I have been debating circumcision on the internet and in real life for 4 years now and I have learned some things. I thought here would be a good place to share them and if anyone has any other tips please don't hesitate to reciprocate

  1. Don't call circumcision mutilation. It obviously is but when you start calling it that there are 3 possible reactions:

    The first is when they are already firmly in the circumcising camp. They will start getting defensive and any chance you had of making any headway is gone.

    The second is when they already agree that it is mutilation and they support your calling it that. If they already agree with you then there is no point in debating them.

    The third is if they are on the fence. Once the term mutilation is used they immediately see you as a zealot and a lot of progress is lost.

    Unless you are among fellow intactivists don't use the term mutilation. It is a correct description of circumcision but ultimately hurts our cause.

  2. Remember what the debate is about. The debate is really about the boy's choice. Don't let them try to disguise the issue by talking about benefits(that should be talked about when the boy is making his decision) etc. Ask "Why not let him have the choice to do with his body what he wants?". Always remember that this is the point of the debate. Pro circumcision people will always try to lead you away from this central point but you shouldn't let them.

  3. An interesting argument I have found is this: Imagine a boy breaks something very precious to his mother. It is legal now for the mother to punish the boy by getting him circumcised with no anesthetic.

Most people immediately recoil at the thought. This appeal to emotion is interesting but should be used sparingly. Usually spouting statistics about why circumcision will not work but in many cases appeals to emotion will.

  1. This is the most important one:

Talk about circumcision. Talk about it a lot. This is hard to do and can be embarrassing but unless more people start talking about it circumcision will continue. Many people, when approached in a non confrontational way will agree that circumcision is wrong. You need to make them aware that there is a movement in the USA to end it.

If you are a circumcised man say loudly and often that you don't like being circumcised. Many people making the decision will base it on the fact that many men don't seem to care that one of the best parts of their penis was cut off. They need to hear from you.

Write your congressman, write to newspapers, talk to your family, your friends, comment on blogs etc. Just get the word out. The more exposure this issue gets the closer it is to being resolved.

Edit: It is past 12 where I live and I am tired. I accidentally posted this without most of the content. Please allow me to use the same excuse for every other mistake you can find but don't hesitate to point them out.

Edit #2: I forgot something very important. Debating circumcision on the internet is almost always pointless. If someone cares enough to debate anonymous strangers on this issue then they are either trolling or care so strongly you will never convince them.

What is more important is debate in real life and convincing people on the internet. Try to avoid debates when you can but sometimes they are important. On Men's Rights pages (like this one) if people see that pro circumcision advocates are running wild they will not be too enthused about our cause. But in many other cases avoid debate.

For convincing people, there are many ways to do that. Try reading "How to Make Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.