Why even try to debate?

[Galatea]

After years of abstinence, I started going to an infamous debate board again. I don't even know why I do it. The posts are tiresome to read, as the pro-circs tear apart every little word instead of responding to the meat. The only leg they have to stand on is that the AAP says that a parent can choose. It is really frustrating, but telling, as the new people who come to the board say things like, "I circ'ed my kids b/c everyone else does." Hah! Anyway, why do I go and get upset by it? My kids are safe and will have a better sex life than their kids. Their kids are already suffering from their parents' stupidity. Why do I care?

[dynamohumm6]

Why do I care?

Because it's a horrible, disgusting, barbaric assault on a defenseless infant that would appall and enrage most sane, rational human beings. :

[nd_deadhead]

I understand how you feel.

I have been frequenting circumcision debate boards for years, and some days the frustration is terrible, like beating my head against a wall.

But I try to always remember that for every circumcision advocate posting on the board, there are several (maybe dozens) of lurkers who are brand new to the debate, and who know nothing about infant circumcision except "everyone does it". THOSE are the people I'm trying to reach, and often giving the pro-circ crowd a chance to strut their stuff is the most effective way to convince people that there truly are no valid reasons to circumcise a normal, healthy baby.

Once in a while someone will post something to the effect that they had planned to circumcise their son, until they started reading posts on a debate board, and learning what really happens. Those posts make it all worthwhile! And I assume that for every one that actually posts, there are a dozen more who simply leave, shaking their heads, wondering why on earth they ever considered circumcising their son in the first place.

[Indigomama]

I'm totally with you on frustration... I almost completely stopped trying..
then I made the difference in one person's choice.


Now I'm revived... one penis at a time.

[njeb]

I agree with the PP's--do it for the lurkers. The regular posters are probably hopeless cases; their minds are made up--don't confuse them with the facts!

[Mountaingirl3]

I totally understand the feeling of futility, BUT, a circ debate board converted me to pro-intact. Could have even been your post that caught my attention, Galatea .

[RiverSky]

Galatea, do it for the daughters, nieces, granddaughters that you might or will be related to. Do it for them! And for their sons, etc.

[eepster]

Think of the story of the one hundereth monkey.