[ ARC forum 2 ]

Perfect malice.

Written by Paul B. at 19 Oct 2002 13:32:33:

As an answer to: Re: . . . makes Perfect. written by DB at 18 Oct 2002 22:37:53:

> Ah, well, I didn't mention that I'm from the UK.

You didn't mention it, but I automatically presumed you were. Perhaps it is evident in your writing. {:-)}

> We have an NHS, so profit doesn't really come into it for the doctor.

Ah, 'fraid it is not so. It is so every bit as much the case as for the US, as Rood mentions. In fact, in case you have not already, you only have to read a short way through here and you will find someone advertising his "Circumcision Board" and his "Circumcison Faq" in which he details (if not names) the English fellow who gladly took his money, and glorifies the detail.

> Plus, at the slightest mention of circumcision the current stance of most British doctors

Most it may be, but there is a not insignificant fetish market you will find.

> is 'Not unless absolutely necessary (ie the foreskin is causing infection or not allowing urination)'.

Which are rare situations indeed. Paradoxically to the common misunderstanding, the foreskin is no more likely to "cause" infection than any other piece of skin such as - an oft-quoted and particularly elegant example - an eyelid. The usual cause of "infection" (and that diagnosis is relative, because it is more commonly a chemical dermatitis), is unwise use of soap.

Whilst many, perhaps most men can get away with washing with soap, some cannot, and underneath the foreskin being a particularly sensitive area (analogous to a woman's vulva - which often suffers the same insult!), it is less tolerant to this indignity than many other places.

> When I mentioned the idea of circumcision to the specialist, he said 'It's not something we do for cosmetic reasons. Unless the tightness of the foreskin is leading to physical or psychological problems, it's not a good idea'.

An intelligent and honest man, apparently. But even then, it would be nice to think he had a better alternative to offer those with the intelligence to use it. So sad.

> Obviously attitudes vary from place to place and time to time.

Sure do. They "circumcise" girls in some countries - for all the same reasons.


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