Alan2005

Dogmatically continuing to do things that may have been relevant centuries ago is illogical. We don't burn witches and stone women any more, so why mutilate little kids - especially when there is a chance the person doing it will screw up and lop it off (this actually does happen).

iaink

Religion and logic are not really comfortable bedfellows. You might as well ask why religions insist on still believing in God... there is no point in arguing, it just is what it is.

I find it interesting though that there are now know health benefits to circumcision, I dont think there was much (any?) evidence when I was a kid.


Anyway, back on topic... As a parent I dont see any point we would inflict pierced ears on the girls, but Im am equally sure that they will want them done at some point in the future. I guess there are parents out there who figure you might as well just get it over with, but as others have said, it seems more trouble than its worth to me, keeping them from sealing up, hoping they dont get ripped etc etc.

dbd33

Yes, but it doesn't excuse anything. "I done it because it's my religion" is always a feeble excuse.

iaink

Somehow I doubt any religionists will be seeking your forgiveness

Alan2005

I don't have a problem with kids piercing if they are making an informed choice - and I can accept that a child of 8 or even 7 could do that. But at toddler age when they won't understand what is happening to them? No, it's morally wrong.

iaink

Surely you mean 18 or even 17...


(overprotective dad)

Almost Canadian

Do you believe that the same rationale applies to parents that have vegetarian toddlers?

Alan2005

No. Being vegetarian does not cause pain. Frankly, I'm amazed you can't see the difference.

Almost Canadian

My two girls had their ears pierced (their decision), neither of them complained about pain. My wife has pierced ears, she didn`t experience any pain. I am not the type of guy that believes his physical appearance can be improved by having piercings of any sort, so I don`t know about the pain. I accept it may be painful and, of course, from that issue alone, it should not be imposed upon children by their parents.

However, I was coming at this from a parent imposing their own beliefs upon those that cannot provide informed consent. What do you say about that?

Alan2005

Which is my position.

Maybe, but every single parent does this without exception. You feeding your kids meat is imposing your belief system on them.

A line has to be drawn though, and inflicting unnecessary pain without consent crosses it imo.

Almost Canadian

Who says I`m not a veggie?

Alan2005

It was a wild stab in the dark.

Sally Redux

I always try to fathom what was going through the mind of the first person who did it. "Hmm, I'm a bit bored today, what shall I do? I know, the end of my little boy's penis looks a bit funny, I'll try cutting it off."

Joe_Sleepy

Agreed..

Not eating lobster when you live in the middle of a desert makes perfect sense when transport is a slow & dung filled undertaking but genitally mutilating babies rather than taking the time to wash their John Thomases seems to be a leap too far...

Piercing a baby's ears is about accessorising children... Tacky & inexcusable..
My daughters had their ears pierced when they were 12 & it's been no end of grief since..

Chookie

So the itchy rash and contact dermatitis I get from wearing some metals is all in my mind then? I am imagining it?

I agree about the ear piercing though.

I have allowed my girls to have their ears done once they are over 8, but I don't like it in babies/toddlers.