Circumcision

[jedusor]

I can't believe this is even debatable. I can't believe that in a society we consider civilized, I have to actually present a structured argument against cutting off pieces of babies when they're born.

Comments

[projectyl.livejournal.com]

Starting the debate with a loaded attack post isn't going to win anyone over to your side, Julia. You probably already know this and don't care, but I have to point it out.

Do you feel as strongly about, say, cutting umbilical cords? If not, what's the difference except for the ceremonial aspect?

[kaberett.livejournal.com]

... umbilical cords aren't useful in later life, will drop off anyway, don't mark one out in any way[1], and are cut off for medical reasons? And there are issues of consent? Etc etc etc.

[1] Well, belly-buttons are something that get a bizarre amount of obsessing done over them in the media, but ignoring that.

[projectyl.livejournal.com]

...Oh.

You're right, of course. See, this is why I prefer to steer clear of arguments. I'm no good at them.

[kaberett.livejournal.com]

Eh. It is a Thing I have Opinions about - I hang around the fringes of some online Jewish communities because I have Jewish ancestry and want to find out more about (one of) the culture(s) I come from; I'm also aware of the issue via feminism, and. Just. No. I honestly cannot see any good reason for carrying out that kind of operation for non-medical reasons on somebody who cannot give consent to said operation. I feel very strongly that the theology in this case is not a good reason; nor do I feel that "it's a cultural marker" is a good reason because, really, there are cultural markers that a) aren't male only, b) don't involve damage to someone else's body, and c) are actually visible to other members of the group on anything approaching a regular basis.

Gah. It's all very upsetting. :(

[jedusor.livejournal.com]

In addition to Lizzie's points, cutting an umbilical cord causes no pain to the baby.

I'm not trying to win anyone over to my side. I'm aware that a post like this will cause comments, but my intention is to express my horror at the procedure and incredulity at the fact that debate is even necessary, not to foster that debate.