How common is circumcision in the US? - Page 2

[SlackerDad]

Originally Posted by ursaminor

I do not think the question was highly critical of the US.

Perhaps I read things differently than you do, but I would definitely say that these two quotes, in combination, amount to "wow, it's shocking how backward your country is regarding circumcision; we are far more enlightened than you are". (And I never even denied that was true--I was only pointing out that it feels a bit like we're getting our noses rubbed in it.)

There was a documentary on TV a couple of years ago about circumcision and how hard it was for parents to get there sons circumcised in NZ. There are only two doctors in NZ who will do it, with the rest of the medical establishment against it.

Personally, 50% is still quite high, and it saddens me to see how parents in the US have to try and find paeds who are uncirc-friendly. I'm not saying that the NZ health system is perfect, but at least people have a choice.

[mntnmom]

Well, sorry. It's true, as the folks here swimming against the tide see every day. Is a Kiwi becoming educated about (and rightly appalled by ) male circ' in the US really any different than a bunch of us Americans sitting around talking about female circ' in Africa? Sorry it rubbed you wrong, but I don't think any offense was intended. Folks from non circ' countries are frequently surprised that it's still done at all. The prevelance of it must be slightly nauseating!
The fact that folks who are fighting circ' in the US are still culturally sensitive about it, really highlights how big an issue it must be for people who DO it.

[emma1325]

Originally Posted by SlackerDad

Perhaps I read things differently than you do, but I would definitely say that these two quotes, in combination, amount to "wow, it's shocking how backward your country is regarding circumcision; we are far more enlightened than you are". (And I never even denied that was true--I was only pointing out that it feels a bit like we're getting our noses rubbed in it.)

I can understand where you're coming from, but unfortunately I feel ashamed of many American norms. I'm not ashamed of America, or to be an American, but I am ashamed that America has yet to fix problems like RIC. Americans look down on other countries because of their cultural norms (the treatment of women, female circ) and yet we can't see that we do the same thing with male circ!

Some things in this country are just sad and pathetic. And for an outsider to come in and comment on the obvious does not offend me in the least. Unfortunately I don't think the OP's views are uncommon as far as how we are viewed by other developed countries.

[ursaminor]

Originally Posted by emma1325

I can understand where you're coming from, but unfortunately I feel ashamed of many American norms. I'm not ashamed of America, or to be an American, but I am ashamed that America has yet to fix problems like RIC. Americans look down on other countries because of their cultural norms (the treatment of women, female circ) and yet we can't see that we do the same thing with male circ!

Some things in this country are just sad and pathetic. And for an outsider to come in and comment on the obvious does not offend me in the least. Unfortunately I don't think the OP's views are uncommon as far as how we are viewed by other developed countries.

Well said.