When it is used, it isn't always effective and injecting the needle is very painful itself. It's a good idea to observe a circumcision before having one done on your baby. It's a simple procedure and complications are rare. Compared to other procedures, it's probably described as simple because it takes about 20 minutes to complete. Complications are under-reported and much more common than people realize.
All surgery has risks.
Every parent you know has had it done to their boys. There was a time when every parent had tonsillectomies performed on their children without any medical indication. Circumcision is not medically necessary. In your small circle of people, every male you know is circumcised and satisfied. Throughout this country's entire population, there are many men who are very unhappy about their circumcisions.