Perhaps after learning about the harm of circumcision you want to shout it out to the world. Or maybe you're the quieter type who wonders, "what could I possibly do?" Though the extent to which you set out to make a difference is up to you, most of the work is saving one baby at a time and knowing that the effect snowballs as more people learn. When you are in a public forum, you never know who is following and learning without commenting, so you will never know the full extent of the difference you made. Of course, there will be babies you can't save, and that always hurts, but those you can protect make it all worthwhile.
Story of the starfish, by Loren Eiseley ...
While wandering a deserted beach at dawn, stagnant in my work, I saw a man in the distance bending and throwing as he walked the endless stretch toward me. As he came near, I could see that he was throwing starfish, abandoned on the sand by the tide, back into the sea. When he was close enough I asked him why he was working so hard at this strange task. He said that the sun would dry the starfish and they would die. I said to him that I thought he was foolish. There were thousands of starfish on miles and miles of beach. One man alone could never make a difference. He smiled as he picked up the next starfish. Hurling it far into the sea he said, "It makes a difference for this one." I abandoned my writing and spent the morning throwing starfish.
From How to Talk about Circumcision ...
It is important to have some empathy and understanding for those whom we want to influence. This can be a stretch. But otherwise, we are more likely to invite unproductive conflict.
For a maximum change of attitude in others, it is best to have a message that deviates only moderately from the listener's viewpoint.
Please speak out (even if you are uncomfortable). You will be glad you did, and any discomfort will change to confidence and power.
From A Call for Sensitivity in Discussing Circumcision ...
As abhorrent as circumcision seems to most intactivists, we must remember to withhold our judgment and our anger in order to be productive in our cause. I’ve personally struggled with such emotions, and I certainly haven’t overcome their presence in my life. However, I know how to handle these feelings in a way that lets me communicate with pro-cutters, and I believe that’s an imperative step in promoting the intactivist movement.
From Effective Intactivism ...
Instead of insisting that it is bad, show them that just as they have the right to have their opinion, so does every baby that will someday be an adult. If you give them their deserved freedom, perhaps they will, in turn, grant it to others.
One of the easiest ways to inform people is through simple information cards and fliers. They can be placed in books, magazines, changing tables, maternity clothes, baby clothes and products, on store shelves (by baby products such as Vasoline, which is frequently bought in advance for circumcision care), bulletin boards, handed to pregnant women ... the sky's the limit.
Following are some print outs I use. Both the cards and the fliers are aligned so that they can be printed front and back. Assuming the cards download at full size, they will fit Avery 5881, though I use plain paper or card stock.
Following are some print outs I use. Both the cards and the fliers are aligned so that they can be printed front and back. Assuming the cards download at full size, they will fit Avery 5881, though I use plain paper or card stock.
TLC Tugger offers free bumper stickers and very reasonably priced information cards.
Another great idea is using sidewalk chalk to write a brief statement and website to find out more information. It can be carried most anywhere and the possibilities are endless. If possible, sidewalk chalk writes easier and bolder on a damp surface; be creative and colorful to make people notice and think. I also keep a list of websites and quotes handy, lest my brain freeze up at the spur of the moment. Obviously what you write would depend upon where you are writing. Here are a list of suggestions and websites can be found on the page, Resources.
Another great idea is using sidewalk chalk to write a brief statement and website to find out more information. It can be carried most anywhere and the possibilities are endless. If possible, sidewalk chalk writes easier and bolder on a damp surface; be creative and colorful to make people notice and think. I also keep a list of websites and quotes handy, lest my brain freeze up at the spur of the moment. Obviously what you write would depend upon where you are writing. Here are a list of suggestions and websites can be found on the page, Resources.
You want to
cut off MY WHAT?! FORESKIN is NOT a BIRTH DEFECT! Bring your PERFECT, WHOLE BABY home! WHOSE PENIS? WHOSE BODY? WHOSE RIGHTS? GENITAL INTEGRITY: It's NOT JUST FOR GIRLS! BE WISE DON'T CIRCUMCISE! If boys were MEANT TO HAVE FORESKINS, they'd be BORN WITH THEM! CIRCUMCISION: The UNKINDEST CUT! Get the FACTS! CIRCUMCISION HARMS PROTECT CHILDREN! YOUTUBE CIRCUMCISION for the FRIGHT of YOUR LIFE! More than 117 babies DIE each year in the U.S. from CIRCUMCISION! |
KNIFE. PENIS.
Make you cringe? Say NO! to CIRCUMCISION! HIS BODY HIS CHOICE! STOP GENITAL MUTILATION OF CHILDREN! INFORMED CONSENT is MEANINGLESS when the PATIENT HIMSELF is given NO RIGHT TO REFUSE the surgery. Today's parents say NO! to CIRCUMCISION! CIRCUMCISION: The MORE you KNOW The MORE you're AGAINST IT! Nothing says "Welcome to the world, little guy" quite like STRAPPING HIM DOWN and SLICING APART his MOST SENSITIVE ORGAN! Bring your WHOLE BABY home! Say NO! to CIRCUMCISION! FEEL the LOVE END CIRCUMCISION! GOT FORESKIN? |
GOD MAKES NO MISTAKES
Say NO! to CIRCUMCISION TRUST YOUR GUT DON'T MAKE THE CUT! CIRCUMCISED? You have NO IDEA what YOU ARE MISSING! I was CIRCUMCISED and I am NOT "FINE"! CIRCUMCISED? You got RIPPED OFF literally! FORESKINS are FABULOUS! BIGGER l-o-n-g-e-r UNCUT FORESKIN: It's NOT the WRAPPER It's THE CANDY! There's NO SUCH THING as TOO MUCH PENIS! NOT CIRCUMCISED? LUCKY STIFF! FORESKIN: NATURE'S VIAGRA INTACT MEN ARE SEXY! |
Circumcision: The more you know, the more you're against it!
Last updated December 29, 2012
Last updated December 29, 2012