What's wrong with pedophilia?
There have been many studies on pedophiles in society which can be found with a simple internet search. Here are some summarised results:
* Being a pedophile is not a choice. Just like being a homosexual is not a choice. There have been no solid links found between a person's upbringing and their life experiences and the chance they are a pedophile.
* About 5% of the population are pedophiles, although estimates vary. That means there's probably one in your class at school and indeed in every classroom. Compare this to the number of homosexual or bisexual members in our society which is often measured at 2-6% depending on the survey and the area. For every gay TSR member on here there is a pedophillic TSR member too.
* Most pedophiles will never abuse a child in their life - a common misconception amongst non-pedophiles is that pedophiles have a high chance of abusing a child. This simply isn't true. Most pedophiles live entirely normal lives.
* Except for a tiny and almost negligible number, pedophiles have normal sexual desires (for adults) as well as for children.
* Short educational courses on the effects of relationships on children can massively reduce the risk of a pedophile becoming a criminal.
Survey's report that pedophiles are scared to come out as they believe society will label them as monsters or they believe that just being a pedophile is illegal. These fears prevent pedophiles seeking guidance in their life.
If we as a society could become more accepting of these people (I mean, they aren't exactly going anywhere even if we ignore them) then they could open up and seek support. This would lead to a reduction in child sex crimes and make us not only a safer community but a happier one as pedophiles would not have to fear prosecution.
Why should we persecute someone based on sexual desires they have no control over rather than helping them?
* Being a pedophile is not a choice. Just like being a homosexual is not a choice. There have been no solid links found between a person's upbringing and their life experiences and the chance they are a pedophile.
* About 5% of the population are pedophiles, although estimates vary. That means there's probably one in your class at school and indeed in every classroom. Compare this to the number of homosexual or bisexual members in our society which is often measured at 2-6% depending on the survey and the area. For every gay TSR member on here there is a pedophillic TSR member too.
* Most pedophiles will never abuse a child in their life - a common misconception amongst non-pedophiles is that pedophiles have a high chance of abusing a child. This simply isn't true. Most pedophiles live entirely normal lives.
* Except for a tiny and almost negligible number, pedophiles have normal sexual desires (for adults) as well as for children.
* Short educational courses on the effects of relationships on children can massively reduce the risk of a pedophile becoming a criminal.
Survey's report that pedophiles are scared to come out as they believe society will label them as monsters or they believe that just being a pedophile is illegal. These fears prevent pedophiles seeking guidance in their life.
If we as a society could become more accepting of these people (I mean, they aren't exactly going anywhere even if we ignore them) then they could open up and seek support. This would lead to a reduction in child sex crimes and make us not only a safer community but a happier one as pedophiles would not have to fear prosecution.
Why should we persecute someone based on sexual desires they have no control over rather than helping them?
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Everything is wrong about being sexually attracted/aroused by prepubescent humans.
It's easy to make claims based on what you have been taught.
Is it better to leave them to their own business and hope for the best, or is it better to help them?
Is it better to leave them to their own business and hope for the best, or is it better to help them?
Are you seriously asking that question?
I agree in that it seems to be something which isn't a choice, it's just whether they can control their desires or not which is the choice.
I don't believe that you choose who or what you are sexually attracted to and the equivalent of trying to 'help' pedophiles, is like sending gay people to those camps that claim to turn you straight; something which I don't believe is possible.
I don't believe that you choose who or what you are sexually attracted to and the equivalent of trying to 'help' pedophiles, is like sending gay people to those camps that claim to turn you straight; something which I don't believe is possible.
(edited 8 years ago)
I get this but the reason why people will always be wary of pedophiles is because children are involved. Always. The thing is when there are these arguments, which are very valid, there's this underlying sense that you need to accept pedophilia but you just can't do that.
However, these people need to be taken in charge properly.
However, these people need to be taken in charge properly.
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Original post by MylittlePlusle
Everything is wrong about being sexually attracted/aroused by prepubescent humans.
In a psychological sense, perhaps. In a moral sense, they haven't actually done anything wrong.
Until the fantasy results in children being abused, nobody cares. The problem is that even 'passive' pedophiles (read: those who just watch videos online) are involved in the ring to the extent that people see incentive to go out and abuse children for monetary gain, kudos, etc. from the rest of the community by uploading the images. It's natural for people to be weary of potential predators of the weak and vulnerable -- and that's absolutely why the line is drawn here and makes it unacceptable compared to homosexuality.
Pedophiles can and do get the help that's available.
Pedophiles can and do get the help that's available.
Original post by AlexParmenter
I agree in that it seems to be something which isn't a choice, it's just whether they can control their desires or not which is the choice.
I don't believe that you choose who or what you are sexually attracted to and the equivalent of trying to 'help' pedophiles, is like sending gay people to those camps that claim to turn you straight; something which I don't believe is possible.
I don't believe that you choose who or what you are sexually attracted to and the equivalent of trying to 'help' pedophiles, is like sending gay people to those camps that claim to turn you straight; something which I don't believe is possible.
Two points here. Controlling these desires has been shown to be better when pedophiles go on these courses, so they should go on these courses.
And secondly, pedophilia is different in some regards to homosexuality. With homosexuals their sexual attraction is to the same sex only - they have no other options. Pedophiles have the option of adults or children in many cases, so while we are trying to change them at their fundamentals, we do not leave them in a position where they have nowhere to go.
Original post by Keyhofi
Two points here. Controlling these desires has been shown to be better when pedophiles go on these courses, so they should go on these courses.
And secondly, pedophilia is different in some regards to homosexuality. With homosexuals their sexual attraction is to the same sex only - they have no other options. Pedophiles have the option of adults or children in many cases, so while we are trying to change them at their fundamentals, we do not leave them in a position where they have nowhere to go.
And secondly, pedophilia is different in some regards to homosexuality. With homosexuals their sexual attraction is to the same sex only - they have no other options. Pedophiles have the option of adults or children in many cases, so while we are trying to change them at their fundamentals, we do not leave them in a position where they have nowhere to go.
Oh ok so the courses focus on self control rather than actually 'removing' the attraction?
Funny because I was literally having a conversation about this 5 minutes ago.
I do find it strange that people seem so quick to condemn pedophiles when people claim that you can't control your sexuality. There is definitely a big difference between being a pedophile and a child molester and maybe people aren't aware of the difference, I don't know.
I think if there was less stigma attached then people could seek help but I'm not sure how you could help someone change their sexual desires if they are born with them.
Saying that though I think it would be difficult to reduce the stigma. If I knew someone was a pedophile and I had a child I would still feel uneasy about them being around my child even if I knew they were seeking help and there are very low chances of their desires leading to child abuse. I don't really think there's an easy solution here.
Posted from TSR Mobile
I do find it strange that people seem so quick to condemn pedophiles when people claim that you can't control your sexuality. There is definitely a big difference between being a pedophile and a child molester and maybe people aren't aware of the difference, I don't know.
I think if there was less stigma attached then people could seek help but I'm not sure how you could help someone change their sexual desires if they are born with them.
Saying that though I think it would be difficult to reduce the stigma. If I knew someone was a pedophile and I had a child I would still feel uneasy about them being around my child even if I knew they were seeking help and there are very low chances of their desires leading to child abuse. I don't really think there's an easy solution here.
Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by AlexParmenter
Oh ok so the courses focus on self control rather than actually 'removing' the attraction?
There are. It's not like those 'straight camps' that help "heal the gay" -- pedophiles are given guidance on how to resist the urge to sexually exploit somebody that we don't accept is able to give consent to such actions.
Original post by gr8wizard10
pedophilia is basically like homosexuality. i think both are wrong
How is being sexually attracted to a child or sexually abusing a child who cannot give consent similar to being sexually attracted to same gender or having consensual sex with a person of the same gender?
Original post by AlexParmenter
Oh ok so the courses focus on self control rather than actually 'removing' the attraction?
As far as I can tell, yes.
Original post by heybaby
There are. It's not like those 'straight camps' that help "heal the gay" -- pedophiles are given guidance on how to resist the urge to sexually exploit somebody that we don't accept is able to give consent to such actions.
Original post by Keyhofi
As far as I can tell, yes.
That makes more sense then, and maybe a better comparison would be bisexuality rather than homosexuality in the way that some people will choose to ignore their attraction to the same gender, and live life as 'straight' people...
You can think about what you want, no one will know. But i saw an interview on this morning where the guy said pedophiles star to rationalise it in there mind like when we say its a 30mph road i can go 35, its only 5mph more... when it becomes a reality it is a problem as children are being harmed. When gay people have sex there are no victims so why you even brought that up i have no idea. Id be interested to know the age of these pedophiles that don't offend because i reckon they are still young, i would like to know how many pedophiles will offend atlas once throughout their whole lifetime because i bet its much higher.
Original post by AlexParmenter
That makes more sense then, and maybe a better comparison would be bisexuality rather than homosexuality in the way that some people will choose to ignore their attraction to the same gender, and live life as 'straight' people...
Well, you're assuming that pedophiles are also attracted to adults. Some most probably aren't and have to live life as 'straight', so to speak, even though there is no sexual attraction to what we regard as consenting individuals.
Original post by Keyhofi
Two points here. Controlling these desires has been shown to be better when pedophiles go on these courses, so they should go on these courses.
And secondly, pedophilia is different in some regards to homosexuality. With homosexuals their sexual attraction is to the same sex only - they have no other options. Pedophiles have the option of adults or children in many cases, so while we are trying to change them at their fundamentals, we do not leave them in a position where they have nowhere to go.
And secondly, pedophilia is different in some regards to homosexuality. With homosexuals their sexual attraction is to the same sex only - they have no other options. Pedophiles have the option of adults or children in many cases, so while we are trying to change them at their fundamentals, we do not leave them in a position where they have nowhere to go.
Also those camps which were mentioned are designed to make gay people straight which doesn't can't work, it's trying to change sexuality, you can't make people attracted to a certain group...but you CAN teach people about the harmful consequences of engaging in sexual relationships with children or contributing to the abhorrent child pornography industry.
As you mentioned, it's certainly likely that if society were more accepting of paedophiles and treated them with compassion, and actually this goes for all mental illnesses not just paedophilia, instead of stigmatising them and treating them like pariahs, they'd be a lot less children abused.
When the only people for paedophiles to talk to are other paedophiles and only way they can find other paedophiles is on underground networks, that seems like a recipe for disaster to me.
Anyway, I don't know what the absolute best solution would be but I think this is certainly an issue which needs to be debated more, so I applaud you for raising it.
Stop playing devil's advocate and use your brain OP. It's wrong to subject and expose children to certain stuff because 9/10 they develop badly in the head. Many people who were molested for example go on to molest and become sociopaths.
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