Is castrating young boys ethical?

[rexbeccarox]

I'm a classical singer, in fact, referencing the OP, Lascia Ch'io Pianga was one of the arias I performed for my senior recital... beautiful piece by Handel.

The castrati have always been fascinating to me. They were the rock stars of their time. I envy the flexibility that they had. No matter how much I practiced, I could never quiiiiiite get to the level of a castrato, and I'm a coloratura soprano.

That being said, in my opinion, pre-pubescent castration is unethical. I don't think a pre-pubescent boy can consent to that type of thing. Just the fact that he's pre-pubescent means he hasn't matured enough to consent to permanently alter his body. Back in the days of the castrati, their families made the decision for them, usually due to monetary or health reasons. Castration was a treatment for many childhood diseases back then, and a beautiful singing voice was often just a silver-lining to the cloud of losing one's balls.

I like you

Well... pre-pubescent people *can* consent. Observe 6-year old Darla: Darla, would you like to go to your friend Dalton's birthday party? "Oh yes, momma!"

Or otherwise, deny consent... Observe 6-year old David: David, do you mind if I take the dishes from your room and clean them? "NO! It's my room!"

Of course, then their parents overrule them... because might makes right

.......

Ultimately, the period at which one's ability to consent should be observed is largely individual and it is often 'decided' by those with the power to overrule what would have been the one's decisions had said people not been there. This is sometimes good, sometimes bad... it really is a mixed bag. There's a massive potential for abuse, right with a massive potential for allowing perhaps too much.

And that's why I'm against branding much of anything as strictly evil or good. Although... there are always bananas

I like you too. And bananas.

I totally agree with you. I'm just saying, that for the most part, prepubescent boys aren't usually equipped to deal with a decision like that. Especially when it comes down to something as arbitrary as making sounds come out of his body, although believe me- I know how tough and beautiful it is. However it is not a decision relevant to his day and age, being that there isn't a call for that sort of art because the art form the OP highlighted is outdated, and would likely not bring the money that it used to. Add to that, castration is rarely a solution for physical health any longer.

I agree with you; some kids are capable of deciding for themselves, but largely, IMO, the castration of prepubescent boys is unethical. Preteens and teens aren't exactly known for making the best decisions.