 AM.

10-01-2011, 04:53 PM	#37 (permalink)
Mykonos AWhatup Ganache? Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 381	Well, I can see what you're saying with babies, but I don't think it should be banned for anyone capable of making a decision. Like people here have said, everyone sees things differently, and some people might want it, even need it. __________________ 'Not that Becktionary, the Rhyming Becktionary!'- Bender Bending Rodriguez

10-01-2011, 08:04 PM	#39 (permalink)
Mykonos AWhatup Ganache? Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 381	I've decided that on a purely personal note, I'm voting against. I've heard... cases with... a little more than usual being taken off in the operations. I'd rather not take that risk, no matter how small it is. __________________ 'Not that Becktionary, the Rhyming Becktionary!'- Bender Bending Rodriguez

10-01-2011, 10:07 PM	#40 (permalink)
~~someonecompletelyrandom~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,538	If I were a lady or gay, I'd definitely prefer a nice, clean rod as opposed to something that looks like it washed ashore on a beach in New Zealand.