maybekidlovr wrote:I understand why you would defend our side because of the social stigma. But IMO the only pedophiles that make it to the public eye's view are the ones who molest and rape children. And because of this I think that it is fair for the general public to stigmatize all the pedos in the world in order to pay for the crimes our brothers have done.
I must admit, I'm a bit taken aback by your loose use of the word "fair." The act, in and of itself, of stereotyping and segregating an entire group based on popular perception or sensationalism has always been deplored by defenders of law and order. Just because ISIS is Muslim, does it therefore follow that we should stereotype all Muslims as ruthless killers or intolerant zealots? Or just because Indian nationals have engaged in and justified rape of hapless female victims, does it
ipso facto follow that all male Indians are thus minded? Even groups of reputedly low character are not so typecast. Does society see all murderers alike? No, but they rationally distinguish between degrees of homicide, from the case of the negligent to the homicidal maniac or serial killer. So why is it justified to place all pedophiles into one category? I frown on Nazism, but I allow that there are degrees of extremes even within this somewhat variegated group—ranging from the confused youth to the genocidal fanatic. Society has always been a little more savvy about recognizing diversity when given the facts than we give it credit for. And it is simply not true that society only hears of pedophiles who commit rape, kidnapping or murder. Many cases that come to light involve only the act of viewing child pornography, or exposure of genitalia (not rape or contact). And even in some of the most notorious cases, the people of law enforcement just prosecute for possession of illicit material rather than for acts of barbarism, as bizarre as that may seem. Take the recent case of a British man in Massachusetts who plotted to commit cannibalism against children in the U.S. He had a dungeon and everything, but they only prosecuted him for having and distributing child pornography.
http://news.sky.com/story/1142998/paedo ... eon-jailed(See the resolution of this case elsewhere.)
The U.S. seems infatuated with minutiae, while the most reprehensible acts of pedophilia are lumped in with the lesser. I cannot blame society altogther for this; it seems to be the fault of lawmakers and those enforcing the law, some of whom have accused the system of going too far in some respects touching on this matter.
Is it fair for those kidnapped or hurt children that their family and friends not get angry at their offenders. What is worst?- Having been raped and taken advantage of, or being judged socially by society? I think that at this point we can only help ourselves (on an individual basis) and not on a global basis.
I do not defend such reprehensible acts. I only mean to point out that certain overreactions are in and of themselves counterproductive and unnecessary. If a drunk driver commits vehicular homicide, does one prosecute all alcoholics? Such an act may even ameliorate the situation, as it may lower the numbers of casualties that result from drunk driving. But even MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) might view that as gratuitous and excessive punishment. So how is it justified in the case of pedophiles, even if such methods
were effective (which they're not)? Does the end justify the means? Does "effective" and "efficient" translate to "fairness" and "justice for all" (
remember that phrase?)? There was nary a crime committed by the populace under Nazi Germany, because of the high risk involved and over-punishment in Germany at that time, but does that justify fascism or draconian measures? Should I sever my arm to rid it of a malignancy, when it might be just as effective, and less costly, to excise the cancerous area itself?
This is not an apologetic (defense) for pedophilia, so much as a call for moderation in treatment. Unless we are prepared to endorse suicide and vigilante homicide for thought crime, or the prosecution of the latter, we must admit here that many in positions of authority are using a blow torch to light a candle. Put succinctly, they are going to unmitigated extremes, which infringe on rights and freedom, in the name of security and public safety.
Please note: this was not a personal attack against you. Like I said earlier in this forum, many of our numbers suffer from what is called "The Stockholm syndrome." Please look it up.