Artifact 4: Circumcision

Max Liebl

                Circumcision is a necessary and sanitary practice for males commonly done at birth in more developed countries. However, for females in under-developed, third world countries, circumcision is a dangerous tradition that is completely unnecessary and could be catastrophic if not treated. For males in the United States, circumcision is primarily done immediately following birth while even still in the hospital. Circumcision is necessary for disease mitigation and cleanliness and accounts for fewer cases of HIV in males who are circumcised. In third world countries, however, circumcision is either not done or used as a tradition or “rite of passage” for young boys entering into manhood. The ritualistic circumcision performed in African nations for boys is often considered unsafe and usually done by an untrained surgeon. For females, the ritual is often the same kind of setting. Circumcision is a natural part of life for males, but for developing nations who use circumcision and female genital mutilation as a ritual for adulthood, it is unsanitary and dangerous which could backfire by doing the exact opposite it’s intended for.

                In developing nations, circumcision is a ritual performed to celebrate a young boy becoming a man. In an example showed in class, a boy undergoes a circumcision in an unsterilized environment by an untrained surgeon and is left with no food or water to survive until it is healed. The result of this process can potentially be life-threatening if not careful. For males in a modern society, circumcision is usually performed immediately following birth since it promotes health by mitigating risk of diseases such as HIV. Female circumcision, however, known as female genital mutilation, can be deadly and is completely unnecessary since circumcision has no health benefits. In fact, in countries where it is performed as a ritual, many girls end up contracting diseases from unsanitary conditions, excessive bleeding and in some cases, death. Female genital mutilation occurs in a private ceremony with only other adult female members of the village and is symbolic of a girl entering womanhood. Many African countries, are now starting to recognize the health risks this has, but also has recognized the benefit for males. It is encouraged through ads and walk-in clinics throughout African nations for men to get circumcised because of the high rates of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS that can occur for uncircumcised males. This can contribute to healthier African communities and help lower the risk of disease.

                Male circumcision is commonplace for most nations and a large percentage of males are circumcised because of the health benefits as well as religious and cultural factors. While risk cannot always be ruled out, it is certainly better to be circumcised if you are a male. However, for females and males where circumcision is part of a ritual for becoming an adult, it can potentially be life-threatening. Proper medical training and a sterile environment are necessary for this procedure and should not ever be attempted on females. Overall, circumcision has the potential for danger and extreme caution must be taken for safety and for the intended purpose of better personal health.

Help Received: Class Resources, videos on Canvas