I can't imagine the consequences of a badly performed circumcision in Western civilization, let alone in a developing area of the middle east. I can barely look at these pictures (posted below this post) without wanting to wrap my arms around my own sons knowing how grateful I am that we live where we do and knowing that their male sexuality has not had to suffer such a heavy blow as this poor little guy. I don't know, maybe it is different over there and he (the little boy) will not have any hang ups, but I do wonder about the long term affects of it all. Will he be able to perform, sexually? Will he clearly remember what he used to look like? Does it hurt still, and will it always hurt him? Will there be a possibility of future infections? Does his culture look down on this 'flaw' and judge him unworthy? Will it lower his value as a potential mate or husband? Maybe these are ridiculous questions to wonder about, but after seeing these pictures...I really felt for this little guy and really hope that he has a blessed life after going through something so traumatic.
At one time, I had an unidentifiable growth on my right labia that had to be removed and biopsied. It was painful, large and embarrassing for me. I thought that something was wrong and it did affect my sexuality to a certain degree....there is still a scar that I can see, but since this event occurred as an adult, I was able to mentally overcome the ramifications to my self image. Of course, having someone between my legs, lapping me up with gusto and admiring the beauty of my inner flower helped me get over any embarrassment that I was experiencing after the ordeal, but hell, having someone between my legs has always helped me in more ways than one!
Our sexuality is a joy....and for this little boy, I hope when he matures, his sexuality is not so adversely affected that he is unable to experience all the wonderment that can be had between lovers.
3 comments:
Seph,
I would think that in any culture this would be devastating. This little boy will be scared for life and from the looks of the picture may never gain use of his penis. The culture in Egypt has focused mainly on female circumsission which has recently been outlawed.
Great Post - I look forward to more thought provoking posts such as these.
Tiger
I remember when my brother was born, how much my parents debated about circumcizing him. They weren't really for it, but being in the American South in the 1980s when sexual differences weren't very well tolerated, the doctor convinced them to let him start life like the other boys. My brother, it turns out, is gay. So much for that plan.
It's interesting how much feminists rant and rave about female genital mutilation in developing countries, but we don't hear much about male circumcision in the USA. Granted, the presence of anesthetic, trained physicians, etc., make a lot of difference ... but it's still a needless surgery, unless it's part of your religious tradition, and I just find the social reaction to it very odd.
Thank you for bringing awareness to this brutality x
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