What's wrong with this picture?

[ambitious_wench]

Look it over. Read it carefully. Tell me what's wrong with this picture:

"Instead of being lionized, Kinsey's proper place is with Nazi Dr. Josef Mengele or your average Hollywood horror flick mad scientist," said Robert Knight, director of Concerned Women of America's Culture & Family Institute.

Discuss.

Comments

[lilrivkah.livejournal.com]

Are you talking about THE Dr. Kinsey? The SEX doctor Dr. Kinsey? The one who published the book on human sexuality in the 50's and was persecuted by the government Dr. Kinsey?

Because they've made a movie about him, and I'm going to see it as soon as it comes out.

[lederhosen.livejournal.com]

That's what the Concerned Woman is upset about.

[ambitious-wench.livejournal.com]

I can trust you to make the problem obvious in an hilarious way, Art.

*grin*

[ambitious-wench.livejournal.com]

Yes, that Dr. Kinsey. The movie opened yesterday, I believe. So, see anything wrong with the picture? Hint: It's not what's being spoken about, but the speaker.

[lilrivkah.livejournal.com]

To answer your question: Dr. Kinsey was often accused of using Nazi-like research methods because of one particular area of study he brought out into the light:

Pedophilia.

Pedophilia is one of those cultural taboos that people just don't talk about. We all believe it's bad.

However, Dr. Kinsey states in his book on male sexuality that a child is not traumatized by the act itself but by the REACTION FROM ADULTS when the crime is revealed. You can also deduce from this point that if the pedophile feels guilt, it'll also rub off on the child.

These findings shocked and horrified many many people, who--because of this one finding--attempted to discredit the rest of Kinsey's work. Perhaps their most damaging accusation was the fact that Kinsey did not turn in one of the pedophiles he interviewed because he stressed--above anything else--confidentiality with the people he interviewed. He believed, if things were not kept strictly confidential, then people would not open up to him the way they did. He was an extremely rigorous interviewer.

His research on pedophilia is perhaps more groundbreaking than his research on homosexuality. Instead of turning away from his research, we should take a closer look in order to prevent it in the future, and to keep from damaging the fragile psyche of the children this crime is committed against. There's a reason children aren't generally allowed to sit on the witness stand in such cases. If Kinsey's findings are correct--and I believe they are--they the unrestrained reactions of the adults in the courtroom would wreck havoc on the child's mind for the rest of his or her life.

[malada.livejournal.com]

However, Dr. Kinsey states in his book on male sexuality that a child is not traumatized by the act itself but by the REACTION FROM ADULTS when the crime is revealed.

I'll tell that to my niece who screamed 'It hurts! It hurts!' in her sleep for months after an adult molested her. And that was *before* anyone knew.

I know because her screams woke me. I was sleeping down the hall.

Perhaps Kinsey meant that not _all_ children are traumatized by the event itself. My niece definitely was.

-m

[lilrivkah.livejournal.com]

I haven't actually read the book, but excerpts from it. I cannot say whether or not I believe what he says because I have never been a victim of molestation, though my mother was when she was a child.

What I am trying to say though, is that Kinsey was one of the few who dared to even study pedophilia and was accused for his methods of research (which involved interviews and extracts from other people's journals). It IS an area that needs study, though. With study, we can find out how to help a child heal from the emotional trauma, and how to prevent it from happening in the future. I can't imagine just ignoring it. It seems far worse to ignore a problem than to confront it head on.

I'm very sorry for what happened to your niece and other children the world over. The very thought of it makes me want to weep. But I'd support research that helps to understand why these things happen, unlike many organization that would rather try to heal the wounds rather than preventing them in the first place.

[lilrivkah.livejournal.com]

Hey, btw. . . I really wasn't trying to upset anybody. :\ It's such a touchy subject that it's hard to tiptoe around, and it's difficult to discuss without seeming completely insensitive. :\ I appologize if my statements offended you.

[malada.livejournal.com]

It's not a problem, lilrivkah - you haven't offended me. I just wanted to make it clear that blanket statements - even ones made by experts - can be wrong.

But I agree that Kinsey was a great researcher. His research into all forms of sexuality should continue. We _need_ to know about these things.

-m

[adoka.livejournal.com]

LOL Maybe Robert is one of those sensitive new age guys in touch with is feminine side enough to head an organization of women concerned about the family and culture of America. It could happen. Then again, he could just be another neofascist evangelical nutter. How Kinsey can be compared to Mengele is something only a fundie could believe. Sex is bad, you know, and talking about sex is worse. Imagine actually examining American sexuality! Saints preserve us from such a thing.

[mintogrubb.livejournal.com]

If these women are so concerned, why do they not get their act together and appoint a female director? Or is Robert a girls name Stateside?

[ambitious-wench.livejournal.com]

Well spotted, old bean! I'd say that you've got a good start on your education. First part is recognising oddities of inequality. Keep it up. Remember, education is a two-way street. Education isn't only the presentation of information, it's also a growing and changing the way we think.

Edie.

[lilrivkah.livejournal.com]

LOL! I didn't even notice! Excellent eye!