Is castrating young boys ethical?

[Violet]

I like you too. And bananas.

I hate bananas, they are evil.

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to his day and age, being that there isn't a call for that sort of art because the art form the OP highlighted is outdated, and would likely not bring the money that it used to.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.

Actually, there is a 'recent' resurgence of opera and falsetto, so if there's an environment for a talented castrato to go for: it's this one. Not to forget how the advertising of today functions.

It's not relevant to the same people today as it was centuries ago, these days it would likely be a rich person's child to undergo such (at the behest of the parents, usually). It's probably not ethical today, but that could change depending on who you ask.

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.

And adults are? I dunno, I've gotten past the 'magical age line of legal adulthood'... many of my friends have too: I'm still making bad choices, they're getting pregnant, ONE OF THEM HAS BEEN MARRIED, DIVORCED, AND MARRIED AGAIN!

And those who were in 6th grade when I was in kindergarden are still making bad decisions. My 55ish year old parents are still making bad decisions. 4 of my brothers and sisters are 10+ years older than me, and I've gotten to watch them make bad decisions their whole lives, and they continue to make them in their thirties. Even my 90-something grandmother is making mistakes.

... Point being: People will never stop making mistakes. Teenagers, preteens, children, young adults, middle adults, old adults, middle-aged, elderly, senile, ancient.... it doesn't bloody matter how old they are. Mistakes are humankind's bread and butter, and were it any other way: our lives would be hilariously boring.

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Wait, TEGH, a singing career is not guaranteed. Believe me, I know. Your argument assumes it is, though.

Perhaps, then.... the argument could be instead about the journey. Certainly, some of us apply such to religion... and as an example in some older Mesopotamian religions: bloodletting.