I grew up in the 60s. But, I was young enough at that time that the cultural happenings were not on my radar. For example, I had just turned 7 when President Kennedy was assassinated. My only recollection of the event is a memory of wondering why all the grownups were watching a boring show on television. The Summer of Love (1967) found me as an 11 year old. That, as did all the Vietnam War protests, happened when I was too young to appreciate what was going on.

The protest era of the 60s is long gone. But that is not to say that the need has passed. The need for social change is just as great today as then.

The protest era of the 60s was remarkable because so many people were willing to speak out to support their beliefs. The protests, demonstrations, and marches, although maybe not as great in number, still continue.

One upcoming protest starts on Friday, March 26. The protest against infant circumcision is a demonstration in support of genital integrity.  A march to the White House is planned for Wednesday afternoon. The demonstration ends on April 1, the beginning of the National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Like the protests of the 60s, people will be taking to the streets carrying signs. They will be letting the world know about the harms that we inflict upon our own children. And, like the protests of the 60s, I am going to miss out this year.

I am self-employed and, unfortunately, cannot break free this year. But, I support their effort. For those that can attend, the 17th Annual Demonstration/March Against Circumcision is scheduled from March 26 to April 1, 2010. Everyone is asked to meet at the West side of the US Capitol between 9am and late evening.

On March 30, a march to the White House will start at 4pm. In 1997, the federal female genital mutilation bill was enacted. The march is held on the 13th anniversary of that historic date. It is hoped that sometime in the near future that we will be able to celebrate the enactment of a genital mutiliation bill that is gender neutral, that is, one that protects both girls and boys.
 

Links:

• 17th Annual Demonstration/March Against Infant Circumcision 2010 Schedule of Events
• Stop Infant Circumcision Society is sponsoring the protest against infant circumcision
• YouTube video of the 2009 Demonstration against Invant Circumcision
• Forum post by a demonstrator at the 2009 Demonstation and March against Infant Circumcision
• Facebook event Online Genital Integrity Rally for those who cannot attend
• Facebook event for 17th Annual Demonstration/March Against Infant Circumcision
• Male Genital Mutilation Bill to stop infant circumcision and provide genital integrity for all
• International Coalition for Genital Integrity post on the demonstration