[jadis]

<<<mu·ti·late /ˈmyutlˌeɪt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[myoot-l-eyt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –verb (used with object), -lat·ed, -lat·ing. 1.to injure, disfigure, or make imperfect by removing or irreparably damaging parts: Vandals mutilated the painting.>>>


Question- do any of your children have their ears, or other parts of their bodies pierced? I would think that the definition of "mutilate" would also fit there. In fact, many things can fit under that definition if you choose to ignore the context. Surgery, even if it is life-saving, can be seen as a mutilation as you are potentially removing or causing damage to certain areas (the skin for instance).
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Also:

<<<If infections really are as prevailant (sp?) as you've all made out then the UK & European hospitals would be full of men with problems and the woman would all have thrush. We don't, that's the plain simple truth of it.>>>

I have never said infections were necessarily commonplace, but being engaged to someone who works in the medical field, he has seen this happen on more than one occasion. Common- not necessarily- but knowing it isn't common doesn't help if it does happen to you (or a close family member). It is also something that people don't talk about, as it's a very private issue....if it did happen to someone you know, you likely wouldn't hear about it unless you are very much "in the know". I would rather have it done as a pre-emptive measure that has very little side effects (think about it- if it was so horrible and removed so much sensation, why are men usually more vocal about getting it done to their sons if they have it done as well?), as opposed to needing it done later on. In fact, my fiance is much more vocal about having any male children circumcized because of his experiences- you would think if it was as horrible as some of the anti-circ advocates would have you to believe, as a circed male he would avoid inflicting this "pain" on his child.

[mollymae]

I have multiple family members who are nurses including an aunt who works in a hospital that is for the elderly and confused. (Not a home a hospital). I've had discussions with on this subject and she said they'd never really seen a huge difference in between circ and un circ men.

As for the sensitivity issue. My husband is circumsised due to a hyperspadious repair they did when he was 2. My ex wasn't. My husband didn't have a clue that he had reduced sensivity. He didn't know the glands on an uncut ***** are moist and not like normal skin. The difference in sensitivity is HUGE. Now that could just be the difference between two men I hear you say. But, I have had shorter experiences with other men who were cut and uncut and the difference was clear there too. You have to understand I'm british, the doctors here don't reccommend it. They don't even mention it when a baby boy is born. Hardly any men here are circumsised. Whilst you see me an anti circ nazi I'm just going on my experiences and my culture.

[twinzplus3]

I don't think she was referring to you as a Nazi. I think what she is saying is that when people tell you you've mutilated your child bc he is circumcised then the language is a little strong and unnecessarily so.

We obviously all care for our babies and love them dearly. To state or imply otherwise because what I chose is different than what you chose (or vice versa) is unfair. So can we help the OP with reasons for or against circumcision without using language like anti-circ Nazi and/or mutilation? If this thread continues in this way. . .I'm out.

[mollymae]

Who was name calling?

I was refering to Jadis's post that included this

"Not all methods are scary and barbaric- there are a few options, some less invasive than others. I would be leery of what they showed on tv, as they had probably showed the most heinous videos that the anti-circ nazis peddle around as "proof".
"
I never mentioned mutilation.

[twinzplus3]

Sorry. . .I edited my post to be more clear. The OP says this:

Those of you who have baby boys, did you have it done? Why or why not?

What I mean to say is that can we just answer that without using the strong language? Mutilation was mentioned elsewhere in the thread. Hopefully making more sense.

[lavatea]

I looked into this and was very much opposed but I cannot convince my fiance, so I guess we are having our son circumcised. One of my arguments was that we don't have appendixes and gallbladders removed at birth to preempt surgery later. Why would we cut part of the boys' genitals? Plus, we have to teach our daughters how to clean themselves properly, why couldn't we teach our sons?

Aaron is stuck on the baby being "normal", "like him" and "not getting made fun of later". Very cultural...

[wanttobemommy]

I honestly think it all comes down to culture and personal preference. I DO NOT think that mutilation is a word that should be used on this topic either because of the fact that it all does come down to personal preference. As stated before our son will be circumsised due to daddy being a circ man. I think that the word mutilate yes the definition fits BUT not in the way that we are so used to hearing to words. When I think mutilate I think someone cutting off a chunk of skin from someones face or taking an ear off. Not doing something which at one point was considered to be more healthy. I do not think it is a matter of health. And I do not have experience with an un circ man due to circumsision being so common so I do not know about the sensitivity of it all. I do usually believe what I hear if someone can back it up. So Joanne I will take your word for it. I have only seen one un circ boy before and that was my nephew and he was only un circ for a few months due to being severely premature the hospital wouldnt do it until he was considered a term baby.

[LeanyBean]

This seems to be a very hot debate with very many valid points and strong opinions handed out. I feel there is much tension in the thread. We all need to remember that the original question was why or why not. It wasn't about who is right or wrong. There is no right or wrong when it comes to circumcision. Technically it's just a piece of skin. You can live with it or without it. There are risks and benefits on both sides of the debate. As well as millions of reasons why parents have chosen to or not chosen to circumcise their sons.

[mcmama]

Thanks Arlene, I think your advice is the best way to proceed.

My sons were not circumcised - i saw no need for this at the time, and my ex was opposed to circumcision as he had to endure it for complications when he was an adolescent. Since then, however, I have come to regret the decision to not have the boys circumcised, because the procedure whether medical or ritual appears to be less stressful on an infant than on an older male when it is done properly. There is always the problem of infections later among the uncircumcised, and one of my sons ran this risk. It worked out ok with medications and creams, but it is an ongoing concern.

We're in a culturally diverse area where most males are circumcised, but it is not so unusual if they are not, so the alike and different thing is no big deal. It really is a decision best left to families one way or the other.

I think mutilation is too strong a word to use for routine male circumcision - and actually using the word mutilation to describe male circumcision by implication belittles the true mutilation that occurs with female circumcision which is really more accurately described as mutilation as it is a far more devastating injury with lifelong consequences. Properly circumcised males enjoy some health advantages, and the same can certainly not be said for female circumcision. Female circumcision results in lifelong pain and injury.

In continuing this discussion, let's please avoid the word "mutilation" for routine male circumcision. Most people I know who gather for a bris do not gather for a mutilation, but for a humanely performed ritual which appears to have some benefits. And honestly, if we were Jewish, or there were a Christian version of the bris, I would choose this rather than a hospital circumcision, as the baby is circumcised with immediate comfort of his family and loved ones, usually by a mohil with much experience and training.

[pattiewrites]

The Circumcision Debate

The above is a blog I wrote in Pregnancy on the topic. It dispels some of the myths about circ, which are running rampant in this thread!