First let me reiterate that the excision of girls has nothing to do with circumcision and I don't like the same term being used when it shouldn't.
My colleague's mate was circumcised at 16 because he had a medical condition where he couldn't retract it. He's now in his 50's. He says that he lost a little sensitivity. As far as the duration of the act, I believe it depends more on the individual rather than whether he's circumcised or not. Of course circumcision could be a cure to over-sensitivity in some cases, but in general I don't believe it's the main factor, based on my limited research. Regarding the "choice" argument, there are several issues: * From a medical standpoint, the fact that some men have to have it done as adults (my colleague's mate, Colin's and Sarah's friends), and that at this age it is very painful could well be a justification to having it done as a baby. Having seen it done several times, I can tell you babies don't cry for more than a few minutes and they seem fine 1/2 hour later. * Are circumcised men traumatized? Can't say whether my craziness comes from that. I'm afraid not. * So indeed it is not the kid's choice but the parents' or the doctors', based on religious or cultural reasons. (I'm excluding the strictly medical reasons here) I had my tonsils removed at age 8, I couldn't make that choice then either. So what? If jewish fathers decide to do it to their sons, knowing the consequences, do you think they knowingly want to hurt their kids in any way? To me this is very different from excising girls for cultural reasons with lasting consequences (if they survive the operation). I'm pretty sure that excised women who dare speak out complain. So the bottom line is: is anybody complaining with the results themselves (not about having choice which is a more intellectual question)? So far the only comment was Leonard's who said he was quite happy. So if nobody who is circumcised is complaining and in fact prefer it, what's the big deal about the choice? Why not let a custom carry on when nobody is bothered? Laurent
