One of the most frustrating errors in nearly all of the media commentary on Epstein is the reference to him as a "convicted pedophile" and the casual claim that the Epstein documents have evidence of pedophilia. Pedophilia is a defined term and in psychology and sociology it is defined to exclusively refer to attraction to pre-pubescent children. There is NO public evidence I have ever heard of that Epstein was a pedophile in the actual definition of the term. Being attracted to post-pubescent minors is called hebephilia, and is a different thing with different consequences. Pedophilia is a far more serious crime caused by a severe mental illness than prostituting teenagers, which is also wrong but a different sort of crime. That does not condone or excuse violating the age of consent or prostitution laws -- but it is an important distinction and a disservice to the victims of true pedophilia to conflate it with less severe offenses. That a random Youtuber makes this error is not surprising. That CNN and almost every major media organization does it is no longer surprising, but it is a serious problem with journalistic integrity and standards.
One of the most frustrating errors in nearly all of the media commentary on Epstein is the reference to him as a "convicted pedophile" and the casual claim that the Epstein documents have evidence of pedophilia. Pedophilia is a defined term and in psychology and sociology it is defined to exclusively refer to attraction to pre-pubescent children. There is NO public evidence I have ever heard of that Epstein was a pedophile in the actual definition of the term. Being attracted to post-pubescent minors is called hebephilia, and is a different thing with different consequences. Pedophilia is a far more serious crime caused by a severe mental illness than prostituting teenagers, which is also wrong but a different sort of crime. That does not condone or excuse violating the age of consent or prostitution laws -- but it is an important distinction and a disservice to the victims of true pedophilia to conflate it with less severe offenses. That a random Youtuber makes this error is not surprising. That CNN and almost every major media organization does it is no longer surprising, but it is a serious problem with journalistic integrity and standards.
My question for him is does he believe in cults? Is there a cutoff age for joining a cult? or you should ALWAYS have known better over the age of 21?
He seems ONLY concerned with what’s illegal but his lack of understanding and compassion for people who’ve experienced abuse is staggering.
What about domestic abuse? Should have known better if you’re over the age of 21?
Not believing you have a defect of character (other than needing a haircut) is a defect of character.
Great interview, Bridget!
O by the way, I'm an avid follower of Dumpster Fire and have been known to quote you (with full attribution of course).
Your full quote was "common sense is reasserting itself. Reality remains undefeated." ☺️❤️