Not a subculture

By Tanya Tervit

Editor, the Gauntlet

[Re: “Boylove” feature]

What is in the value of a name? Sometimes everything! I was appalled at the article published on the “subculture” of pedophilia. Pedophilia is a crime in Canada, as it is most countries of the world. The fact that it is organized does not make it a sub-culture; rather it makes it an organized criminal activity. I am also shocked that a paper, written by some of the brightest minds of this country, is willing to sink to such levels. Surely you must see the damage that such an article produces. Firstly, it legitimizes this abhorrent practice as a recognized (and valued) part of our culture, instead of condemning what is the victimization, control, and manipulation of children. This is precisely why a country has an age of consent, because children are easily manipulated, often powerless, and effortlessly controlled. I noticed in the article that one writer thought that this practice, of pedophilia, was acceptable because it had happened to him as a child. These attitudes are caused by children, who did not consent being abused, and then were unable to get help, they then abuse the next generation…

Another way that the application of the term “sub-culture” or “boy-love” is destructive, is that it is a slap in the face to all those who have been abused in this way. Their traumatic experiences are not considered valid. Instead of being able to support all those who seek healing for their trauma, this article sees to justify the actions of their abusers. The number of men who are sexually abused and are willing to report it is so low, partly because of the societal impression that abuse of men is not as valid as that of women. This article reinforces these attitudes.

If this was a “sub-culture” of men who kept women to rape, would you be so laissez-faire? Is it different because children are not able to protest their loss of rights or maybe it is because children don’t read your paper?

I feel that this situation can only be rectified by the retraction of the words “boylove” and “subculture” as well as an issue devoted to the hidden epidemic of childhood sexual abuse and its drastic social consequences, both in this university and our wider community. As editors, writers, and students, you have the priceless gift of freedom of expression and the ability to actively shape the world around you through your writings. As such, don’t you think you have a responsibility to put your blessedness to the greater societal good instead of becoming another sensationalist paper?

I will be calling in regards to this matter, and your response.

Thank you for your attention,