Circumcision is the surgical removal of the male genital foreskin that has been a custom in many cultures for centuries that exploits, for some, religious and/or health benefits. Perhaps the biggest proponent of why many agree with circumcision is hygiene. The foreskin, if not properly cleaned and examined can harbor bacteria and lead to infections not only to the area but also of the urethra. In recent years, studies have shown that circumcision may help prevent urinary tract infections, penile cancer and HIV (Kinkade et. al., 2005; Loughlin 2005)* (Auvert et. al., 2005l; Baeten et al., 2005; Reynolds et al., 2004)*. Opponents to circumcision say that it is an unnecessary and traumatic procedure for an infant to go through. Also, the possibility that something could go wrong in the procedure may impede that individuals ability to perform sexually as well as in daily life. More recently the American Association of Pediatrics modified its position on circumcision by shifting from neutrality to a position of moderate opposition to this medical procedure (Task Force on Circumcision, 1999)*.
I personally am on the fence about this issue. I read the AAP statement and agree with it on most levels. If there is something wrong or potentially something that can affect or infect the newborn, I say circumcise. If not then I really do not see the need with putting a newborn through a painful procedure. Along the lines of cleanliness, I can see the perspective from those in an older time or 3rd world countries where hygiene is/was a serious issue, but today, especially in developed countries, with the right education I feel the risk and issue can be avoided. I also feel that alteration of the body should be perused, and chosen to be done, by the individual it is being done to. In a personal example, I asked to have braces as a teenager because I was uncomfortable about my teeth not because my parents felt it was necessary. Perhaps circumcision in today’s age is more cosmetic then necessary. I talked to two men, one was circumcised and the other was not. The one who was circumcised stated, and I quote, “Men who are not circumcised are uncut heathens.” His answer may be extreme, but it may be molded perhaps by the social norm and possibly his own idea of what the male genitalia should look like. The other individual who was uncircumcised said he has lived comfortably without any complications or issues his whole life and sees no need in performing a traumatic and butchering procedure on a newborn. He also stated his parents decision was divided until the mother showed the father a video of the procedure and how painful and traumatic it is. He also said being uncircumcised has never been an issue in his sex life and would never consider being circumcised in the future. With all the new technology and educational information circulating, where does circumcision fit in the perspective of necessity versus cosmetic medicine?

Evoultion

Sex sells; when it comes to advertising, companies don’t hesitate to juice up their products by adding sexual elements to make a better profit. They can be blatant or subtle, but in the end it has one common goal. Most sexual content in advertising trivializes sex while reinforcing the idea that only young, hard male and female bodies merit attraction, with the exception of advertising aimed at the large consumer groups for aging baby boomers. (Crooks & Baur, 2008, p.20) This idea then becomes an issue of negative and false images imprinted in the consumer. More noticeably there is a bigger, indirect impact on young adolescent girls. I know this has become an increasingly disturbing issue, when I first saw the video/commercial “Evolution”, launched by the Dove® Self Esteem Fund. I knew about the air brushing and intense hours models sit being transformed, but the video really puts things into perspective of how fake the industry is. I’ve read more and more about the Dove® Self Esteem Fund and the research that was conducted by About Real Girls, Real Pressure: A National Report on the State of Self-Esteem, the results are overwhelming. Seven in ten girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with friends and family members. (Kearney-Cooke, PhD, 2008) I read in the book that advertising helps break taboos. (Crooks &Baur, 2008, p.20) But I feel this statement should be treaded lightly when studies like Real Girls, Real Pressure come out with these staggering numbers. However, I’m thoroughly happy that Dove® has started a fund to help troubled girls face their personal demons and insecurities.