Editor needed for essay about Pedophelia

[javawarrior]

I wrote an essay about Pedophelia and it was rejected. I realize the guidelines about underage relationships, but I'm not sure if that means there is no way to write an essay about it, or if I just need to make revisions. Are there any editors who would like to help me with this?

Thanks!

 

[PennLady]

What exactly is the subject of your essay? I mean, if you're writing about how to conduct a relationship with someone underage, it'll be rejected. If you're writing about the effect of it on people, that's a different story.

 

[lovecraft68]

Even if you're only writing about it in a clinical sense (and I hope you are) if you use ages it will be kicked back.

For instance if you say "The pedophile was attracted to nine year old boys"

Even though you're not saying it in a sexual manner it will still most likely get kicked out. If that is the case try it removing any mention of age.

Most people know a pedophile is attracted to under age kids, so you don't have to be specific.

 

[javawarrior]

The subject is how society as a whole plays a large role in the creation of pedophiles, and I use examples from media. I did mention the cover of a tabloid which read "The Hottest 25 Under 25" and stated that six of them were actually under-age. Could that be it? I also mention some child stars by name, like Miley Cyrus and Abigail Breslin. Is that a no-no?

I would cite examples, but I don't want to risk violating any policies on the board here. I'm all for sticking to guidelines, I just don't know if it is a few statements that need rewording, or if I should abandon the concept altogether, since there is really no way to argue the case without violating the rules.

 

[PennLady]

The subject is how society as a whole plays a large role in the creation of pedophiles, and I use examples from media. I did mention the cover of a tabloid which read "The Hottest 25 Under 25" and stated that six of them were actually under-age. Could that be it? I also mention some child stars by name, like Miley Cyrus and Abigail Breslin. Is that a no-no?

I would cite examples, but I don't want to risk violating any policies on the board here. I'm all for sticking to guidelines, I just don't know if it is a few statements that need rewording, or if I should abandon the concept altogether, since there is really no way to argue the case without violating the rules.

Without reading your essay, I don't think any of us can really answer your questions. We need context and although I appreciate the explanation, we're not getting it, or enough of it. If you'd like to send me a PM (private message), perhaps I could read it over and let you know any opinions.

I'd also take issue with your first sentence -- I don't think pedophiles are created by the media. I think people have a predisposition (unfortunately) for it, or are born with it, and then it's how they choose to act on it. Anyway, that's another subject.

One suggestion is to resubmit the essay with a note in the notes field explaining what you are writing about and stating that you are not writing about sexual situations with minors. Or, send a PM to Laurel before submitting, explaining the situation.

 

[lovecraft68]

Without reading your essay, I don't think any of us can really answer your questions. We need context and although I appreciate the explanation, we're not getting it, or enough of it. If you'd like to send me a PM (private message), perhaps I could read it over and let you know any opinions.

I'd also take issue with your first sentence -- I don't think pedophiles are created by the media. I think people have a predisposition (unfortunately) for it, or are born with it, and then it's how they choose to act on it. Anyway, that's another subject.

One suggestion is to resubmit the essay with a note in the notes field explaining what you are writing about and stating that you are not writing about sexual situations with minors. Or, send a PM to Laurel before submitting, explaining the situation.

They are definitely not created by the media, this is a disease that comes from within.

However, let me say the media certainly fuels the fire. But not the media he is talking about, I'm talking social media. 13 year old's posting bikini pics on their my-space pages.

But I would be interested in the OP's theory because honestly? he's looking at too high of an age.

wanting to have sex with say a 16 year old is not really pedophilia. 16 is age of consent(although to most of us still a kid) but they are sexually developed.

Hell many girls 14 these days are brick shit houses.

But a true pedophile is looking at ages that are not even sexually developed. The real pedo's are after "single digit" ages.

You know where they go and get all sick on? Flikr and site like photo bucket where parents are posting pics of their kids soccor games or beach photos with their young daughters(and sons) running around in shorts and little tank tops.

That feeds their disease, but obviously unintentionally. These people are sick, and the OP's example has no bearing on it. They are already what they are and can never change, only "refrain" from acting out.

 

[sr71plt]

You're asking a question that can only definitively be answered by the editor, Laurel. Why don't you PM her directly ("private message" function, top right on this page) rather than having folks mill around speculating? It would appear on the surface that any mention of pedophilia is unwelcome in the story file here.

 

[bronzeage]

The simple answer is "it aint gonna happen."

It is apparent the owners of this site have decided there will be no stories involving pedophilia in the fiction forums. There are good reasons for this. The laws governing child pornography do not make a distinction between a seven year old and a seventeen year old. Once the charge is made, any defense is difficult and expensive. If our site owners are ever taken to court, they have no reason to expect financial help from the anonymous author who put them there.

It has nothing to do with freedom of speech or intellectual exchange of ideas or censorship. It's a simple business decision.

If there is anyone who cannot live with this decision, there are plenty of sites which will post anything produced by a keyboard.

 

[PennLady]

The simple answer is "it aint gonna happen."

It is apparent the owners of this site have decided there will be no stories involving pedophilia in the fiction forums. There are good reasons for this. The laws governing child pornography do not make a distinction between a seven year old and a seventeen year old. Once the charge is made, any defense is difficult and expensive. If our site owners are ever taken to court, they have no reason to expect financial help from the anonymous author who put them there.

It has nothing to do with freedom of speech or intellectual exchange of ideas or censorship. It's a simple business decision.

If there is anyone who cannot live with this decision, there are plenty of sites which will post anything produced by a keyboard.

I don't disagree with any of this, but the OP wasn't about an underage story. It was about an essay on how the media creates/contributes to pedophilia. Now, maybe the site owners don't want that either, maybe they don't want anything to do with the subject. That's fine. But an essay about this is different than a story describing a pedophile's relationship.

 

[LaRascasse]

The subject is how society as a whole plays a large role in the creation of pedophiles, and I use examples from media. I did mention the cover of a tabloid which read "The Hottest 25 Under 25" and stated that six of them were actually under-age. Could that be it? I also mention some child stars by name, like Miley Cyrus and Abigail Breslin. Is that a no-no?

I would cite examples, but I don't want to risk violating any policies on the board here. I'm all for sticking to guidelines, I just don't know if it is a few statements that need rewording, or if I should abandon the concept altogether, since there is really no way to argue the case without violating the rules.

The media might not create pedophiles (I agree with PennLady that it's a sick urge that some people just "have"), but the media does play a role in feeding their appetite.

As for your essay, put a note explaining your aims in the NOTES field. That should take care of it.

 

[javawarrior]

I appreciate the feedback. I certainly do not want to be the reason they are taken to court, and so I definitely want to play by the rules, whatever they may be.

The essay is actually not that long, and I don't talk about a lot of things that are discussed here. In fact, I could probably do more with it, if I only knew if it would be worth my time to make the additions and changes.

My degree is in Media Arts, and so I spend a lot of time thinking about themes in media. I'm aware of how the news, if mishandeled, can contribute to suicide clusters, which the CDC recognizes as a potential epidemic. I'm also aware of how reporting of crime often leads to more crime. So there is definitely a case to be made that the media has a powerful influence that we are still trying to understand.

I only hope I can find a method of delivery that is suitable for posting here, because I would love to hear the feedback...

 

[sr71plt]

Let us know if it gets posted. I agree that it's an essay, not a story playing on the practice. But I also think that the website policies probably won't let it through. If you try and are successful, though, that would be good to know.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

I don't disagree with any of this, but the OP wasn't about an underage story. It was about an essay on how the media creates/contributes to pedophilia. Now, maybe the site owners don't want that either, maybe they don't want anything to do with the subject. That's fine. But an essay about this is different than a story describing a pedophile's relationship.

No, PL.

Whether we like it or not, the site rules that any description of sexual activity involving under-eighteens is totally taboo.

However worthy the essay on pedophilia, the site will reject it.

It's worth talking about but can't be done here for understandable reasons.

 

[PennLady]

No, PL.

Whether we like it or not, the site rules that any description of sexual activity involving under-eighteens is totally taboo.

However worthy the essay on pedophilia, the site will reject it.

It's worth talking about but can't be done here for understandable reasons.

I know that, elfin. But the OP is not talking about describing sexual activity involving anyone under 18. If you read javawarrior's clarification, you'd note that they said it was about the media and its interaction with pedophilia or -philes. Or I suppose to be more accurate, ephebophilia (teenagers, not children).

It's up to Laurel to reject it and I think it might be worth javawarrior's time to ask her specifically about this.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

I know that, elfin. But the OP is not talking about describing sexual activity involving anyone under 18. If you read javawarrior's clarification, you'd note that they said it was about the media and its interaction with pedophilia or -philes. Or I suppose to be more accurate, ephebophilia (teenagers, not children).

It's up to Laurel to reject it and I think it might be worth javawarrior's time to ask her specifically about this.

No, I think beyond the prohibition on describing under-18 sexual activity in stories, the site would run a mile from any post on pedophilia because it is a red light dangerous area for an erotic story site.

I guess Laurel would tolerate an adult debate on AH and I wish someone would start it so I could express my hatred for pedophilia but express my acceptance of adult incest.

If you were running the site would you touch pedophilia, however sanitized in 'Reviews and Essays'?

 

[javawarrior]

I made some revisions and resubmitted it, but it's been almost a week. I sent Laurel a message as well, and also included a note about the content. I'm just waiting to hear back on this, but I'll let you know how it goes...

 

[javawarrior]

Ok, it was made clear for me: Pedophelia is not an acceptable topic for the site under any context. She appreciated the point I was making with the essay, but stated clearly that they would prefer never to see the word on the site at all because of how uncomfortable it might make some readers and it would be a magnet for discussions that they do not wish to have on the site. So however good intended it may be, it is off limits. Thanks anyway for your input guys!

 

[PennLady]

If you were running the site would you touch pedophilia, however sanitized in 'Reviews and Essays'?

It would depend on a great deal of things. However, as javawarrior had pointed out, Laurel says no, under any circumstances, so -- fine.

And I think almost all of us here are against pedophilia, and why you'd need a specific thread to tell us why you're against it is beyond me. And if you want to express any support or whatever for adult incest, then go ahead. Start your own thread.

Ok, it was made clear for me: Pedophelia is not an acceptable topic for the site under any context. She appreciated the point I was making with the essay, but stated clearly that they would prefer never to see the word on the site at all because of how uncomfortable it might make some readers and it would be a magnet for discussions that they do not wish to have on the site. So however good intended it may be, it is off limits. Thanks anyway for your input guys!

Sounds cool. Thanks for letting us know.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

It would depend on a great deal of things. However, as javawarrior had pointed out, Laurel says no, under any circumstances, so -- fine.

And I think almost all of us here are against pedophilia, and why you'd need a specific thread to tell us why you're against it is beyond me. And if you want to express any support or whatever for adult incest, then go ahead. Start your own thread.

PL, I don't quite get your point. I haven't proposed a thread against pedophilia or even necrophilia. They are both beyond the pale and have no place on lit, either forums or site - with or without the over-18 rule.

I struggle a bit with incest as it seems here to be often an easy way to get to the sex without proper plotting. However, adult incest on lit is a popular category and, when written by people like lovecraft and some others seems to pose philosophical challenges. Why can't two sisters 'marry' in New York?

 

[PennLady]

PL, I don't quite get your point. I haven't proposed a thread against pedophilia or even necrophilia. They are both beyond the pale and have no place on lit, either forums or site - with or without the over-18 rule.

I struggle a bit with incest as it seems here to be often an easy way to get to the sex without proper plotting. However, adult incest on lit is a popular category and, when written by people like lovecraft and some others seems to pose philosophical challenges. Why can't two sisters 'marry' in New York?

Elfin, In post #15 of this thread, you wrote:

I guess Laurel would tolerate an adult debate on AH and I wish someone would start it so I could express my hatred for pedophilia but express my acceptance of adult incest.

So, why do you need "someone" to start this debate? You could start it yourself. (I have no idea why you brought up necrophilia, as I don't think anyone else did.)

As for why two sisters can't marry -- or two brothers or whatever -- here's an article from Slate.com. It talks about the various reasons incest was and is illegal. This is the last graph of the article:

Homosexuality is an orientation. Incest isn't. If the law bans gay sex, a lesbian can't have a sex life. But if you're hot for your sister, and the law says you can't sleep with her, you have billions of other options. Get out of your house, for God's sake. You'll find somebody to love without incinerating your family. And don't tell me you're just adding a second kind of love to your relationship. That's like adding a second kind of life to your body. When a second kind of life grows in your body, we call it cancer. That's what incest is: cancer of the family.

That said, if two sisters (or brothers or whatever) want to have sex with each other, and no one else is harmed, I'm not going to get on a soap box about it. But I don't think incest is good, or healthy, for people and their families. But if you want to support it, as you say you do, then go ahead.

 

[Leanmeangoblin]

Now, For the Weather Update...

I appreciate the feedback. I certainly do not want to be the reason they are taken to court, and so I definitely want to play by the rules, whatever they may be.

The essay is actually not that long, and I don't talk about a lot of things that are discussed here. In fact, I could probably do more with it, if I only knew if it would be worth my time to make the additions and changes.

My degree is in Media Arts, and so I spend a lot of time thinking about themes in media. I'm aware of how the news, if mishandeled, can contribute to suicide clusters, which the CDC recognizes as a potential epidemic. I'm also aware of how reporting of crime often leads to more crime. So there is definitely a case to be made that the media has a powerful influence that we are still trying to understand.

I only hope I can find a method of delivery that is suitable for posting here, because I would love to hear the feedback...

javawarrior, the thread you opened had already been sewn and closed, when you got kitty mama's unwavering answer...Yet, as you can see, Lit gurus sensitive to uphold and preserve the creative and friendly existence of this site are still at it--More than enough to show you how the topic of your essay smells--even in a site for sexual writings, opinions, and stories.

But please, allow me to explain.

My employment background allowed me to wallow in advertising, and I am certain that you got it wrong to think that news in the media, "if mishandled", can make nasty contributions harmful to a civilized society. (This maybe true only in politics, were mostly everyone has dirty laundry hidden in the crotch of their pants.) Crime reports, though sometimes brutal and too detailed, in your opinion, "leads to more crimes."

"So there is definitely a case to be made that the media has a powerful influence that we are still trying to understand." Indeed, media, has a powerful strangle hold on many aspects of living--but not in a damaging criminal way.

Thus, are you sure it's the media? How about the Internet porn sites; mainstream movies that glorify and deal with sex, money, and violence; underground smut films; TV programs with endless advertising promotions necessitating the desire to acquire money, beauty, and luxury; teen webcam online sites; unregulated erotica stories in print and online; live shows and strip entertainments with minors; bars and joints for prostitution; drug and prostitution dens posing as massage parlors?

Here's an unnecessary example: Grafittis and gang wars exploded and became a reality in my country not because of the news--but because of a movie: WEST SIDE STORY, that up to now, the disease exists.

One way or the other, these non-media enterprises influence a sick mind raring for a sexual fix--and the people of your topic are not only sexual deviants with a fetish, but criminals corrupting an innocent child. (That's why Literotica prohibits, if not bans, certain age and sex topics so as not to encourage, entertain, or even give these sick individuals some ideas.)

For sure these legitimate enterprises are not affected by either the news or the media, although some use the media for publicity, promotions, and advertising of their businesses. So, if you really want to explore your topic, then write it in your blog site. You can then gauge reader responses if you're correct or not in your ideas.

Believe me, because I touched the topic already--an essay disguised as a short story. Pm me, and I'll give you my blog's url, if you're curious to know...As a writer, and not as some anonymous shit.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

Elfin, In post #15 of this thread, you wrote:



So, why do you need "someone" to start this debate? You could start it yourself. (I have no idea why you brought up necrophilia, as I don't think anyone else did.)

As for why two sisters can't marry -- or two brothers or whatever -- here's an article from Slate.com. It talks about the various reasons incest was and is illegal. This is the last graph of the article:



That said, if two sisters (or brothers or whatever) want to have sex with each other, and no one else is harmed, I'm not going to get on a soap box about it. But I don't think incest is good, or healthy, for people and their families. But if you want to support it, as you say you do, then go ahead.

To start, pedophilia is reprehensible and all adult participants (usually but not always men) should be locked up and the key thrown away.

Incest is not pedophilia if the participants are ' of an age'. If two spinster sisters or two unmarried brothers want to form a civil partnership then explain why they are treated so badly?

My point is to say that I think you haven't rationalized 'adult incest' and differentiated it from pedophilia.

 

[PennLady]

To start, pedophilia is reprehensible and all adult participants (usually but not always men) should be locked up and the key thrown away.

I don't think I've ever said anything to indicate I think otherwise, and I think most would agree with doing this.

Incest is not pedophilia if the participants are ' of an age'. If two spinster sisters or two unmarried brothers want to form a civil partnership then explain why they are treated so badly?

My point is to say that I think you haven't rationalized 'adult incest' and differentiated it from pedophilia.

Why should I have to rationalize adult incest? And differentiate it from anything? By definition, if it's adults involved, then it's not pedophilia. You are either not reading my posts or you are intentionally misreading/misunderstanding them. I also said that if two adult siblings (or cousins or whatever) get consensually involved in a sexual relationship, I would not approve but I also would not make a big deal out of it. It's not like it affects me.

But no, I don't think blood-related adults of a certain degree should be involved sexually. There's a whole freaking world of people out there -- expand your circle.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

I don't think I've ever said anything to indicate I think otherwise, and I think most would agree with doing this.



Why should I have to rationalize adult incest? And differentiate it from anything? By definition, if it's adults involved, then it's not pedophilia. You are either not reading my posts or you are intentionally misreading/misunderstanding them. I also said that if two adult siblings (or cousins or whatever) get consensually involved in a sexual relationship, I would not approve but I also would not make a big deal out of it. It's not like it affects me.

But no, I don't think blood-related adults of a certain degree should be involved sexually. There's a whole freaking world of people out there -- expand your circle.

I agree with you but just question your abhorrence of blood-related liaisons in our modern age.

If, as I support, gay and lesbian couples can make a legal contract, why prohibit unmarried sisters or brothers?

PL, I think you are predjudiced. It doesn't affect me either.

 

[PennLady]

I agree with you but just question your abhorrence of blood-related liaisons in our modern age.

If, as I support, gay and lesbian couples can make a legal contract, why prohibit unmarried sisters or brothers?

PL, I think you are predjudiced. It doesn't affect me either.

I am not prejudiced and in this particular instance, if I am, I don't care. Gay and lesbian couples are not blood-related. It is not the same thing. I don't think incest is healthy for people or their families. I think there are some societal rules that are in place and should stay there (no, not about gay rights issues; I fully support gay marriage, etc.).

Mostly I'm talking immediate family. I know that science has shown that the fears of cousins marrying, especially first cousins, are generally unfounded.

Look, if two sisters want to have a sexual relationship, I'm not going to call the cops on them. I won't think it's a good idea, but I'm not going to out them. What else do you want? If you want me to fully accept a civil partnership or marriage between siblings, it's not going to happen.