not semantics. adolescents are cognitively and physiologically different from children.
yes, there are potentially very problematic power differentials between adults and adolescents.
that said, I don't believe in a categorical imperative that adults and adolescents should never have sexual relationships or that those relationships are automatically damaging.
the real solution to reducing the damage caused by bad sexual relationships is to educate people from a young age about sexuality and love, allow them ownership of their bodies, support their their right to say no or yes to sexual experiences, not banning a whole class of relationships.
I say this as someone who as an adolescent had sexual relationships with adults and was not harmed by them.
also, where does adulthood begin? the arbitrary legal marker of 18? that disregards the fact that full adult brain development is not completed until approximately age 25 or so. should over-25s not have sexual relationships with under-25s? what about an 18 year old and a 16 year old? should "normal" people and developmentally disabled people not have relationships because of the similar potential power differential?
I also find your policing of even the expression or thought of desire for adolescents profoundly wrong--one can not condemn the thoughts of others. actions, yes.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2008-09-18 05:31 am (UTC)yes, there are potentially very problematic power differentials between adults and adolescents.
that said, I don't believe in a categorical imperative that adults and adolescents should never have sexual relationships or that those relationships are automatically damaging.
the real solution to reducing the damage caused by bad sexual relationships is to educate people from a young age about sexuality and love, allow them ownership of their bodies, support their their right to say no or yes to sexual experiences, not banning a whole class of relationships.
I say this as someone who as an adolescent had sexual relationships with adults and was not harmed by them.
also, where does adulthood begin?
the arbitrary legal marker of 18?
that disregards the fact that full adult brain development is not completed until approximately age 25 or so.
should over-25s not have sexual relationships with under-25s?
what about an 18 year old and a 16 year old?
should "normal" people and developmentally disabled people not have relationships because of the similar potential power differential?
I also find your policing of even the expression or thought of desire for adolescents profoundly wrong--one can not condemn the thoughts of others. actions, yes.