Originally posted by TasteTheMagick
reply to post by vonspurter
It probably became widespread in America because of all the dogma and rumors that surrounded the practice. People thought that you would live longer if it was done, or that it would keep you from getting sicknesses. People STILL think that and it makes sense that it spread a long time ago because of the same old wives tales.
Well, obviously at one point in our history (American history), doctors were telling parents that is was best to circumcise (health reasons) and that is how it became widespread.
However, now:
The major medical societies in the USA[23], Britain[24], Canada[25], Australia and New Zealand[26] do not recommend routine non-therapeutic infant circumcision. Major medical organizations in the United States and Canada now say that parents should decide what is in their child's best interests, declining to make a recommendation one way or another. The AAP advises that "Physicians counseling families concerning this decision should assist the parents by explaining the potential benefits and risks and by ensuring that they understand that circumcision is an elective procedure."
So, why are all those non-religious people still circumcising their sons? Are doctors not telling parents it isn't necessary anymore? Do doctors not say anything because they can charge for this procedure? (had to throw the conspiracy angle in there). Are women who allow it to happen to their sons doing it because that is what THEY prefer a man have? And what about all those father's (non jews) who allow it?
Honestly, I never thought much about it - because Im a woman and dont have a son. I have brothers and they are (but we are not Jewish). I dont care if a guy is or isnt (not an important factor for me).
These are the stats from the OP's link:
Table 1: International circumcision rates Country Year Neonatal circumcisions (%)
United States 2003 55.9%* [30]
Canada 2003 < 14% [31]
Australia 2004 10%-20% [32]
New Zealand 1995 0-5%** [33]
en.wikipedia.org...
So it is STILL widely done here in America.
[edit on 1/28/2009 by greeneyedleo]
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