That is the first and only explanation I've read that deals with the spread of male circumcision in the U.S. It seems like a compelling narrative. I never asked my parents (now both gone) why they had me and my two brother circumcised but I've always assumed it was the "hygiene" argument. 

At any rate, I'd suggest that anyone who is thinking about exploring nudism shouldn't worry about their penis or any other body part. We're all God's creation and now that I've experienced social nudism three times, I can vouch for the amazing way one realizes quickly that all body types are beautiful. It goes a bit further, too. I find I'm no longer subconsciously judging people by their body shapes when out and about in the textile world. The mind gets uncluttered in that sense. 

It is fascinating Steve W and I think, as I have added to the top of the previous quoted article it is something that has just become an accepted part of what is done. Your parents I am sure would have just gone along with what was expected at the time and still is to a slightly lesser extent. Why wouldn't they?

I am wondering about possible similar example. We mostly place our faith in Doctors when they say do this. Have a vaccine it is best for you, then we feel we should do it. Things do become a part of every day life. Sons are encouraged to shave their faces when they get fluffy, daughters encouraged to shave their armpits and legs. Yet it is only about expectations. 100 years ago women didn't really shave their arms and legs and by all accounts it only really kicked off in the UK after the second world war. And I remember most women having hairy legs and armpits when I visited France in the early 80's. 

Yet somewhere along the lines things change and right or wrong, logical or not, they become the normality, and that is I think where circumcision lies. People will say that shaving genitals is more hygienic or shaving armpits but counter arguments also support not shaving.  Could it be that more women get cancer in the armpit lymph nodes because the removal of hair and the capillary action of that hair impedes the removal of impurities from that area which is then made worse by the addition of chemicals? Have any studies been considered as to the importance of hair where it natural grows and the functions it performs?

I have heard that midwives and doctors will actually get funny with parents who say they do not wish to have their baby circumcised. If this is true then that is surely not right. We shouldn't be pushing parents into making decisions without really good cause, and certainly not telling them off about their decisions unless they are placing the child in real jeopardy. I can understand medical professionals pushing for drug free natural births if possible or encouraging breast feeding. These are natural positives if achievable. Yet 1 in 4 babies are never breastfed (and only 1 in 4 for 6 months) and when ever you see a birth in a film or on TV the actress is always pictured lying in an unnatural position for birth (leaning on her back 45 degrees with legs often in stirrups - if we consider the journey a baby has to travel to enter this world why are we not supplying both mother and baby with a nice straight tunnel to progress through) and usually demanding pain killers.  

One of the delights about naturism is that we are accepted for what we are. Our circumcisions don't matter, just as all the other little or big differences we all have, both men and women, we are what we are and we can all take great comfort from that, and naturism is pretty unique in that, when much of the world demands and judges, naturism simply welcomes and tells you, "you're just fine." 

I was circumcised when I was inmy late 30's for medical reasons. So have experienced both sides 

For naturistium it makes no difference as stated earlier when I first when nude on the beach I was more worried what people would think of the size of it as I had always been known as 1/2 inch and a wrinkle but soon realised that everybody was so much more related with there bodies than any textiles

I feel it is less sensitive but better with no clothes on 

I am fascinated by this discussion, partially because if I had seen this when I was young it would have helped me a lot and also because it is really great to hear blokes talking about this openly. It is a very emotive subject for a lot of people, including me. It has taken me years to not get red and embarrassed when anyone mentions the word circumcision or even worse for me to say the word or admit I am. I don't know why I was circumcised as a baby but I ensured it wasn't something that happened to my son. I also appreciate Steve and Anna adding facts to the conversation and everyone being open and respectful. Frankly a great advert for ANW! Thanks.

Thank you Seamusinethiopia. You are right it is an emotive subject and one that we consider has to be treated with respect. There are things that can lead to trouble when discussed in society - religion and politics are obvious ones, but also considerations like patriotism, family bonds, and childhood can be very protected. Of course in the wider society we also fear discussing parts of our bodies - like the penis. It is ironic really in a world that is obsessed with bodies and nudity, and the idea that sex sells, people still don't like talking about the real aspects of nudity.

Circumcision is one of those topics that in the ordinary world is not going to be welcomed with comfort. Linked to the embarrassment of genitals, the protection of ourselves as children or parents in our own families, the trends within certain countries linked to culture and also religion. And at the end of the day the majority of men simply grew up with an understanding that they are or are not circumcised and it is their natural situation in their heads. To discuss the idea as to whether or not they should or shouldn't have been is an almost alien idea. It is a touchy subject and even if circumcision becomes something that is frowned on in years to come (or encouraged across the globe) then no one should consider that their parents let them down or they let their children down as parents, no matter what decision was made. All most people do as parents is follow the best ideas, trends and advice that we are offered and that are open to us at the time - giving our children what we believe is the best love, support and protection we can in life.

What I love about ANW is that when the rest of the world is afraid to speak respectfully, sensibly and openly about topics - we don't we debate and share and open ourselves up emotionally and historically. We may have varying opinions but who is to ever say what is right or wrong, we enter into these talks with vulnerability and genuine honesty. Where else do you find this on the internet, or even in life?

The answers to life don't lie in hating people with different ideas to you, or hiding in a wardrobe of "I like what I know and I know what I like" but by opening our minds to the idea that actually there are other thoughts out their and other lives being lived, and other valuable principals, ideas and experiences. We may always hold onto our original thoughts but by considering others with politeness and imagination, we can at least state that we have our beliefs based on going through a thought process and not simply because we see our thoughts and beliefs as the only ones that matter and exist. 

I think as naturists we have already started down a road of considering the idea that their are different and valid points of view and new ideas to be considered and accepted. As naturists we ask others to consider naturism and appreciate that naturism should exist. We ask others to see that their view that nudity=sex is not the only view and we hope that they can adjust to new ideas. We place ourselves in a situation of vulnerability and trust and expect people not to simply judge us both in our bodies and in our personalities, and likewise we do not judge them. There is a respect and an equality in naturism that has to exist for naturism to exist. 

It is why I think the qualities within the forum and ANW itself should not be surprising at all, and yet in some ways it still is. There are some attitudes, practices and ideas within some clubs, venues, national bodies and other websites that seem to go against this core nature of naturism. I think some have allowed the mistrust, inequality and prejudice of society as a whole to not shine through into the heart of naturism. We see it in the treatment and mistrust of single men, the need to offer women male safe environments, the concern of talking families and children, the obsession with genders or the segregation of age groups. We see it in the thirst for celebrity status, the idea that some naturists are "more naturist" than others, elite groups and over zealous leaderships and board members, and the control of ideas and thoughts in certain forums and websites, where an opinion can seem dangerous and in need of control. Naturism should be free of all these trapping, it should be as undressed as possible. 

I think part of why ANW works so well is because as long as you are respectful to naturism, each other and the community you are welcome. It is how naturism should be, it is just the same as the core rules that should be found on any naturist beach, and it is reflected in our simple attitude towards dealing with inappropriate behaviour "Protect Yourself, Protect ANW and Protect Naturism" what else is needed? Naturism is all about respect and Steve and I have always considered it the only vital aspect of running ANW, when naturists lose sight of that they lose sight of naturism. 

Thanks again to all!