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The foreskin dispute
The circumcision debate never fails to amuse ["Revolting cocks," Kristian perspective, April 5]. However, the debate has taken a very serious turn in recent years, in part because of new information on the structure and function of the foreskin.
The foreskin is, in fact, uniquely specialized sexual tissue because it carries a structure, known as "ridged band," that can be found nowhere else in the human body. As its name suggests, a ridged band is a band of finely corrugated mucous membrane; it is normally hidden from view just inside the tip of the foreskin. The ridged band is rich in so-called genital corpuscles, which are large nerves that trigger sexual feelings and sexual reflexes. Thus, the ridged band has the same range of sexual functions as the head of the penis, except that it is responsive to a wider range of stimuli--the sort that come into play during intercourse.
Incidentally, the ridged band is always removed by circumcision, and it does not grow back again. Readers wishing to catch up on the information that somehow eluded Mr. Gravenor may read about our work at http://research.cirp.org. We show that penile truth is indeed stranger than penile fiction.
--Dr. John R. Taylor, MB FRCPC, Winnipeg, Manitoba
The unimportance of fur
Those who are truly concerned with the North should concentrate on reducing greenhouse gases to prevent global warming rather than promoting the fur industry, however indigenous it is ["Fur in the Far North," March 29]. The melting that is underway in the Arctic threatens to wreak havoc among sea mammals, and there is no indication that the kind of effort needed to stop global warming will occur anytime soon.
If we empathized with the plight of non-human animals in the north and elsewhere, we would stop eating them and instead embark on the huge effort needed to preserve biodiversity and prevent extinction. This, tragically, receives far less attention from our media than sports, entertainment and finance, even by our "public broadcasters." In our schools, too, we should emphasize that it will be lethal to take the earth for granted.
All this relates to the FTAA, whose intention, in effect, is to put the planet up for sale. "Free trade" means the unhindered ability to sell in a world where practically everything will be up for sale. And what's another seal, you ask, when there are so many? Each creature is a separate being, with its own sense of life, its own parents, its own experiences. Who are we to hand down death sentences on them?
--Shloime Perel
Escort debate, continued
In response to Pierre Keyork who responded last week ["Escorts defended"] to the letter condemning the Mirror for its many pages of escort service ads ["Anti-escorts," March 29]: I think you missed the point. If you reread the letter from the "proud feminist," you'll note that she (I'll assume it was a she) in no way criticizes the women in these ads, as your letter suggests. In fact, I'll bet she understands only too clearly why women make such choices. I believe she was criticizing the paper for printing such ads, believing that the paper was an alternative one that supported women. Here's news: it's not alternative to promote women as commodities--whether you're selling escort services, cars or soft drinks. Look around: it's everywhere.
It is alternative to refuse to perpetuate harmful images by refusing to accept such advertising. Oh and you're right, nobody's asking her to call these women for their services. She has that freedom. She also has the freedom not to read the paper. You'll note, however, that she seems to have the freedom to avoid others who see these images, make the connection that women are objects and project these feelings onto her and others. Please excuse her for not signing her name. Self-described feminists are often subject to vicious backlashes for not wanting to "stay in their place," which, in some people's minds, should be sexual and available in the back of an "alternative" paper.
-Cheryl, a gun-shy humanist
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