The Cut

What's the one thing in the world that would reduce even Attila the Hun to a snivelling wimp?

A knee to the groin. Think almost every guy in the world would involuntarily wince at the thought. Even the sheer anticipation would be killing. Most fellas wouldn't even dream of having anything remotely emasculating come even close to their precious bits.

So you can imagine the cut.

Whether for cultural or religious reasons, about a third of the male population have undergone the excruciating cut. The more fortunate ones in their relative infancy and for some, when they are very much older in their budding adolescent years. These days however we've progressed far beyond the traditional ritual of circumcision by the banana tree log!


Eh you wouldn't come anywhere close with that thing, would ya?
But for men in their prime, it's not a common procedure. Which is why it came as a surprise to me when one of my acquaintances came in with a question.

Friend : Would you recommend a circumcision?
Paul : For religious reasons? Are you converting to Islam?
Friend : Hmm. No?
Paul : Unless you have a really valid reason, I don't think I would recommend anything.
Friend : Hmm. Not even for hygiene reasons?
Paul : Surely you have heard of regular spring cleaning?
Friend : Hmm.
Paul : Is this for a new boyfriend?
Friend : Umm.

Which would be the worst reason ever.

Medically speaking, few of us would recommend routine non-therapeutic circumcision except those performed for ritualistic or religious purposes. Certainly no need for such procedures unless required.

Me, I certainly would mind going through the procedure - unless it could be guaranteed painless afterward. Though judging by the way the newly circumcised boys moan beneath their sarongs, I think that's not really possible. Think morning erection. Ouch.

A surprising thing I found online though. Think we have always associated ritual circumcision with Islamic males but recently I've read that the act is not an absolute requirement in the religion but only a recommendation. Seems circumcision is not specifically mentioned in the Qur'an but it is highlighted in the Sunnah (the Prophet Muhammad's recorded words and actions). Wonder if that's true!