Controversial Opinion: Pedophilia should be considered akin to a mental illness (slight rant)

[nobody1875]

I've heard a lot recently about pedophilia being considered a sexual orientation by some. While I do think it is biological and unchangeable, in the same way gay or straight is, I do not think it deserves the validity of being called an orientation. An orientation should not apply to things that cannot give consent. That being said though, I think these people need to be offered genuine help to not act on their urges and to be held accountable. I think it should not be as socially stigmatized as it is to the point where it cannot even be talked about. As it stands right now, if one were to go to a therapist and say that they struggle with those urges, then the thereapist would likely breach confidentiallity to inform the police, as they would have just reason to suspect that this person could be a danger to kids or has done someting illegal like watch child porn. But does that really help?? How does driving these people undergroud help kids? Making them feel that if the world is going to hate them anyway, why not do it? Or, just have them on their own for so long woth no one to turn to for support, that their urges finally get the best of them and a child gets hurt.

For the record, "pedophile" does not equal "child molester."

I think these people need help and a certain amount of sympathy for something they cannot control. I think the world needs to catch up so we can do more research on the matter and actually help, instead of trying to just lock them up and throwing away the key.

Thoughts?

 

[TrueScotsman]

I've heard a lot recently about pedophilia being considered a sexual orientation by some. While I do think it is biological and unchangeable, in the same way gay or straight is, I do not think it deserves the validity of being called an orientation. An orientation should not apply to things that cannot give consent. That being said though, I think these people need to be offered genuine help to not act on their urges and to be held accountable. I think it should not be as socially stigmatized as it is to the point where it cannot even be talked about. As it stands right now, if one were to go to a therapist and say that they struggle with those urges, then the thereapist would likely breach confidentiallity to inform the police, as they would have just reason to suspect that this person could be a danger to kids or has done someting illegal like watch child porn. But does that really help?? How does driving these people undergroud help kids? Making them feel that if the world is going to hate them anyway, why not do it? Or, just have them on their own for so long woth no one to turn to for support, that their urges finally get the best of them and a child gets hurt.

For the record, "pedophile" does not equal "child molester."

I think these people need help and a certain amount of sympathy for something they cannot control. I think the world needs to catch up so we can do more research on the matter and actually help, instead of trying to just lock them up and throwing away the key.

Thoughts?

Perhaps this is so in certain cases, other times it is hyper sexuality manifesting itself in predatory ways. And are Priests more inclined to mental illness then the rest of the population? I think with so many children being sexually abused, we should air on the side of protecting children. I don't think mental illness explains everything about the dynamics of child sex abuse.

 

[Dittohead not!]

I've heard a lot recently about pedophilia being considered a sexual orientation by some. While I do think it is biological and unchangeable, in the same way gay or straight is, I do not think it deserves the validity of being called an orientation. An orientation should not apply to things that cannot give consent. That being said though, I think these people need to be offered genuine help to not act on their urges and to be held accountable. I think it should not be as socially stigmatized as it is to the point where it cannot even be talked about. As it stands right now, if one were to go to a therapist and say that they struggle with those urges, then the thereapist would likely breach confidentiallity to inform the police, as they would have just reason to suspect that this person could be a danger to kids or has done someting illegal like watch child porn. But does that really help?? How does driving these people undergroud help kids? Making them feel that if the world is going to hate them anyway, why not do it? Or, just have them on their own for so long woth no one to turn to for support, that their urges finally get the best of them and a child gets hurt.

For the record, "pedophile" does not equal "child molester."

I think these people need help and a certain amount of sympathy for something they cannot control. I think the world needs to catch up so we can do more research on the matter and actually help, instead of trying to just lock them up and throwing away the key.

Thoughts?

We all have inappropriate sexual urges. Even Carter "looked lustfully" at another man's wife, after all. It's what we do with those urges that counts. Anyone who is sexually attracted to children and can't or won't control those urges is a danger to society and has to be locked up for the protection of those children.

 

[Dittohead not!]

I've heard a lot recently about pedophilia being considered a sexual orientation by some. While I do think it is biological and unchangeable, in the same way gay or straight is, I do not think it deserves the validity of being called an orientation. An orientation should not apply to things that cannot give consent. That being said though, I think these people need to be offered genuine help to not act on their urges and to be held accountable. I think it should not be as socially stigmatized as it is to the point where it cannot even be talked about. As it stands right now, if one were to go to a therapist and say that they struggle with those urges, then the thereapist would likely breach confidentiallity to inform the police, as they would have just reason to suspect that this person could be a danger to kids or has done someting illegal like watch child porn. But does that really help?? How does driving these people undergroud help kids? Making them feel that if the world is going to hate them anyway, why not do it? Or, just have them on their own for so long woth no one to turn to for support, that their urges finally get the best of them and a child gets hurt.

For the record, "pedophile" does not equal "child molester."

I think these people need help and a certain amount of sympathy for something they cannot control. I think the world needs to catch up so we can do more research on the matter and actually help, instead of trying to just lock them up and throwing away the key.

Thoughts?

We all have inappropriate sexual urges. Even Carter "looked lustfully" at another man's wife, after all. It's what we do with those urges that counts. Anyone who is sexually attracted to children and can't or won't control those urges is a danger to society and has to be locked up for the protection of those children.

 

[OrphanSlug]

My thoughts are you are getting to dangerously close to diluting the purpose of these classifications in terms of how we define the issue and consider treatment where it can be applied, in terms of DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.)

We already classify this as a mental illness, a very serious one at that, and there is no reason to change that.

The purpose of its current classification is two fold. Dealing with a very disturbing subject in terms of identification for not just those seeking treatment but also those who never do, and the latter speaks to both law enforcement and applying care and treatment for their victims. There is a statistically significant portion of the population who have been victims of those who are willing to act on their disorder.

The “talk” of calling pedophilia a sexual orientation further complicates the issue, and honestly all it does is add to an existing discussion in some circles trying to weaken and normalize how we look at pedophiles.

For those who do seek treatment there is not an automatic means for someone to reach out to the police just because of the diagnosis, there has to be an intention to commit a crime for pshyciatrist or therapist to breach patient confidentiality. We should encourage treatment where it can be applied, but we should also encourage harshest enforcement under law for those willing to harm a child. And that includes those that protect someone who harms kids.

What we should never do is anything that legitimizes pedophilia, even if not intending to.

 

[Infinite Chaos]

~ An orientation should not apply to things that cannot give consent. ~

Legally, children cannot give consent. This renders your whole argument moot because someone's "orientation" now becomes a sexual threat the intended victim cannot and should not be asked to agree to.

 

[joko104]

A psychologist or psychiatrist would not report "urges." They might report actions, depending what the actions are.

 

[lwf]

As it stands right now, if one were to go to a therapist and say that they struggle with those urges, then the thereapist would likely breach confidentiallity to inform the police, as they would have just reason to suspect that this person could be a danger to kids or has done someting illegal like watch child porn.

This would not happen. In America, therapists are only allowed to breach confidentiality if the client shares a specific plan to harm someone in particular. Even then, they warn the potential victim (or guardian,) not the police. Helping clients deal with dangerous urges is one of the primary duties of a therapist and is what they are trained for.

 

[AGENT J]

1.) I've heard a lot recently about pedophilia being considered a sexual orientation by some.
2.) While I do think it is biological and unchangeable, in the same way gay or straight is, I do not think it deserves the validity of being called an orientation. An orientation should not apply to things that cannot give consent.
3.) That being said though, I think these people need to be offered genuine help to not act on their urges and to be held accountable.
4.) I think it should not be as socially stigmatized as it is to the point where it cannot even be talked about.
5.) As it stands right now, if one were to go to a therapist and say that they struggle with those urges, then the thereapist would likely breach confidentiallity to inform the police, as they would have just reason to suspect that this person could be a danger to kids or has done someting illegal like watch child porn. But does that really help?? How does driving these people undergroud help kids? Making them feel that if the world is going to hate them anyway, why not do it? Or, just have them on their own for so long woth no one to turn to for support, that their urges finally get the best of them and a child gets hurt.
6.)For the record, "pedophile" does not equal "child molester."
7.) I think these people need help and a certain amount of sympathy for something they cannot control. I think the world needs to catch up so we can do more research on the matter and actually help, instead of trying to just lock them up and throwing away the key.

Thoughts?

uhm it is already not sure what you are talking about?

1.) a lot? ive never heard it except a few individual nutters on line. Can you give examples of where you hear ths a lot
2.) right now medical science deem it NOT the same
3.) i agree like i would with anybody for their conditions
4.) in my experience the people that cant talk about it are extremely bigoted or uneducated about the topic
5.) likely breach confidentiality??? ive never heard of this happening unless it involves a crime committed already or a crime thats going to happen.again any examples of this to support your claim?
You seem to be making stuff up or extremely and illogically exaggerating everything when its not reality at all.
6.) that is true one requires an action not just a thought
7.) again where is this happening that you think locking them up (when no crimes were committed) and no help is available is the norm. What country are you from? what you are saying doesnt happen in america.

 

[noonereal]

My thoughts are you are getting to dangerously close to diluting the purpose of these classifications in terms of how we define the issue and consider treatment where it can be applied, in terms of DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.)

We already classify this as a mental illness, a very serious one at that, and there is no reason to change that.

The purpose of its current classification is two fold. Dealing with a very disturbing subject in terms of identification for not just those seeking treatment but also those who never do, and the latter speaks to both law enforcement and applying care and treatment for their victims. There is a statistically significant portion of the population who have been victims of those who are willing to act on their disorder.

The “talk” of calling pedophilia a sexual orientation further complicates the issue, and honestly all it does is add to an existing discussion in some circles trying to weaken and normalize how we look at pedophiles.

For those who do seek treatment there is not an automatic means for someone to reach out to the police just because of the diagnosis, there has to be an intention to commit a crime for pshyciatrist or therapist to breach patient confidentiality. We should encourage treatment where it can be applied, but we should also encourage harshest enforcement under law for those willing to harm a child. And that includes those that protect someone who harms kids.

What we should never do is anything that legitimizes pedophilia, even if not intending to.

I think the definition of mental illness needs and update as most folks think of it.

 

[nobody1875]

Legally, children cannot give consent. This renders your whole argument moot because someone's "orientation" now becomes a sexual threat the intended victim cannot and should not be asked to agree to.

Yeah... that was my point. Thanks for reiterating it.

 

[nobody1875]

We all have inappropriate sexual urges. Even Carter "looked lustfully" at another man's wife, after all. It's what we do with those urges that counts. Anyone who is sexually attracted to children and can't or won't control those urges is a danger to society and has to be locked up for the protection of those children.

Should they be locked up before they've done something wrong though? Define "can't control their urges"? I'm all for rehabilitation as opposed to fruitless incarceration. I'm also all for stopping a problem before it even becomes a problem. Prevention is important! In this country, as far as I am aware, most psychologists do not even know how to go about treating pedophiles. They have no idea what works or what doesn't, because it is so under researched. Truth be told, no matter how progressive some psychologists seem, they tend to be just as disgusted by pedophiles as the average person. That's why I say it needs to be less socially stigmatized. Because, only then, do I think we can approach the subject with any bit of rationality and actually help people.

 

[AGENT J]

I think the definition of mental illness needs and update as most folks think of it.

Medical science is not updated to how people "think" of it LMAO

 

[nobody1875]

My thoughts are you are getting to dangerously close to diluting the purpose of these classifications in terms of how we define the issue and consider treatment where it can be applied, in terms of DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.)

We already classify this as a mental illness, a very serious one at that, and there is no reason to change that.

The purpose of its current classification is two fold. Dealing with a very disturbing subject in terms of identification for not just those seeking treatment but also those who never do, and the latter speaks to both law enforcement and applying care and treatment for their victims. There is a statistically significant portion of the population who have been victims of those who are willing to act on their disorder.

The “talk” of calling pedophilia a sexual orientation further complicates the issue, and honestly all it does is add to an existing discussion in some circles trying to weaken and normalize how we look at pedophiles.

For those who do seek treatment there is not an automatic means for someone to reach out to the police just because of the diagnosis, there has to be an intention to commit a crime for pshyciatrist or therapist to breach patient confidentiality. We should encourage treatment where it can be applied, but we should also encourage harshest enforcement under law for those willing to harm a child. And that includes those that protect someone who harms kids.

What we should never do is anything that legitimizes pedophilia, even if not intending to.

I apologize that I did not make my initial meaning more clear. Pedophilia is considered a mental illness, which I am aware of. However, much of society is not aware, nor does it consider it that way. I meant more that society should consider it a mental illness and treat the sufferers with a little compassion as opposed to immediately branding them as inherently evil and like a monster. Some people even think that pedophiles should just be killed on sight, regardless of whether they have acted on their urges or not. Likewise, society in general tends to hold a similar view.

Also, I understand that if someone were to seek help, then any myriad of things could happed, and a breach in confidentiality is only one of those things. I agree, that it is not automatic, but with the condiction being as socially stigmatized as it is, there are many psychologists who act irrationally and akin to their own moral compass, as opposed to what most might help the individual or society. Considering that that is a fear many are faced with when they try to seek help, coupled with the fact that there are terrible few psychologists willing to tackle such an issue, and we are left with a dire situation that only hurts kids more.

 

[AGENT J]

Should they be locked up before they've done something wrong though? Define "can't control their urges"? I'm all for rehabilitation as opposed to fruitless incarceration. I'm also all for stopping a problem before it even becomes a problem. Prevention is important! In this country, as far as I am aware, most psychologists do not even know how to go about treating pedophiles. They have no idea what works or what doesn't, because it is so under researched. Truth be told, no matter how progressive some psychologists seem, they tend to be just as disgusted by pedophiles as the average person. That's why I say it needs to be less socially stigmatized. Because, only then, do I think we can approach the subject with any bit of rationality and actually help people.

Again what country are you talking about and what backs up your claims and makes them true LOL

 

[DarkWizard12]

I've heard a lot recently about pedophilia being considered a sexual orientation by some. While I do think it is biological and unchangeable, in the same way gay or straight is, I do not think it deserves the validity of being called an orientation. An orientation should not apply to things that cannot give consent. That being said though, I think these people need to be offered genuine help to not act on their urges and to be held accountable. I think it should not be as socially stigmatized as it is to the point where it cannot even be talked about. As it stands right now, if one were to go to a therapist and say that they struggle with those urges, then the thereapist would likely breach confidentiallity to inform the police, as they would have just reason to suspect that this person could be a danger to kids or has done someting illegal like watch child porn. But does that really help?? How does driving these people undergroud help kids? Making them feel that if the world is going to hate them anyway, why not do it? Or, just have them on their own for so long woth no one to turn to for support, that their urges finally get the best of them and a child gets hurt.

For the record, "pedophile" does not equal "child molester."

I think these people need help and a certain amount of sympathy for something they cannot control. I think the world needs to catch up so we can do more research on the matter and actually help, instead of trying to just lock them up and throwing away the key.

Thoughts?

You can call it whatever you want, but it's always illegal and carries a long jail sentence.

 

[AGENT J]

1.) I apologize that I did not make my initial meaning more clear. Pedophilia is considered a mental illness, which I am aware of. However, much of society is not aware, nor does it consider it that way.
2.) I meant more that society should consider it a mental illness and treat the sufferers with a little compassion as opposed to immediately branding them as inherently evil and like a monster. Some people even think that pedophiles should just be killed on sight, regardless of whether they have acted on their urges or not. Likewise, society in general tends to hold a similar view.

3.) Also, I understand that if someone were to seek help, then any myriad of things could happed, and a breach in confidentiality is only one of those things. I agree, that it is not automatic, but with the condiction being as socially stigmatized as it is, there are many psychologists who act irrationally and akin to their own moral compass, as opposed to what most might help the individual or society. Considering that that is a fear many are faced with when they try to seek help, coupled with the fact that there are terrible few psychologists willing to tackle such an issue, and we are left with a dire situation that only hurts kids more.

1.) what society are you speaking of, in america most do know that and consider that way
2.) again in what country is that happenings?
3.) see #2

again like i said earlier you seem to be making stuff up or extremely and illogically exaggerating everything when its not reality at all. Do you have any facts to support your claims and that makes them true . . please post them now.

 

[Checkerboard Strangler]

I've heard a lot recently about pedophilia being considered a sexual orientation by some.

:alert :inandout: :alert

 

[calamity]

No one cares if someone is "attracted" to children. We care when they attack, molest, importune, traffic porn or begin grooming children for sexual purposes.

There is a huge difference.

 

[nobody1875]

uhm it is already not sure what you are talking about?

1.) a lot? ive never heard it except a few individual nutters on line. Can you give examples of where you hear ths a lot
2.) right now medical science deem it NOT the same
3.) i agree like i would with anybody for their conditions
4.) in my experience the people that cant talk about it are extremely bigoted or uneducated about the topic
5.) likely breach confidentiality??? ive never heard of this happening unless it involves a crime committed already or a crime thats going to happen.again any examples of this to support your claim?
You seem to be making stuff up or extremely and illogically exaggerating everything when its not reality at all.
6.) that is true one requires an action not just a thought
7.) again where is this happening that you think locking them up (when no crimes were committed) and no help is available is the norm. What country are you from? what you are saying doesnt happen in america.

1) This is not a point of contention worth talking about. I heard it "a lot" in videos I specifically looked up that supported the idea. I apologize for being hyperbolic in a way that I did not make clear to others.
I was not trying to be misleading.
2) I don;t know what your point is, sorry. Can you elaborate?
3) -
4) -
5) I think this is a case where we need a lot more statistics on the matter. How many pedophiles who seek therapy have viewed child porn, and, for those who have and/or still do, is that a good reason to report them to the police? Does the fact that they are currently trying to seek help matter, if they are also currently doing something illegal? Surely, if some one is seeking therapy for their urges, child porn might be brought up and if it is, then what is the therapist to do? There is such a lack of precident on this matter.
I was in a rush when writing my first post, and neglected to clarify that I do not think that pedophilia, in general, would be reported to police, but I think actions in regards to child porn would be reported. Also, in retrospect, I recognize a slippery slope fallacy and generalization fallacy I made, in having assumed that all pedophiles will have viewed child porn. I think there needs to be a lot more research done on the matter though.
6) -
7) Again, I apologize that I didn't clarify that I meant for child porn.

 

[AGENT J]

1) This is not a point of contention worth talking about. I heard it "a lot" in videos I specifically looked up that supported the idea. I apologize for being hyperbolic in a way that I did not make clear to others.
I was not trying to be misleading.
2) I don;t know what your point is, sorry. Can you elaborate?
3.) I think this is a case where we need a lot more statistics on the matter. How many pedophiles who seek therapy have viewed child porn, and, for those who have and/or still do, is that a good reason to report them to the police? Does the fact that they are currently trying to seek help matter, if they are also currently doing something illegal? Surely, if some one is seeking therapy for their urges, child porn might be brought up and if it is, then what is the therapist to do? There is such a lack of precident on this matter.
I was in a rush when writing my first post, and neglected to clarify that I do not think that pedophilia, in general, would be reported to police, but I think actions in regards to child porn would be reported. Also, in retrospect, I recognize a slippery slope fallacy and generalization fallacy I made, in having assumed that all pedophiles will have viewed child porn. I think there needs to be a lot more research done on the matter though.
4.) Again, I apologize that I didn't clarify that I meant for child porn.

1.) so you havent actually "heard it a lot" in any reasonable sense and your OP instantly fails becasue of that fact . . . got it. In the future simply dont make false claims and people wont question them
2.) no point just pointing out your claim ia factually wrong
3.) what you "think" is irreverent to what i asked. Ill ask you again "ive never heard of this happening (breaching confidentiality) unless it involves a crime committed already or a crime thats definitely going to happen. again any examples of this to support your claim?
4.) what? so when you said:

I think these people need help and a certain amount of sympathy for something they cannot control. I think the world needs to catch up so we can do more research on the matter and actually help, instead of trying to just lock them up and throwing away the key.

you meant child porn? that makes no sense . . again where in the US are we just locking them up not trying to help and throwing away the key?

 

[Dittohead not!]

Should they be locked up before they've done something wrong though? Define "can't control their urges"? I'm all for rehabilitation as opposed to fruitless incarceration. I'm also all for stopping a problem before it even becomes a problem. Prevention is important! In this country, as far as I am aware, most psychologists do not even know how to go about treating pedophiles. They have no idea what works or what doesn't, because it is so under researched. Truth be told, no matter how progressive some psychologists seem, they tend to be just as disgusted by pedophiles as the average person. That's why I say it needs to be less socially stigmatized. Because, only then, do I think we can approach the subject with any bit of rationality and actually help people.

Should we then lock people up because they might have a proclivity to rob convenience stores, defraud investors, murder people, or whatever other crimes we want to prevent? That seems to me a bit extreme, not to mention not possible in the real world.