Sexual Images of Children in the Media: Promoting Pedophilia?

[always2late]

Originally Posted by julieisafemme

As a survior of childhood sexual abuse from a serial pedophile I have to say that from what I know media images do not create pedophiles. They certainly may incite them but they do not entice grown men to abuse children. The psychological make up of pedophiles is complicated. To me that kind of smacks of blaming the media.

I also don't think there is anything wrong with a breastfeeding doll for a child. Breastfeeding is not sexual. Breasts are not the exclusive domain of sexual objectification. A boy could play with that doll just as much as a girl especially if Mom is breastfeeding. Children often want to emulate Mom and if she is nursing a young child there is not a darn thing wrong with a child playing in that way. Being a Mom and a wife is not the only thing girls can do but it is not a bad thing either.

Sorry if I am crabby. I am with Words. This thread is triggering me big time. I don't want to crab puff about it so I'll just try to keep myself away.

I am also a survivor of abuse, and while I agree that these images do not make pedophiles, this does not detract from the fact that sexualizing a child is beyond wrong. It is just disgusting.

I also find the breastfeeding doll very off. And, forgive me, but I don't understand the logic in the post. I agree that breasts are functional and not necessarily sexual, and yes, children want to emulate their parents...but that does not mean we LET them. It is OUR job as parents to set boundaries for our children...and this includes determining what is appropriate and/or inappropriate for a child. That is the point....there are adult behaviors, mannerisms, clothing, etc...that are not APPROPRIATE for a child! For example...my son would LOVE, I am sure, to try to drive the car. However, he is 10 with neither the judgement, size, or skill to drive...therefore, NO driving. Sorry if it seems like I am oversimplifying...but really, shouldn't it be that simple?