Poll: Circumcision

[Spartan Bannana]

And based on the medical studies, there is no advantages of circumcision. It just seems like a rather barbaric, and possibly scarring practice.

Sorry to jump in there, Gormourn, but recently it's been found that being circumcised reduces the risk of catching HIV, as the virus attacks the cells in the foreskin. It still doesn't make you immune though.

I'm not gay, there's not a high chance I'll be getting HIV that way.

LOL, lolololololololol, did everyone already /pointlaugh at this guy? if not now is a good time.

Yeah, 'the gay flew', thank god you dodged that bullet...owait

'Fuckin christ, I wish people would just read the posts below that one, I was ignorant, I have been enlightened.
Besides, I still have a lower chance, and I don't plan on being a womanizer, so not much chance.

 

[Jumplion]

keep away from the jewish societies, they are a closed group with zionist, geoncidal beliefs AND they cut up babies penises.

So let me get this straight, you get part of your sexal organs removed as a child for religious reasons, and the child has no say in this?
In australia it is difficult to find a doctor to perform the operation because they know it is wrong, the basic idea is actually to make sex less enjoyable because sex is concidered sinful. who started this idea any way? "hey guys, can i cut up your kids dick?" "sure Abraham, after what happened between your son and you on the hill, you are perfectly reasonable, father of the year in fact!" anyone who eould do that to their babies, BABIES, should concider if they care more about their children or are having children for themselves to live through.

You clearly don't even know anything about Judaism, or at least the circumcision part of it.

Circumcision was started because infection could get anywhere. Less foreskin means less things to worry about and no need for extra maintenance down there. I'll admit, it doesn't have as much infection-prevention uses as today, but it still lowers the risk of infection.

You're acting as if circumcision only brings death and terror to the person. You cannot tell me that it's only negative benefits, but you can't tell me that it's the best thing in the world either. It's a "Better safe then sorry" predicament, and I can understand why some parents would let their kids have one and some don't. It's like when I got a Nuss Procedure [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuss_procedure] for a common deformity in the chest (A pectus [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pectus_excavatum]), mainly it was for cosmetic reasons, but if it was let to grow over time it could have hindered my breathing and heart rates. Better be safe and not let that possibility happen than let it continue. Same with braces actually, be safe and not let it crook and affect eating than letting it crook out.

If/When my kid(s) get circumcision, it won't be because it's a contract to god. It is because it shows that they have heritage. When they grow up, they can convert to any other religion and do whatever they want as long as they understand the concept of other religions, it doesn't matter to me. If they want, they can get a reverse circumcision if they hate it so bad, I don't care. Either way, though, they're Jewish, they have Jewish blood in them. I won't let them forget that, and they can either show off their circumcision in joy and pride, or in shame and disgust. It only affects them as much as they let it to.

 

[awmperry]

When done for medical reasons, fair enough. When done for elective, aesthetic reasons it's fine *if* it's the victi... sorry, patient's own choice.

If the parents choose to inflict it on their kids for religious, cultural or hygiene reasons, then it's barbaric, offensive and should be grounds for the child to sue for battery. Once they're old enough to speak, that is.

In Europe it's not the norm. The hygiene argument doesn't wash, by the way - because we do.



(Edited for a better punchline)

 

[Gooble]

I have not been circumcised, and don't plan on being, thanks to being European, non Jewish and not having any problems down there.

I can see the benefits of having it done, although doing it for aesthetic reasons seems un-necessary, especially as infections can easily be avoided. It would be interesting to find out why in America it's considered a fairly normal thing to have done, while in Europe you would probably only be circumcised if you were Jewish or had a medical problem.

And in regards to the practice of circumcision in Judaism, while doing it as a practicing Jew is all fine and dandy, it seems unfair to force any religion onto an unknowing child, especially if it contains a permanent physical mark. I was raised a Christian and I'm kind of upset that my parents got my baptised, but if I had been circumcised I would be extremely annoyed, because it would have been done without my knowledge, without knowing what it meant, without me being able to make an informed decision on whether I wanted to be a Jew or not, and because it would leave me with an obvious physical mark for life in the most intimate part of my body.

 

[Jumplion]

I have not been circumcised, and don't plan on being, thanks to being European, non Jewish and not having any problems down there.

I can see the benefits of having it done, although doing it for aesthetic reasons seems un-necessary, especially as infections can easily be avoided. It would be interesting to find out why in America it's considered a fairly normal thing to have done, while in Europe you would probably only be circumcised if you were Jewish or had a medical problem.

And in regards to the practice of circumcision in Judaism, while doing it as a practicing Jew is all fine and dandy, it seems unfair to force any religion onto an unknowing child, especially if it contains a permanent physical mark. I was raised a Christian and I'm kind of upset that my parents got my baptised, but if I had been circumcised I would be extremely annoyed, because it would have been done without my knowledge, without knowing what it meant, without me being able to make an informed decision on whether I wanted to be a Jew or not, and because it would leave me with an obvious physical mark for life in the most intimate part of my body.

I understand your concern, and I could understand how my kids would probably be pissed at me if they get circumcised, but I view Judaism as a part of me and my family. I can not change it, I can convert for whatever reason, but I'm still Jewish on the inside. I do not want my kids to forget their heritage and to forget who they are.

If they hate me for it, so be it, they can get one of those reversals. But it only affects them as much as they let it affect them. They can live life easily with it, it shouldn't affect anything about them as a person. (in the slightly modified words of MLK Jr. "I have a dream, that my kids will not be judged by the look of their penis, but by the content of their character." A stroke of brilliance on my behalf, if I do say so myself ;P )

I am not a religious person, but I will not suddenly decide that being Jewish is not important to me or my family. Hopefully you can understand, but I'll understand if you don't as circumcision is a pretty debatable topic.

 

[GothmogII]

I have not been circumcised, and don't plan on being, thanks to being European, non Jewish and not having any problems down there.

I can see the benefits of having it done, although doing it for aesthetic reasons seems un-necessary, especially as infections can easily be avoided. It would be interesting to find out why in America it's considered a fairly normal thing to have done, while in Europe you would probably only be circumcised if you were Jewish or had a medical problem.

And in regards to the practice of circumcision in Judaism, while doing it as a practicing Jew is all fine and dandy, it seems unfair to force any religion onto an unknowing child, especially if it contains a permanent physical mark. I was raised a Christian and I'm kind of upset that my parents got my baptised, but if I had been circumcised I would be extremely annoyed, because it would have been done without my knowledge, without knowing what it meant, without me being able to make an informed decision on whether I wanted to be a Jew or not, and because it would leave me with an obvious physical mark for life in the most intimate part of my body.

I understand your concern, and I could understand how my kids would probably be pissed at me if they get circumcised, but I view Judaism as a part of me and my family. I can not change it, I can convert for whatever reason, but I'm still Jewish on the inside. I do not want my kids to forget their heritage and to forget who they are.

If they hate me for it, so be it, they can get one of those reversals. But it only affects them as much as they let it affect them. They can live life easily with it, it shouldn't affect anything about them as a person. (in the slightly modified words of MLK Jr. "I have a dream, that my kids will not be judged by the look of their penis, but by the content of their character." A stroke of brilliance on my behalf, if I do say so myself ;P )

I am not a religious person, but I will not suddenly decide that being Jewish is not important to me or my family. Hopefully you can understand, but I'll understand if you don't as circumcision is a pretty debatable topic.

Always wondered about that...evidently you can change things like that...hence the countless schisms, disagreements and what not in practically every single religion past and present. Although in this case you've already stated it's a part of you and not something you would change. So fair enough heh.

 

[Gooble]

I have not been circumcised, and don't plan on being, thanks to being European, non Jewish and not having any problems down there.

I can see the benefits of having it done, although doing it for aesthetic reasons seems un-necessary, especially as infections can easily be avoided. It would be interesting to find out why in America it's considered a fairly normal thing to have done, while in Europe you would probably only be circumcised if you were Jewish or had a medical problem.

And in regards to the practice of circumcision in Judaism, while doing it as a practicing Jew is all fine and dandy, it seems unfair to force any religion onto an unknowing child, especially if it contains a permanent physical mark. I was raised a Christian and I'm kind of upset that my parents got my baptised, but if I had been circumcised I would be extremely annoyed, because it would have been done without my knowledge, without knowing what it meant, without me being able to make an informed decision on whether I wanted to be a Jew or not, and because it would leave me with an obvious physical mark for life in the most intimate part of my body.

I understand your concern, and I could understand how my kids would probably be pissed at me if they get circumcised, but I view Judaism as a part of me and my family. I can not change it, I can convert for whatever reason, but I'm still Jewish on the inside. I do not want my kids to forget their heritage and to forget who they are.

If they hate me for it, so be it, they can get one of those reversals. But it only affects them as much as they let it affect them. They can live life easily with it, it shouldn't affect anything about them as a person. (in the slightly modified words of MLK Jr. "I have a dream, that my kids will not be judged by the look of their penis, but by the content of their character." A stroke of brilliance on my behalf, if I do say so myself ;P )

I am not a religious person, but I will not suddenly decide that being Jewish is not important to me or my family. Hopefully you can understand, but I'll understand if you don't as circumcision is a pretty debatable topic.

Thank you for explaining this to me, and I fully understand. I was not aware that there are non-practicing Jews, as I believe you are describing yourself as. I am guessing you are seeing yourself as more part of a culture than a religion, which I fully respect. Christianity doesn't really seem to have anything like that, and I have only really had experiences with Christians and not other religions, hence my prior understanding of seeing Judaism as a religion and not a heritage/history.

 

[Jumplion]

Always wondered about that...evidently you can change things like that...hence the countless schisms, disagreements and what not in practically every single religion past and present. Although in this case you've already stated it's a part of you and not something you would change. So fair enough heh.

I will tell you, though, according to my Rabbi, he says that if two children somehow die from circumcision, then the third child (and any child after that) shall not be circumcised even if the parents want it (according to the Torah, of course, or whatever book it was from). Even religion has restraints.

 

[Jumplion]

Thank you for explaining this to me, and I fully understand. I was not aware that there are non-practicing Jews, as I believe you are describing yourself as. I am guessing you are seeing yourself as more part of a culture than a religion, which I fully respect. Christianity doesn't really seem to have anything like that, and I have only really had experiences with Christians and not other religions, hence my prior understanding of seeing Judaism as a religion and not a heritage/history.

Thank you for the understanding response And yes there are PLENTY of non-practicing Jews in the world, but even I attend services every now and again. Every Wednesday I go to Hebrew school and we talk about controversial topics (Hell, Satan, Antisemitic, Gays, Reincarnation, all that good stuff. And obviously, circumcision ;P ) I'm even going to a Purim (I think, shows how much I know about our holidays...) service tonight. Lots of ice-cream and hamantashen to fill us up.

 

[Aschenkatza]

I feel bad for the 6 girls who have been circumcised. (Really, I do: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_genital_cutting)

It isn't[and shouldn't be] referred to as "Female Circumcision". It's proper name is Female Genital Mutilation. You CAN NOT compare FGM to male circumcision. You just can't.

 

[ElephantGuts]

Why yes, I am circumcised, since I'm Jewish, and I'm proud of it. Thank you for asking.

And to the people who say there are no medical benefits of it, I thought there are some infections or something that you can get related to your foreskin, and thus the lack of a foreskin would protect you from contracting said infections? That sounds like a benefit to me.

I also read that being circumcised somehow gives you a less chance of contracting HIV, but I don't know how sure people are about that. Or how it would even help.

 

[smokeybearsb]

I'm circumcised, and I wish I wasn't. I personally want the experience of being uncircumcised. I don't think I'm gonna get my children circumcised

 

[NeverAiling]

Circumcission is one of the most horrible acts the human species is capable of. It arises from only one desire: that of parents to conquer their children, forever.

It is to say: If you should ever think you are strong, look down to the source of your strength. I have cut part of it off.

If you should ever think you are private, virgin, valuable, if you should ever have dignity, look down, between your very legs. My hands were there. And always will be.

If you should ever think sex is pleasurable, think again. You will never know. Because your dick is hardened and dried and toughened and you will never be the lover you could have been.

If you should ever value you your spouse, or be proud of your exploits, know I that I have followed you on every vacation, that I have made even your wife less valuable, taken away from her ability to pleasure you.

Because I took part of your manhood. And you can never have it back.

 

[thiosk]

the jewish doctor who circumsized me told my parents it was "his finest work"

thank god

and no smegma to smear

 

[NeverAiling]

LMAO

 

[DavidTanis]

I am circumcised, while there are no medical drawbacks currently, it's always safe for the precaution.
I can't stand however the social stigma affiliated with circumcisions. However you're a youngin' one day you'll look back and face palm at the ideas you had about all this. I know I face palmed about a lot of the ideas I had when I was in high school.

No medical draw backs? Ever play doctor with a girl only to find out half the nerves in your penis are gone from your parents religious ideals?

 

[DavidTanis]

Circumcission is one of the most horrible acts the human species is capable of. It arises from only one desire: that of parents to conquer their children, forever.

It is to say: If you should ever think you are strong, look down to the source of your strength. I have cut part of it off.

If you should ever think you are private, virgin, valuable, if you should ever have dignity, look down, between your very legs. My hands were there. And always will be.

If you should ever think sex is pleasurable, think again. You will never know. Because your dick is hardened and dried and toughened and you will never be the lover you could have been.

If you should ever value you your spouse, or be proud of your exploits, know I that I have followed you on every vacation, that I have made even your wife less valuable, taken away from her ability to pleasure you.

Because I took part of your manhood. And you can never have it back.

Your parents didn't hug you a lot did they?

 

[NeverAiling]

Honestly it's not that. You know what bothers me?

When I'm leaning against a wall talking to someone ugly and stupid and boxers rub against my exposed, naked junk and I get momentarily slightly aroused.

When I'm talking to a female relative and I can feel exactly how my junk is positioned in my pants and I looking at someone, and talking, and trying not to think of my balls.

Having a foreskin means having control. It means being less naked. Stand next to a naked woman. Unless she shaves to the bones, you can't see her junk.

She has clothes on when she's naked.

And I don't. I can't control sexual stimulation. I have to experience whatever stimulation fate decides. And I can't stop it.

 

[Nostalgia]

I have not been circumcised, and don't plan on being, thanks to being European, non Jewish and not having any problems down there.

I can see the benefits of having it done, although doing it for aesthetic reasons seems un-necessary, especially as infections can easily be avoided. It would be interesting to find out why in America it's considered a fairly normal thing to have done, while in Europe you would probably only be circumcised if you were Jewish or had a medical problem.

And in regards to the practice of circumcision in Judaism, while doing it as a practicing Jew is all fine and dandy, it seems unfair to force any religion onto an unknowing child, especially if it contains a permanent physical mark. I was raised a Christian and I'm kind of upset that my parents got my baptised, but if I had been circumcised I would be extremely annoyed, because it would have been done without my knowledge, without knowing what it meant, without me being able to make an informed decision on whether I wanted to be a Jew or not, and because it would leave me with an obvious physical mark for life in the most intimate part of my body.

I understand your concern, and I could understand how my kids would probably be pissed at me if they get circumcised, but I view Judaism as a part of me and my family. I can not change it, I can convert for whatever reason, but I'm still Jewish on the inside. I do not want my kids to forget their heritage and to forget who they are.

If they hate me for it, so be it, they can get one of those reversals. But it only affects them as much as they let it affect them. They can live life easily with it, it shouldn't affect anything about them as a person. (in the slightly modified words of MLK Jr. "I have a dream, that my kids will not be judged by the look of their penis, but by the content of their character." A stroke of brilliance on my behalf, if I do say so myself ;P )

I am not a religious person, but I will not suddenly decide that being Jewish is not important to me or my family. Hopefully you can understand, but I'll understand if you don't as circumcision is a pretty debatable topic.

I respect your viewpoint to not backlash on it, but at the same time, I find that kind of disgusting deep down, due to my own personal beliefs.
I feel that something like circumcision shouldn't be a mark of your cultural heritage, especially when it's something relatively private to yourself, but rather about family and respect of your upbringing. A lot of tribes in Africa will perform circumcision on girls due to tradition, and while this of course is something that couldn't be compared with male circumcision, it still doesn't make it right just because it's a tradition.


And to add onto that, male circumcision isn't so much of a sin that I think anyone who is is doomed. It is certainly just one of those things that affects you if you let it. People live fine with circumcision, but I find it ethically wrong.

 

[Aries_Split]

Honestly it's not that. You know what bothers me?

When I'm leaning against a wall talking to someone ugly and stupid and boxers rub against my exposed, naked junk and I get momentarily slightly aroused.

When I'm talking to a female relative and I can feel exactly how my junk is positioned in my pants and I looking at someone, and talking, and trying not to think of my balls.

Having a foreskin means having control. It means being less naked. Stand next to a naked woman. Unless she shaves to the bones, you can't see her junk.

She has clothes on when she's naked.

And I don't. I can't control sexual stimulation. I have to experience whatever stimulation fate decides. And I can't stop it.

Interesting perspective. I never thought of it that way.