|
Not Ranked
:
+0 / -0
0 score
Re: Pedophilia In America
After reading through all the posts, a thought occurred to me: Aside from pedophilia and (possibly) rape, are there any other antisocial urges (even when successfully resisted) that will practically guarantee someone will be monitored for life, thoroughly investigated or even jailed if they decide to seek therapy? I'm not even sure that convicted rapists get as bad a rap as a *suspected* child molester. I admit that I feel an almost visceral hate for people of any age who abuse children in any form (physical, mental, sexual, etc.), but is this a necessary and unavoidable consequence if there is disclosure before a crime happens?
For purposes of definition, when I refer to "pedophiles" I mean those who are strongly attracted to others who are significantly younger than they are, typically minors or even pre-teens. A "molester" or "child rapist" is someone who acts on these desires.
If someone has violent urges to hurt others, such as battery or murder, but comes forward for treatment before acting on them, then they are often seen as tragic, even courageous, figures and treated as such. Sure, people will talk about them behind their backs and perhaps be wary of them for a while, but the admission gives them a redeeming quality and those around them genuinely want to see them improve.
Substance abuse is the most lenient example of this type of viewpoint; even if someone has been on drugs for years, they will get positive encouragement and support from former addicts (and usually family/friends) when they seek help.
I acknowledge in advance that when destructive urges are self-directed, like suicide or substance abuse, less stigma is typically attached to the person. When dark thoughts become outwardly focused, however, it is often just a matter of time before Motive finds a Method and Opportunity presents itself.
I remember several people mentioned CHOICES at some length. Choices are seen as morally good or bad by the lens of society but "good" choices made today may or may not prevent future bad behavior or protect against a slow internal decay of willpower. A "good" choice in the case of pedophilia would be to flee from situations where a person could act out. Alcoholics don't typically hang out in bars, and pedophiliacs would likewise be wise to avoid primary/secondary schools as a place to work. But without treatment, such desires could lead an untreated pedophilliac feel deprived/oppressed/resentful and lead to an even greater urge to offend.
In the United States once someone has served their time for most crimes they are released on parole. But convicted molesters in Washington state are held until they are no longer seen as a threat to the community even once their sentence is finished. Once they ARE released, special notices go out to the neighborhoods where they live for the rest of their lives. In light of this, what alternatives are available for pedophiliacs who genuinely wish not to act out, other than to keep entirely to themselves or feel they face figurative crucifixion upon disclosure?
|
