Random Thoughts.....What Are You Thinking?

Of course there is, but you're literally arguing two different things there, one is relationships and the other is attraction, they're two different concepts.

There's of course also a difference between consenting adult relationships and a relationship with a child as they are unable to consent, especially legally and varies per area (although apparently a 17yo can consent in 41/50 states, 16 in less, as far as I know nobody below that though, well except for those within a specific age range, generally their ageish).

But as far as attraction, no there's not really a difference, and to assert that it can be changed with therapy is a bit disturbing like the Candleman said.

Hence why some have no issue with people drawing whatever or looking at whatever as long as no physical persons were harmed. One could view it as a slippery slope, or gateway into a taboo subject but one could also argue that the entire avoidance of the subject causes certain people to be more alienated and driven out of society, which as we all know causes problems of it's own.

/shrug

Careful Jet we might learn something !

*throws a book at Fone!*

When it comes to children*, any sexual contact with them is going to be damaging to them. They are not neurologically/psychologically prepared to hand this, nor able to truly consent in a meaningful fashion. That's where the difference is.

I'm not saying to force anyone to change; if they are able to control these impulses and not act on them and stay to themselves, then that's fine. But some people legitimately seek out help for this -- not to change their thinking, but to help them manage their impulses, etc. -- and they get turned away by psychological professionals who are unwilling to try to assist for a host of reasons.

No you're not going to change the way someone is hardwired necessarily, but through talk therapy and other therapeutic techniques you can help them control impulses that are nothing but damaging to both themselves and others if acted upon.

*Biologically speaking we'll go with pre-pubescent to define this, not the legal construct of 15-18 y/o depending on wherever the hell you are.

You just said you weren't going to talk about this...two minutes later you are still talking about it !

What part of that said contact? Again you're literally arguing 2 different things.

I don't think this is the point.
There isn't much to do about what you are attracted to, but acting upon it makes a difference. The pedophile should seek counseling not to be cured out of his orientation, but to learn how to live with it in a way that does not turn into action which can cause serious harm.

Many times you hear from pedofiles' interviews they say something like "I never thought I would do it too but then I was curious and wanted to try just once.." etc. Well, that's the step that shouldn't happen and this is why a therapist is important for these subjects.

Quite frankly if one needs "counseling" to control their impulses then they should probably be locked up as they aren't a stable individual in the first place, what they're attracted to is moot.

*shrugs*

I'm sexually attracted to helicopters how much therapy do I need !

I said I wasn't going to argue about the political/religion aspects of it.

I'm more than willing to engage in the discussion of the practical elements thereof and the difficulty in helping people who seek it in controlling and minimizing said inappropriate impulses.

But if they feel they need help to "prevent" them from assaulting somebody then sure, whatever and yeah that should be addressed. But again, don't think we're discussing the same aspects.

Maybe they do, maybe they don't. They should anyway for the safety of everyone involved.

There isn't anyone trained to counsel you Fone.

Help control.

Or to, you know, not lead entirely miserable lives in doing so.

I'm really interested in improving quality of life for everyone, not just "protecting the children!"

Well I suppose that depends on if you intend on chasing down and humping the local Life Flight helicopter.

Do you lurk around helipads at hospitals waiting for your opportunity?

I need help controlling my impulses...banana !

So anyone who's attracted to different things should get therapy so they don't act on impulses? I don't think that's what you were trying to say, but I am having issues deducing anything else from that statement.

Doesn't really change anything...

I'm bored.

If you actually read the DSM V we all have mental issues...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DSM-5

I'm certain that we're all masochists.

Anyone that spends time around FFXI has some sort of mental disorder. Maybe fear of letting go ?

We do all have our own quirks and peculiarities. We all have our own unique personality.

But the DSM only comes into play when things become pathological.

Which isn't necessarily the case for everyone!

That's a lie. I despise pain!

No? Only those with such dangerous tendencies.

Wasn't hard to deduce.

Pain takes many forms, sir.

Going to go with the logical conclusion.

What does it mean?