Teen son's essay on "circumcision"

 Of course he got a little help from mom and dad, but still very proud:

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Is circumcision logical? To be able to answer that, first, we have to understand what circumcision is. Circumcision is derived from two latin terms. The first is the latin term “circum,”  means circle. The second latin term “caedere,” means to cut. At some time, the terms were adopted to become what we now know as “circumcision,” the ritual procedure that removes parts of a person’s genitalia. 

The way that circumcision is done today, is illogical. In the present day, circumcision is done to tens of thousands of healthy children daily. Circumcision should only be performed if the person it is being performed on has a medical problem with their genitalia that requires it. This procedure is a problem because it can cause many problems with the person’s genitalia later in life, especially when there was no problem in the first place.

Some people practice the procedure on their children because their religion calls for it. The problem with this is that they are forcing a religion onto their child, that the child may choose to not comply with when they’re older. Doctors usually cut off this body part because it can have medical problems later in life. A counter to this claim though, is so can all body parts, so if we’re removing a child's genitalia, why not remove their toes, fingers, and ear lobes too?

Why has this been going on for millennia? Control, aesthetics, and economics. Control to limit sexual choice. Aesthetics to suit cultural norms. Economics makes people dependant on the procedure for a livelihood. 

In sum, circumcision is illogical to be performed on children because it takes away their individual choice. The only reason for the procedure, should be if there is a specific problem with the person’s genitals. There are many groups addressing the root causes of gentital mutilation. Will you join them?