The Washington Post ran an article today about the growing popularity of home circumcisions. The traditional Jewish ceremony for eight-day-old boys called brith milah, or bris, performed by a trained mohel is well-known.
But there is a rise in the number of Christian families who opt for a “holistic circumcision” performed at home rather than in the hospital.
Ouch!
Immediately, a disturbing image came to me. I saw the the dark-bearded, falsetto-voiced pitchman for all manner of esoteric cleaning, grooming, and maintenance items, Billy Mays.
That’s scary enough, but what if Billy catches on to this newest trend in, well, home invasion?
“Hi. Billy Mays for OxiKut, the home circumcision kit. Why spend $500 or more on a mohel when you can perform circumcisions at home with our inexpensive kit?”
Aah reminds me of Seinfeld … The world is one drunk mohel away from the widespread immersion of the Oxikut.
I have to say Professor Potter; I am compelled to comment on this particular blog because of my comedic impulse towards this type of humor. The joke was hilarious, and it is a perfect example of an advertising headline. This blog reminds me of a satirical piece I recently read by Rich Cohen in “Mirth of a Nation.” I love Jewish humor that can be found in shows such as Seinfeld and Curb your Enthusiasm.
Rich Cohen writes the piece based on a NY Times article about the rise of spirituality in America, and he concludes through countless hours of practicing different religions that Hebrew is the religion that best suits him. Let me explain.
Cohen felt that his Hebrew god was the best out of all the gods while he was growing up. Once he got bullied as a kid, and he prayed to God to avenge his honor. His prayer was answered, and Cohen knew he was backed by something omnipotent. However, when he reaches adulthood, Cohen abandons his Hebrew god and explores other spiritual outlets. What ensues in this piece is a hilarious religious odyssey, but ultimately he realizes that he betrayed the one God who helped him the most. I will bring it to class o Monday for you to read; I do not want to spoil any punch-lines.
It is nice to know somebody shares a sense of humor with me even in the professional business of Public Relations.