Not too bad an article.
Though I don't appreciate the author phrasing it as though intactivists are trying to threaten the rights of parents when we stand up for the rights of babies.

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17402806/
posted by:
fixit fox
  • Re: MSNBC article today- with Poll!

    Tue, March 6, 2007 - 2:22 AM
    I voted.I can't believe 49% sat it's a good thing & for health reasons.Fucking sheep.
    • Re: MSNBC article today- with Poll!

      Wed, March 7, 2007 - 8:28 PM
      Oh, I can believe it. One does not have to look far to find decisions made without even reference to facts. Too often, critical thinking and objective decision-making are thrown out in favor of ideologies, beliefs, and hearsay. This way of thinking is reinforced by articles like this one.

      Read it carefully and you will note the positive affirmations of studies that support circumcision and the use of disclaimers, such as "Though this hasn't been scientifically confirmed," in referencing the negative impacts of circumcision. The article concludes by quoting a "seasoned parent" saying, "Whether a boy is circumcised or not doesn’t matter so much," she says. "He can be healthy, happy and love his penis either way.”

      Now, I can agree with the statement that "he can be healthy, happy and love his penis either way." But, I object to the statement that it "doesn't matter so much." That is dismissive and belittling of those who feel harmed by the operation.

      It is almost like the article was written from a pro-circumcision point of view, then sprinkled lightly with a few pro-intact arguments that are quickly mashed out of sight with studies and quotes from purportedly "experienced" persons.

      I have not yet heard a compelling explanation for what appears to be an ideological hatred of the prepuce in our society.
      • Re: MSNBC article today- with Poll!

        Fri, March 9, 2007 - 10:52 AM
        >I have not yet heard a compelling explanation for what appears to be an ideological hatred of the prepuce in our society.

        Well I think this is the prevailing one, even if no one will say so...

        The penis with the fully exposed, rampantly protruberant glans is the visual idealog of the erect penis, and human brains are made to notice erect penises. Whether or not one responds to hardwired brain imagery as sexual attractant or as threat or as something else, the brain nonetheless rewards itself for recognizing objects that conform to hardwired images; the more so the more they conform. Ironically, people probably respond to circed penises on a gut level as being 'more penis-like'. And in the American mind, something seeming more like something is always better than something actually being more like something. Especially of the difference is perceived as primarily visual inasmuch as people have no way of drawing a better distinction. That's why we watch so many TV dramas while ignoring our kids and overnidulge in food-based entertainment rather than practice simple nutrition.



        • Re: MSNBC article today- with Poll!

          Fri, March 9, 2007 - 3:09 PM
          Interesting, as I find that a flaccid circumcised penis looks like the owner should be feeling discomfort as in maybe their foreskin is tight and not returning properly. This makes me empathize that supposed discomfort, even though they're not feeling it themselves, but it just looks like (to me) it should be uncomfortable.
          • Re: MSNBC article today- with Poll!

            Fri, March 9, 2007 - 9:42 PM
            To me it always looks like they are excited for no reason.
            • Re: MSNBC article today- with Poll!

              Fri, March 9, 2007 - 10:19 PM
              The ancient Greeks reacted similarly to an exposed glans, considering the exposure a faux-pas because of its obvious connotation of sexual arousal. Imagine the reactions a bunch of naked Americans would get the Games!
              • Re: MSNBC article today- with Poll!

                Sat, March 10, 2007 - 10:22 PM
                The ancient Jews handled this by tying themselves shut at the games, much as some of the Greeks also did 'just in case', and much as some arctic tribes are said to do when entertaining guests unclothed at home.

                This was possible because Maimonides had not yet persuaded everyone that God had meant to cut off more than the mere end of the foreskin.

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