#the mask you live in
Since some cultures recognize circumcision as a coming of age ritual, I’m wondering if they will cover the subject. I’m approaching it with optimism. For those who don’t know. I’ll state why this documentary should have circumcision discussed in it.
These are the cultural reasons circumcision happens
1.The parents want it done, which brings up the issue of autonomy. If the child can’t make their own decisions, the parents do what is best. There are laws stating FGM (Type I - III) are illegal. Type Ia on this chart. But for boys, the role of choice and autonomy remains unjustified. Feel free to read this article on FGM and note the cultural comparisons. The rest of the reasons are underneath this overarching theme of autonomy and choice.
2.The father was circumcised. AKA previous male bodies define their experience as a man to not include a foreskin. They then reinforce their understanding of gender roles onto the child, and the costume doesn’t fit with a foreskin involved.
3.He needs to match his peers. Masculinity has reinforced that “boys will be boys” and that includes lashing out, and being agressive on people or ideas they don’t understand. This creates fear. Fear that a boy’s body will be shamed by others.
Other culture problems would be institutionalized power, but that would be challenging to discuss in this case.
The verdict: this documentary could reinforce that circumcision is part of our culturally constructed definition of masculinity along the way. Or it could not talk about this at all, and resolve some problems in the way of discussing cross gender body autonomy.
The Guardian interviews Jennifer Siebel Newsom, CEO/Founder of The Representation Project and director of Miss Representation and the forthcoming The Mask You Live In.
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