Look What Got Your Approval

Sexual fantasies, like dreams and creative ideas, exist in a separate realm where our minds explore deep-seated desires through subconscious language. They act as a code revealing our primal longings and hidden aspects of ourselves, not to be taken literally.

These fantasies might conflict with moral values, but they often uncover innocent emotional needs. They provide a safe space to explore these deeper longings.

So much for fantasies, now for some facts. According to an NIH publication on The Neurobiology and Psychology of Pedophilia, as a sexual preference is distinct from sexual offending against children and is viewed as a phenotype of sexual preference within human sexuality.

I have personally known both victims and offenders of pedophilia across generations. These individuals have often expressed their victimhood onto those in their care. Having undergone such perils, some might have refrained from acts of violation, but questioned themselves with increasing severity.

In my experience, there were those who attempted to engage in such behavior. Fortunately, I was always able to defend myself. However, the fact that these men—who were essentially part of my extended family, with successful careers and seemingly normal family lives—still felt the need to take advantage of a minor was alarming.

This realization led me to understand that pedophilia is indeed a sexual preference, as acknowledged in an article by the National Library of Medicine.

One crucial distinction made in the article is that pedophilia as a sexual preference must be seen independently from sexual offending against children. While some may have the inclination to explore this taboo topic, others act upon it. The decision to allow or abet such individuals in positions of responsibility and dignity was once possible only because these acts were shrouded by social and religious constructs.

Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history. Despite ongoing divisions, we are freer from religious and social taboos than ever before. This freedom allows us to critically examine the acceptance and condonement of sexual violations against minors. Given the undeniable and lasting harm these violations inflict on children and young adults, we must question the morality of rewarding individuals who have committed such acts. As a nation, we need to reconsider whether we should validate groups like the “Proud Boys,” regardless of political affiliations.