I don't know how untoward this may be for me to say, but I was circumsized as an infant. And it wasn't done for any religious purposes, it's simply what's done in the U.S. What may have started as a religious practice is now simply .. a practice.

Having said that, I've gone through phases in my life where I feel the practice is indeed barbaric, as you say. I think we all know what the answer to any infant would be if they were capable of answering us: do you mind if I circumsize you?

But on the other hand, I have to say I'm actually glad that I am circumsized. Uncircumsized males who haven't bathed in a couple of days begin to grow this whitish residue on their genitals comparable to feta cheese. Now you may say that's natural -- and it is -- but I have to be completely unabashedly honest here when I say I'm glad I don't experience this phenomenon. It's a protective covering that I honestly don't need or want, especially since I'm not living in the wilderness.

I also think (and, again, I'm sorry if saying this is inappropriate) that it's aesthetically more appealing, as a male, to be circumsized. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with being uncircumsized, I'm just saying i'm glad that I have been.

Lastly, I'm sure the video is indeed disgusting, disturbing and all that. But if you showed me a video of a woman giving birth I might say the same thing - yet nobody's lobbying to put a ban on giving birth to children! Life is cruel, from the moment we enter the world, kicking and screaming and covered in blood and other bodily fluids.

I agree though, maybe it would be better to wait until the child can speak and rationalize for himself and then give him the choice. By the same token, I'm glad I wasn't given a choice because consequently a) I have no memory of the event and b) well.. I just prefer being the way I currently am.