Collegiate honors thesis disassembles circumcision arguments

_not_forgotten · 2013-06-15T04:15:14+00:00

TL;DR History of Modern Circumcision

Mid-1800s, Jewish doctors convince mohels to use surgical tools instead of fingernails in circumcision. Then the procedure is used experimentally in America as medical intervention. Observed positive effects are never properly understood (controlled studies don't exist yet). Misguided medical practices and the US military's circumcising thousands of men in both world wars normalizes the practice. By the mid-1900s, most of the western world has abandoned circumcision except America where psychology and misinformation perpetuate the practice.

_not_forgotten · 2013-06-15T03:31:33+00:00

The whole paper is worth reading. From page 25:

A Continuous Stream of Justifications

Michael Katz writes with regard to the medical justifications for male circumcision that “There is no parallel in other prophylactic measures, such as immunization. No other prophylactic measure attempts to achieve a benefit by abrogating a natural process.” The point is that even if the prophylactic claims are true, they come at too high of a price. He also points out that, over time, the medical justifications for circumcision have changed while the recommendation has remained the same. As each new set of claims is discredited, another pops up to replace them. The medical community attempts, time and time again, to retroactively provide justifications for a ritual that is already culturally sanctioned. Were it not already culturally sanctioned, the medical arguments would not be accepted or, perhaps, put forth at all. The problem is not that it is inconceivable that a prophylactic effect could arise from the amputation of a functional body part. Rather, the problem is precisely that, in the absence of prejudicial cultural influence, the possibility would never be explored for obvious ethical reasons.

JoshtheAspie · 2013-06-15T07:25:43+00:00

Well, it took me a while, but I read this paper.

Chapters 1 and 3 provide a good over-view of the medical and cultural issues in the United States, and answer some questions that I, myself, had, and meant to research. I am considering printing them out to present to some soon-to-be fathers I know, as well as a nurse.

However, certain parts of the history chapter are somewhat inflammatory, reveal biases, and may actually reduce acceptance if the paper is presented in full. Particularly, using the J/M view of the writing of the Old Testament (which is not, in my understanding, universal), and his "correction" of a quote to now read "[Palestine]" when it originally likely read "Israel".

The author's blaming things on "Zionism" and use of the phrase "free-thinking" (as opposed to what, slave-thinking?) make the use of this resource as a summary introduction somewhat problematic.

Since chapters 1 and 3 are the only ones relevant to any attempts I would make to spread knowledge via print-offs, and chapter 2 may actually be actively harmful, I will restrict any print-outs to be handed to others to those chapters, and the bibliography.

Eryemil · 2013-06-15T00:26:20+00:00

Very thorough. Saved. X-post it to /r/intactivists

Title	Collegiate honors thesis disassembles circumcision arguments
Author	notnotnotfred
Upvotes	29
Comments	7
Date	June 14, 2013 10:28 PM UTC (13 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MensRights
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/1gd8ud/collegiate_honors_thesis_disassembles/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MensRights/collegiate-honors-thesis-disassembles-circumcision.1171205 https://theredarchive.com/post/1171205

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