Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Jeffry Leonard harassed by the media: thoughts

The one video clip I watched pissed me off so much, there were so many things wrong with it. It's a great example of the demonizing of pedophiles. He's not a frickkin demon, he' just a nasty old man. Probably a nasty old man who needs watching, but just a nasty old man.

I'm going to start with the thing that pissed me off the most, that no one else seems to be questioning.

"His victims have a life sentence."

Part of what is happening with the demonizing of pedophiles is the weakening of its victims. Yes, being molested can be devastating. Yes, it can be a traumatic experience. It can also screw up one's self image. It can also be put behind one.

There are many people who were abused as children, sexually or not, who have overcome the damage done. They have grown, healed, and moved on with their lives. Now, the media would ask them to go back to being damaged, to satisfy their creation of monsters.

Why should a survivor of sexual abuse come forward, if they are going to be treated as "damaged goods" for the rest of their lives?

In the current climate of fear, it would seem best to shut up about it.

An autonomous adult, competent and forward looking, does not need people coming up to her and saying, "Oh, you poor thing!"

I am not a poor thing. The crimes committed against me are not my identity. The person who committed those crimes is not a demon. He's just a sicko. I would not like to meet him on the street, but I won't run screaming if I do.

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