Circumcision
 

Circumcision is the surgical removal of some or all the foreskin from the penis. Typically, the procedure is done on adolescents or on infants, such as in the jewish "bris" circumcision ceremony.

Circumcision is very common in many parts in the world such as in the United States and is controversial for different reasons. Those who are against may point at numerous studies documenting reduced sexual function such as reduced glans sensitivity or possible medical complications as a result of the procedure or point out that noone should be forced to have their genitalia cut. Those who are for may claim that circumcision helps prevent diseases such as HIV from spreading or even that circumcision is a commandment from God which should be obeyed.

So, how do you feel about it? Is it okay to circumcise babies? Is it a good practice for medical or religious reasons that should be adopted across the world or is it a barbaric practice perpetuated by myth and superstition that should be abolished?

I think it's ridiculous and barbaric. As far as I know, there's no real health reasons to do so. The only thing it can do is hurt a baby and make sex less pleasurable.

Damn, if god says do it y'all better chop that pecker down!

It's unnecessary entirely, imo. Even though I have Jew in my title, I'm not Jewish at all, but I deeply respect Jewish people, but am confused why such a tradition needs to continue.

I believe there are a lot of medical myths about benefits of circumcision. When it comes to actual pros and cons, I think the cons definetly outweigh the pros. Basically, I too think the practice pretty much boils down to genital mutilation and feel that the circumcision of young should be abolished. I've often wondered why it's as accepted as it is in this day and age.

Amusing coincidence, this Kids in the Hall Sketch was playing as I read this thread.

I'd probably let my kid decide for himself when he's old enough to understand it; as for anybody else, it's whatever they decide for themselves (this is a situation where my libertarian stance applies).

I know it's kinda unfair to make the analogy, but if you feel that parents have the right to abort the fetus, you should definitely feel they have the right to circumcise a child. What separates mutilation prior to birth and mutilation after birth?

That doesn't seem realistic. I don't think anybody who would be old enough to understand the process and remember it would go through with it.

Exactly