Why do pro-circs dislike the acronym "RIC"?

[minkajane]

On circ debate boards and support boards, I see pro-circs (or "pro parental choice" as they like to be called) referring to circumcision as IMC, infant male circumcision, instead of RIC, routine/ritual infant circumcision. What's the difference? I get why they wouldn't use MGM, male genital mutilation, like intactivists would, but what's their problem with RIC? Is it because they like to insist that they don't think it should be routine, that it should be a parent's choice?

[mamamillet]

I would rather see them use IMC than a casual "snip-snip". I can't stand it when they refer to it as the snip, drives me up a wall.

[Ruthla]

I think it might be as simple as one board having their "pet acronym" while another board has another "pet acronym" for the same thing.

For example, I'm on a weight loss board where PMS/AF is referred to as TOM, "time of the month." There's no particular reason they don't use PMS or AF- except maybe that TOM covers both situations accurately with one acronym? I've never seen anybody refer to TOM on this board (except for me just now ) unless they're referring to Tom's of Maine brand of products.

Have you brought up the acronym on the other board you're a member of? Is it just the comfy expression they use there, or do they actually have a reason to prefer one acronym over the other?

[phdmama06]

Maybe it's just the convention they use on the board they participate in? I have seen different acronyms for AF (like TOM) and for other things. I don't see why they would have a major philosophical problem with RIC, especially since IMC seems pretty similar. I agree that it's better than giving it a "cute" name like "snip-snip!"

[Papai]

Originally Posted by minkajane

I get why they wouldn't use MGM, male genital mutilation, like intactivists would, but what's their problem with RIC? Is it because they like to insist that they don't think it should be routine, that it should be a parent's choice?

Yes, pretty much.

All the pro-circ advocates I've encountered have all agreed that babies should not be "routinely" i.e. mandatorily circ'd. But that parents should be given the choice.

[nd_deadhead]

If it's the same board I'm thinking of, there was one poster (who isn't there any more) who used IMC, and others picked it up.

The word "routine" is often a sticking point on debate boards. Pro-circumcision folks like to define "routine" as "should be done to every single baby boy", so that they can say that they are NOT in favor of RIC.

Most people accept "routine" to mean "common" (such as "routine appendectomy"). I would like to see the AAP change the wording in their policy statement to say that they do not recommend non-theraputic infant circumcision - that is, done to normal, healthy baby boys.

[LittleRockstar]

RIC isn't gender specific. Maybe calling it RIC gets them too close to admitting that MGM and FGM can be similar.

And the word "routine" makes it sound less... valid(?) The word routine makes it sound like there is no reason to do it. We can't have people admitting that!

[Bm31]

Yeah, from what I've seen on the debate boards....when I could still stomach that sort of thing....I think it has to do with the term "routine." They like to argue that it shouldn't be routine, BUT it should be a parents' choice. Yet they'll vociferously spread disinformation and argue to try and justify that choice and encourage others to do the same.

[SammyJr]

Originally Posted by Papai

Yes, pretty much.

All the pro-circ advocates I've encountered have all agreed that babies should not be "routinely" i.e. mandatorily circ'd. But that parents should be given the choice.

Yeah, but in their minds, the choice is just a formality.

[calngavinsmom]

Originally Posted by nd_deadhead

The word "routine" is often a sticking point on debate boards. Pro-circumcision folks like to define "routine" as "should be done to every single baby boy", so that they can say that they are NOT in favor of RIC.

Most people accept "routine" to mean "common" (such as "routine appendectomy"). I would like to see the AAP change the wording in their policy statement to say that they do not recommend non-theraputic infant circumcision - that is, done to normal, healthy baby boys.

: This has been my experience too.

Take care,
Tara

[eepster]

I actually dislike RIC. The R can mean either routine or ritual so it is imprecise. Also routine makes it sound like it is a normal and ordinary thing to do, but for most of the world it is some bizzar american thing. Plus to me routine has the connotation of low risk and easy. Finally as rates are dropping in the US it is becoming less and less routine and I think expectant parents should know that.

MGM can be alientating to many of the people we are trying to reach, so it doesn't serve our purpose as well as it could. Plus every time I see it I think of movie studios.

Now IMC is reasonably accurate and emotionally neutral, I don't see any reason we shouldn't simply embrace it during a debate. One can just as easily point out that meatal stenosis is a common side effect of IMC as RIC or MGM.

We are the ones with reason and logic on our side, so as long as the language being used isn't misleading ("quick snip," "little trim," etc) I say don't let it distract from the goal.

[serendipity22]

Possibly pro-circers don't like the term ric because the word routine
invokes thoughts such as

mechanical, habitual, unconscious, indifferent, conformist,
unimaginitive, stereotyped, conditioned, boring etc.

I don't like the word routine because
"routine infant circumcision" is ambiguous.

[nikihodges]

im not sure but you guys are going to need to make an abrieviation sticky soon so that folks like myself can keep up...

[Islay]

Originally Posted by nikihodges

im not sure but you guys are going to need to make an abrieviation sticky soon so that folks like myself can keep up...

That would be very useful! I'm English and we don't have the same love of acronyms as the Americans! :

Christopher

[minkajane]

Check out the Questions and Suggestions forum. There's a sticky of acronyms commonly used here.

[Breathless Wonder]

Maybe it SHOULDN'T be RIC- maybe EIC (Elective Infant Circumcision) is better, because the word "routine" indicates commonplace, and accepted. It carries a level of apathy with it.