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Lak · 01-27-2006, 02:37 AM

I've thought about this before. It is truely one of the greyest of the grey areas in our society.
It's hard to know if consent is really real. What if, for example, the minor involved feels as if they understand the implications, even if, from a more mature person's perspective, they do not. They have considered the consequences as they see them and given consent - this is only wrong is the other party is aware that the minor does not fully understand even if they think they do.
What if both parties involves are minors, both of which are attempting to make a mature decision, and neither is knowingly deceiving the other? Wrong? They don't think so. Thus, who is harmed?
Do the same rules apply if the minor actually initiates a sexual encounter?
With another minor?
With an adult?
It's a thought.

Here's a question to ponder - when you hear the word 'peadophile' what do you think? I believe most people picture a predator in thier minds, someone who is a potential threat to thier children, loitering outside of schools with a big bag of finest stranger-candy.
I think this is unfair. The definition of a paedophile is not a sexual predator, but simply one who is attracted to children (or technically, persons under the age of consent). Surely there must be some population who can be classed 'paedophiles' who would never dream of abducting, forcing, or even coercing a minor into a sexual encounter. The implied image of a 'predator' on all paedophiles is analogous to an implied image of 'rapist' on all heterosexual males. Hardly fair. A point to consider. I'm interested to hear other opinions.

01-27-2006, 02:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
Lak Insane Location: New Zealand	I've thought about this before. It is truely one of the greyest of the grey areas in our society. It's hard to know if consent is really real. What if, for example, the minor involved feels as if they understand the implications, even if, from a more mature person's perspective, they do not. They have considered the consequences as they see them and given consent - this is only wrong is the other party is aware that the minor does not fully understand even if they think they do. What if both parties involves are minors, both of which are attempting to make a mature decision, and neither is knowingly deceiving the other? Wrong? They don't think so. Thus, who is harmed? Do the same rules apply if the minor actually initiates a sexual encounter? With another minor? With an adult? It's a thought. Here's a question to ponder - when you hear the word 'peadophile' what do you think? I believe most people picture a predator in thier minds, someone who is a potential threat to thier children, loitering outside of schools with a big bag of finest stranger-candy. I think this is unfair. The definition of a paedophile is not a sexual predator, but simply one who is attracted to children (or technically, persons under the age of consent). Surely there must be some population who can be classed 'paedophiles' who would never dream of abducting, forcing, or even coercing a minor into a sexual encounter. The implied image of a 'predator' on all paedophiles is analogous to an implied image of 'rapist' on all heterosexual males. Hardly fair. A point to consider. I'm interested to hear other opinions. __________________ ignorance really is bliss.