Jeff, Patricia, and I worked the Eugene booth and it was a wonderful experience. Lots and lots of literature was handed out, and we talked to tons of men of all ages, mothers, and even a couple of doctors. Most people were incredibly receptive...I could count on one hand the number of people who had the attitude of "Circumcision is a good thing! I'm all for it!" We were very successful with the "What does this card have to do with my PENIS?" cards, with losses of circumcision on the back---although we all agreed that they need some restoration info on the back as well, so men don't walk away feeling hopeless.
The only two beligerant men were one who came up to the booth ranting about circumcision decreasing HIV, and then through the literature down saying, "Screw you!" (insert eyeroll here)
The other man that was a jerk stopped by the booth right as we were closing up this afternoon and just wanted to argue, and all he really had to say was that circumcision was a great thing because it "looks good". We eventually just ignored him, and he went away.
The coolest thing about working the booth was that while I was gone to Kinkos this afternoon, apparently a man I'd spoken to yesterday came by the booth to thank me for the literature I gave him. He said he went home last night and read it and it was really helpful. I'm not sure who he was or what I gave him, but it may very well have been info about restoration. Regardless, it meant a lot to get such positive feedback and to know I made a difference.
I'd encourage all of you to get involved locally, because if you've been an active online intactivist for awhile, all the facts and statistics are firmly stored in your brain and once you get over the initial fear of speaking to people in person, it becomes really really natural and easy. Jeff came up with a great phrase to lead with, saying "It's a sore subject", which usually received a chuckle followed by further discussion and educating.
On the way home, I was thinking about how it takes courage to speak to people about circumcision...but how we transfer that courage to those we're informing. We're giving parents the courage to say no to circumcision. We're giving men the courage to restore.
We can make a difference...
One baby,
One expectant Momma,
On circumcised man,
One person at a time.
And everytime something we say or do or provide results in just one baby boy escaping the knife, the chances are excellent that his sons and gransons will also be left intact.
Patricia often says that hate, anger, and other ugly things are really FEAR. I feel so empowered to have finally lost my fear of talking to people in person. I am completely determined to start wearing t-shirts to spark discussion, and I swear the next time I see a pregnant woman I won't hesitate to strike up a conversation with her.
Jen
