Yesterday I heard part of an interview Jordan Peterson did with Danica Patrick in which they discussed (among other things) the concept of consent. Then, this morning, I saw this: ‘They’re All Pedophiles’: Singer Alanis Morissette Says Multiple Men Had Sex With Her When She Was Just 15.
You have to draw lines, of course, but is sex at 16 consensual, but not at 15?
Is it consensual if you’ve had a drink? What if you change your mind? What if you’re upset. What if you believe that by having sex you’ll advance your career?
What if one person is very persuasive? Or incredibly attractive?
I’m not trying to excuse anybody, and I don’t doubt that men took advantage of Ms. Morissette. I also don’t doubt that this sort of thing goes on all the time, all over the place.
Part of the problem is that we’ve moved from a relatively clear rule — sex outside of marriage is wrong — to the idea of “consenting adults,” which is not clear at all — as college students have proven.
My wife is Mexican and more practical. When I say Y is too young, she doesn’t know what she is doing, my wife will say, she knows exactly what she is doing. Does one day make a difference from something being a felony to the same act being two consenting adults? According to the law yes, but sometimes prosecutors don’t bring cases (that they think they will lose), and sometimes juries have different ideas.
Consent is tricky. There are definitely some 14-17 year olds who know exactly what they want. I’m glad they never were my daughters.
Some states look at age differences… such that a 15 year old boffing an 18 year old might not be a crime, but change the 18 year old to a 25 year old and it’s a crime.
The way the term pedophile is thrown around is not exactly correct. Really, it’s an ephebophile, because a pedophile is someone who is attracted to pre-pubescents.
I’d never let my 15 year old daughter alone in a private room with adult males. Did she have parents? Who cared?
Parents who allow / encourage their children to become stars are not doing them any favors.