Popular culture tends to equate the terms “pedophile” and “child molester”, even though most pedophiles never sexually abuse any children, and not all child molesters are driven by pedophilia.
By spreading the hate for all pedophiles, not only do we spread hate for people that never chose to be like that, we also contribute to their social isolation and inability to gain professional help, while at the same time reinforcing the “pedophile = predator” pattern.
Therapy for pedophilia is available, and it works. We need nonjudgmental ways to direct such people to get help, not panic and outcry.
When I studied with a researcher on this, I learned it even stronger than “not all”: Most perpetrators of child sexual abuse are specifically not pedophiles. By focusing on pedophilia (and there focusing on expressing anger rather than effective preventative measures, which feature support rather than trying to feel morally superior), resources are not only overallocated in one place but underallocated in another, thus making the problem worse
That is well said and something I often struggle to express without sounding super creepy. If someone is attracted to kids, but would never touch one because they know it would be profoundly wrong, I believe they should be congratulated and directed to therapy. Prison, a public lynching or self loathing and isolation are not going to help.
Which doesn’t have much in common with pedo island, obviously.
There’s actually more to it!
Popular culture tends to equate the terms “pedophile” and “child molester”, even though most pedophiles never sexually abuse any children, and not all child molesters are driven by pedophilia.
By spreading the hate for all pedophiles, not only do we spread hate for people that never chose to be like that, we also contribute to their social isolation and inability to gain professional help, while at the same time reinforcing the “pedophile = predator” pattern.
Therapy for pedophilia is available, and it works. We need nonjudgmental ways to direct such people to get help, not panic and outcry.
When I studied with a researcher on this, I learned it even stronger than “not all”: Most perpetrators of child sexual abuse are specifically not pedophiles. By focusing on pedophilia (and there focusing on expressing anger rather than effective preventative measures, which feature support rather than trying to feel morally superior), resources are not only overallocated in one place but underallocated in another, thus making the problem worse
Heard of that claim before, but didn’t find studies to back it up, so didn’t include it here. Won’t be surprised if it is true, though
That is well said and something I often struggle to express without sounding super creepy. If someone is attracted to kids, but would never touch one because they know it would be profoundly wrong, I believe they should be congratulated and directed to therapy. Prison, a public lynching or self loathing and isolation are not going to help.
Which doesn’t have much in common with pedo island, obviously.
Absolutely. Bring justice to chomos!