[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Damian at 19 Jun 2005 11:58:13: Re: foreskin
As an answer to: Re: foreskin written by Tom at 18 Jun 2005 22:51:24:
Hi Tom,
I'm glad to have put your mind at ease.
Your question about training the foreskin to remain retracted is a very interesting one. In a way, it's almost like asking why do we choose to wear our hair in a particular style.
For many people, an exposed glans represents the ultimate in masculinity - note I said exposed and NOT circumcised. It sends a signal that the penis is 'ready for action' as it were. In the US, being circumcised has become a socioeconomic and cultural thing. To be all-American you have to be circumcised it would seem. The Phillipines, South Korea, many parts of Africa, the Jewish and Islamic worlds are also circumcising 'cultures' which require the procedure as a mark of 'belonging to the tribe' as it were.
Japan is not a circumcising nation, yet Japanese men also retract their foreskins when nude in public. It is considered a mark of respect to bare the glans.
I believe there is a powerful urge in all men to exhibit our readiness for sex by baring our glans even if we are not from circumcising cultures. Some boys begin this long before they become sexually active and it is actually quite common. Of course, there is the fear that circumcision is very painful (which it isn't) and for some it is just too permanent so they take the easier route of just pulling back the skin. It is also nearly impossible for a pre-pubescent boy to discuss such matters with his parents.
In time this can actually lead to a shortening of the foreskin and the glans assuming the texture of a circumcised penis. In a way, it is having the best of both worlds!