Happy Atheist Forum

I'm doing a research paper on circumcision, and I'd like to get a few thoughts on this topic before I'd actually start on the paper itself. Here are some of my questions regarding this practice.

a.) What are the negative effects of circumcision on the individual, family, and/or society? And how common is it?

b.) How do other cultures/countries view circumcision?

c.) Is circumcision considered to be a personal sexual problem? How so?

d) Describe at least 2 opposing viewpoints regarding how one might cope with circumcision.

d.) Describe an opposing technique used by another culture/country.

e.) Do you think circumcision will last forever? Or will it eventually "die?"

Thanks for your time. And any great links regarding this topic would be great! Take care!

I'm not sure if you've seen it, but there's a thread (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3608&hilit=circumcision) here with some decent links and discussion of the issue.

Good luck with your paper, NaturaLCalamity.

Also Penn and Teller did a Bullshit! episode on Circumcision.  Its worth checking out.  They get opposing view points and everything.

Is it male or female circumcision? Male circumcision just makes the penis look like it's not wearing a turtleneck... Female circumcision can be torture and (intentionally) permanent damage to the clitoris.

Circumcision has been done originally for religious purposes, now for general hygiene.  Most people have it done in  the hospital.   Jews have circumcisions done in the home and afterward there is a party.   Avoid the calamari.

Quote from: "Ellainix"Is it male or female circumcision? Male circumcision just makes the penis look like it's not wearing a turtleneck... Female circumcision can be torture and (intentionally) permanent damage to the clitoris.

I think you are somewhat understating the male circumcision and its effects.

Quote from: "buttercupbaby"now for general hygiene.  

I think the main reason is still religious/cultural.  I've done a bit of research in the past and there doesn't seem to be a real need for male circumcision as long as the boy is taught to clean himself well. In the, apparently rare, cases where proper hygiene doesn't prevent health issues the circumcision can be performed when the male is older.  Some arguments have been made that sexual stimulation is lessened by circumcision and that beneficial glands are removed by the process.  The only draw back to having it done when older is the male being able to remember the pain; as I can't imagine it hurts much less to circumcise a baby than an adult.

If I have a boy, I don't plan on having him circumcised unless my husband has a really good reason for why he thinks it is the right choice (which I don't think will be the case; we've discussed it in the past and his only comment was that it was done to him and he is more than functional   ).