Well, get over it snfu.
The idea of a baby being strapped down to have healthy skin sliced off their genitals without anaesthetic, won't stop being repulsive to me just because you're hung up on some word someone used at some point in the argument.
The fact that you can't remember it, and think the end result was worth it, is a moot point frankly.
If an adult wants to be circumcised, or if a medical condition warrants circumcision, then by ALL MEANS, get it done. But routine, un-anaesthetised cosmetic surgery on the genitalia of babies and children, is not okay.
http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/
Okayyyy...
I think at this point I have to clarify what I am arguing here. I am not trying to argue that people should have their babies circumsized. I am not trying to say that there is no pain involved. I am not trying to tell anyone that they are wrong in believing that circumcision is not something they support. What I am trying to do is point out why I feel frustrated by the harsh rhetoric around it...because...well, I am circumsized, and object strongly to this idea that I have been mutilated. But, that is also a personal view. If someone has been circumcized and DOES feel as though they have been mutilated, I do support their feelings on that. That is their personal experience...that is how they feel about what has happened to them, and I cannot tell someone how they should percieve the experience....just as I am objecting to this idea that I feel that I am being told how I should perceive the experience. My experiences have been positive, like I said. I feel that the issues with hygiene are very valid. I feel glad that the procedure was done for me, when it was done for me. It was a positive thing. I, personally, would consider having the procedure done on my son, if we have one, and if my wife feels that it is the right thing to do as well. However, I also understand the concerns put forth. I have never meant to say that babies do not feel pain from the procedure. I believe they do. But, I do have doubts about long term psychological effects. I have been reading that more and more hospitals are using anesthetic for the procedure. I support that. I do understand that their are risks to the procedure. I do realize that in some cases the procedure is done for cosmetic purposes, and I don't feel that that is the right point of view to make the choice from. The statistic I read last night, and will try to refind, backed the concept that being circumsized reduces the chance for infections...such as urinary tract infections. I believe the numbers were that these infections happen in 1 out of every 1000 circumcized babies, and at a rate of 1 out of every 100 in non circumcized babies. I do believe, and understand how that can be so. There is also new evidence suggesting that being circumcized can reduce the risk of aids...although I have no idea how that works. So, what I am arguing is that, I can understand why there is concern. I can support that someone would not want to circumcise their child, I can support that there are great concerns, I am not saying that anyone is totally wrong...and I am not speaking for anyone else, except me. I am attempting to defend my OWN experience with the procedure, and state why I do not feel that I PERSONALLY have been mutilated, and why I object to the notion that I have been.
As far as FGM, again, it's complex. The only reason I feel that would be a good reason to have it would be for hygenic purposes. I can see, especially in poorer, rural areas, where baths or showers might not be as frequent, that there would be a benefit. Where there is increased chance of infections do to this factor, heat, bugs, whatever. I do not have information to support what I am saying, and I am not saying that I am exactly right here...what I am saying is that I don't know if I by the notion that there is absolutely NO good reason to have the procedure done. I don't know very much about FGM, as I have said. I don't want to completely condemn parents who have made the decision in a well thought out manner. I do, however, support those who might be against it in the sense that I can see that there would be great downsides as well. I don't know. Anyway, I don't think it is a black and white issue. I think it is very complicated. I think that one cannot tell another person that they have been mutilated if they don't feel they have been mutilated. That...is wrong. BUT, I can see that people feel passionatly about this subject and have good reasons for not wanting to see it happen in the future.
Complicated.
