Dear Readers,
While it was not my intention to share more on this matter of circumcision following the letter in last Monday’s Dear Christine, I do feel that additional feedback from men and women [mostly in favour of circumcision] will help the young man who wrote to become more comfortable with the fact that circumcision is nothing to be embarrassed about.
I also believe that in lieu of his seeking professional help [since it may not be his wish to do so] the feedback should encourage him to become less bitter, angry, and to view life differently.
Below are some of the responses which were found at www.nationnews.com
Please note that some were edited for publishing purposes.
– CHRISTINE
Arthur Greene: My brother, such hatred will consume and destroy you if you are not careful. I agree that you should seek professional help.
Male circumcision is done on religious grounds but it is also done for health reasons. When the foreskin cannot be [pulled back], bacteria collects under it.
In my opinion, such hatred as displayed by you should probably be reserved for a parent or parents who wickedly arrange for a young son to be castrated for no good reason.
Vincent Gichamba: Dear Angry, I believe most parents make decisions in the best interest of their children. [Your parents] had good reasons for the decision they made.
Communicate with them about how you feel instead of containing and worsening your anger. You are looking at circumcision from a subjective point of view.
The merits of circumcision far outweigh the demerits; it’s odour-free, feels cleaner and allows you to enjoy better sex. Furthermore, you are less prone to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
I live in East Africa and circumcision is a cultural norm in most cultures. In fact, more men [more so from urban areas] are undergoing circumcision. Some ladies in Africa will not have sex with you if you are not circumcised.
I believe you have reason to be happy because it’s right and healthy to be circumcised. Forgive, accept and get a hold of yourself. Do not worsen the situation by seducing and having unhealthy relations with women.
Annetta Worrell: Is it the size, length or shape of his penis that is bothering him instead of the circumcision? I circumcised my son and thank God he a normal, healthy young man who loves women. I believe that Angry’s problem is bigger than the circumcision.
Rainn Redd: Personally, I believe this person has much bigger issues going on than his circumcision! Unbeknownst to him, his parents made a very wise and healthy decision!
Tony Waterman: Your parents did nothing wrong. Grow up and get some counselling. You have your issues mixed up. Check with your reverend and your Bible.
Portia McCollin: I agree that this young gentleman is seriously emotionally troubled and is in need of counsel, but for me to assume or say whether what he refers to as abuse and brutality is the cause of his deviant and wayward behaviour would be beyond my expertise.
Circumcision like everything else has its advantages and disadvantages. I personally believe that something of that nature should be left up to the individual to decide unless it is a case of life and death. I was doing some research and I read many different articles on the issue [of circumcision] so as to educate myself. Here is one of the links to some of the information I found: http://circumcisiondecisionmaker.com/circumcision-facts/
Craig Garrett: Christine, a growing number of men are choosing to speak out against forced genital cutting. As more men learn that the foreskin is important for sex and is erogenous tissue, more men are becoming angry that a part of their body was cut off without their permission and without medical need. The solution is to stop cutting babies.
Pan Wallie: Healthwise, your parents were doing you the favour that perhaps more parents should do! I urge you to visit a psychiatrist now, before you go further downhill and/or the problem escalates.
