Male Circumcision

According to malecircumcision.org, about thirty percent of the world’s male population is circumcised. Male circumcision is when the tip of the penis or “foreskin,” is removed. This surgical procedure has been done for thousands of years, by cultures all over the world, for many different reasons such as religious, medical, social, and cultural. According to medical studies it can help reduce risks of catching sexually transmitted infections. Male circumcision is a controversial topic with many of point of views, ranging from complete opposition to total agreement or no opinion at all. I personally approve of circumcision, because I feel the advantages exceedingly outweigh the disadvantages.

Circumcision is most commonly practiced by religious people, like the Muslims and Jews. It is thought that circumcision began as a Phoenician custom. Historians claim they found wall carvings depicting it done. They even found Pharaoh Mummies with their foreskins removed and others intact. Interestingly, the United States of America has embraced this procedure with open arms, but not for the same reason as the Muslim and Jewish world has. In the late eighteenth hundreds it became widely popular with the general public, with doctors attesting to it as a way to discourage masturbation. Later on, it was commercialized as a medical benefit for men that prevented infections and for hygienic purposes. Ethnic groups such as the aboriginals Australasians and sub- Saharan Africans took part in this practice for many years for non- religious reasons but rather social acceptance and status.

Circumcision is deeply rooted in religious practice and ethnic identity. Muslims are the largest religious group to practice this ritual. It shows their acceptance and closeness to their Prophet Ibrahim. The Jewish also partake in circumcision as an initiation rite for their newborn babies. They too believe it symbolizes and cements their relationship with God, Ibrahim, and their people. They...