2 reactions to this article

Ronald Goldman, Ph.D. posted: 2012-06-02 02:14:13

Cutting female and male genitals have the following similarities: 1) Over 100 million procedures have been performed on current populations. 2) It is unnecessary and extremely painful. 3) It can have adverse sexual and psychological effects. 4) It is generally done by force on children. 5) It is generally supported by local medical doctors. 6) Pertinent biological facts are not generally known where procedures are practiced. 7) It is defended with reasons such as tradition, religion, aesthetics, cleanliness, and health. 8) The rationale has currently or historically been connected to controlling sexual pleasure. 9) It is often believed to have no effect on normal sexual functioning. 10) It is generally accepted and supported by those who have been subjected to it. 11) The decision is generally controlled by men though women may be supportive. 12) Those who are cut feel compelled to cut their children. 13) The choice may be motivated by underlying psychosexual reasons. 14) Critical public discussion is generally taboo where the procedure is practiced. 15) It can result in serious complications that can lead to death. 16) The adverse effects are hidden by repression and denial. 17) Dozens of potentially harmful physiological, emotional, behavioral, sexual, and social effects on individuals and societies have never been studied. 18) Where female genital cutting is practiced, cutting the genitals of males is often practiced. 19) On a qualitative level, cutting the genitals of male and female children are one and the same thing. 20) To allow us to develop into our maximum individual and social potential, we must stop the cutting of genitals of both sexes.

John Pew posted: 2012-06-02 05:42:24

Very true. These facts are clearly stated in your excellent book, "Circumcision, the hidden trauma." One of the most interesting and informative books I have ever read.