The Circumcision Decision

This episode may be hard for some people to listen to, but we feel it's important to talk about it because so many families share with us that they struggle with making the decision of whether or not to circumcise their children. Brendon Marotta, creator of the documentary American Circumcision, joined us to tackle this subject.

Brendon Marotta is a filmmaker, author, podcaster, public speaker, and father. His last film, American Circumcision, won multiple awards and played on Netflix. He is the author of The Intactivist Guidebook,  The Haunting of Bob Cratchit, and Children’s Justice. He has spoken at Yale University, the International Conference on Men’s Issues, the International Symposium on Genital Autonomy and Children’s Right’s, and the Association for Pre and Perinatal Psychology. Brendon hosts a regular podcast called The Brendon Marotta Show. He currently lives with his family in Austin, TX.

See Brendon’s work here.
See Brendon’s credits on IMDB here.
Follow Brendon on social media here.

Summary
Brendon Marotta, filmmaker and author, discusses the topic of circumcision and the need for education and awareness. He shares his personal journey of discovering the harms of circumcision and his passion for advocating against it. The conversation explores the cultural and societal factors that contribute to the continuation of circumcision, as well as the physical and psychological impacts it has on individuals. The importance of informed consent and questioning societal norms is emphasized. The conversation also touches on the comparison between male and female genital cutting and the need for greater accountability and change in medical practices. The conversation explores the ethical arguments against male circumcision and the importance of bodily autonomy. It highlights the cultural programming and societal norms that influence people's perspectives on circumcision. The discussion emphasizes the need for men to shift their perspective and see circumcision as something that happened to them, not as an immutable part of their identity. It also touches on the importance of uncomfortable conversations and conflict resolution in relationships. The conversation concludes with advice for parents who are deciding whether or not to circumcise their child.

Takeaways

• Circumcision is a topic that requires education and awareness, as it impacts every person in America in some way.
• There is a disproportionate lack of public conversation about circumcision, despite its personal and societal implications.
• Circumcision removes 50% of the shaft skin of the , the highest density nerve endings, and is often done without anesthesia, causing lasting changes in behavior and sexuality.
• Circumcision is an irreversible and painful procedure that should be approached with informed consent and consideration of the physical and psychological impacts.
• There is a need for greater accountability and change in medical practices surrounding circumcision, as well as a reevaluation of cultural and societal norms.
• The comparison between male and female genital cutting highlights the need for consistent ethical standards and the recognition of individual autonomy and bodily integrity. Male circumcision raises ethical questions and challenges the concept of bodily autonomy.
• Cultural programming and societal norms influence people's perspectives on circumcision.
• Men need to shift their perspective and see circumcision as something that happened to them, not as an immutable part of their identity.
• Uncomfortable conversations and conflict resolution are important skills to develop in relationships.
• Parents should consider their values and the impact of their decisions on their child's bodily autonomy.
• Proper care for intact genitals is simple and does not require any special procedures.

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Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!