Having a baby's ears pierced?

[MumOfOne92]

AIBU to think it's absolutely ridiculous to get a baby's ears pierced?

Each to their own but...

It’s horrible, another way of enforcing gender roles on a child before they have a personality. And to those who say it’s “important in other cultures” - so is FGM but everyone agrees how cruel that is.

And no, I am not directly comparing ear-piercing to FGM but they are on opposite ends of the same sliding scale.

Unnecessary pain plus irreversible body modification for no medical reason on an unconsenting child is barbaric.

@Ghanagirl

How is piercing an infant's ears in their best interests?

How on Earth is it in a child's interest to pierce their ears??

@Maryjoyce
If it was “assault*
It would be illegal.
stop making stupid statements to support your opinion.

'And to those who say it’s “important in other cultures” - so is FGM but everyone agrees how cruel that is.

And no, I am not directly comparing ear-piercing to FGM'

But you're comparing it anyway.

Well done you. Another FGM trivialiser.

Plenty of things are legal that shouldnt be.

It's ridiculous. It's like people need to scream THIS BABY IS A GIRL. Just look after her and stop being so shallow.

Saying the underlying principle of two acts follows the same mentality isn't comparing the impact of the acts.

stop making stupid statements to support your opinion

This^^ everyone can have an opinion but making such sweeping statements comparing to abuse and other horrific practices just to make a point is distasteful.
My comments of racism was because some PP were making assumptions of only other cultures having horrific abusive practices. It can be racist to generalise like that

scandaloso

“And no, I am not directly comparing ear-piercing to FGM but they are on opposite ends of the same sliding scale.”

I am not DIRECTLY comparing.

I am comparing. As I say in the latter part of the sentence that you didn’t bother to quote, I see them as being on the same sliding scale or spectrum.

I didn't see the comments saying that so can't comment but I don't think it's racist to call a practise cruel even if it's cultural

But you're comparing the two.

I see.

And yes you're trivialising FGM in order to make a point on MN. Once more, well done you.

The main reason people on MN hate ear piercing on babies isn’t to do with the perceived barbarism. That’s number 2.

Like most things that are despised on MN it’s to do with a hatred of all things ‘common’. So in this instance they shout about FGM because they think it makes them look socially engaged and empathetic.

It doesn’t. It makes them look witless.

The baby's ears belong to the baby. The baby will be fine without piercings. Body modification should only be carried out with the consent of the body's owner.

I feel the same about non-medical circumcision of babies and young children. Legal, but it shouldn't be.

I got an infection as a baby from my Mother's dumb choice to have that done to my ears.

They had to be removed and I was almost 13 before I decided I wanted them pierced again.

It also looks really trashy but I'm never surprised when I see a bald baby with a headband who also has pierced ears. 🙄

And I don’t debate with stupid

Nonsensical, one might even say 'stupid', phrase.

Had mine piereced at 4 months. Have had extra holes as an adult. Done correctly it doesn't hurt at all. I won't have my child's ears pierced as I don't like them on boys.

The main reason people on MN hate ear piercing on babies isn’t to do with the perceived barbarism. That’s number 2.

Like most things that are despised on MN it’s to do with a hatred of all things ‘common’. So in this instance they shout about FGM because they think it makes them look socially engaged and empathetic.

It doesn’t. It makes them look witless.

Exactly this.

*The main reason people on MN hate ear piercing on babies isn’t to do with the perceived barbarism. That’s number 2.

Like most things that are despised on MN it’s to do with a hatred of all things ‘common’. So in this instance they shout about FGM because they think it makes them look socially engaged and empathetic.

It doesn’t. It makes them look witless.*

Completely agree.

And l see the word ‘chavvy’ has snuck back into conversation here.
Why?

I had my ears pierced with a needle and thread. Different cultures take different attitudes.

*The main reason people on MN hate ear piercing on babies isn’t to do with the perceived barbarism. That’s number 2.

Like most things that are despised on MN it’s to do with a hatred of all things ‘common’. *

I disagree. I think it is ridiculous to suggest people are more concerned with something being common rather than what is essentially as assault on a child without consent. Perhaps it follows it is perceived as ‘common’ as only those that fail to understand the first point proceed to do it and think it’s okay. As for someone saying it doesn’t hurt, of course it hurts and it is sore afterwards. Being slapped in the face might not necessarily hurt, but it doesn’t make it ok.

How can a baby look trashy?

They can't.

How can a baby look trashy?

They cant look trashy. Only prudish snobs with their nose up in the air can insist a baby being "Chavvy, tacky, or trashy" because they disagree with something that baby might be wearing. Its just pathetic, judgmental behaviour from grown adults.