Reflective Tag- Circumcision does not scare me. I am circumcised, so its normal to me. However, the female version, is a perversion to me. It literally sickens me that our race does this.
When we are infants, there are many things that are decided, or done for us. In much of the Western world, these customs include male circumcision, or the removal of the foreskin. This helps with cleanliness, which is the cultural basis of the practice, dating back to the ancient Hebrews. However in other cultures there is also the practice of female circumcision, which is also known as female genital mutilation. This practice is concentrated in Africa and the Middle East.
Male circumcision involves the removal of the foreskin from the penis, leaving the meatus exposed at all times. This has a basis in the Judeo-Christian cultures, dating back to 4000 BCE. It initially only had cultural significance, but there is now evidence that circumcision can help prevent HIV, STDS, and infections. The procedure, once done with a flint knife and muttered blessings, is now, in the majority of the world, performed by trained medical personnel just after birth. There are, however, cultures, such as in Africa, that perform circumcision at puberty, as an entrance into manhood. Men in Sub-Saharan Africa are being encouraged to get circumcised, because of the procedures possibility to slow the spread of HIV.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, there is female genital mutilation. This procedure involves removing the outer and inner labia, and the vulva, from the woman. This leads to serious infections, incontinence. The procedures are generally performed by a traditional circumciser in the girls’ homes, with or without anesthesia. The circumciser is usually an older woman, but in communities where the male barber has assumed the role of health worker he will perform the mutilation. There are no health benefits, or other positive aspects of this procedure. It allows the males of the society to establish control, and authority, over the individuals.