Van de Velde was booed and jeered while competing at the Games. Dutch Olympic officials went to lengths to protect him from the press during the event.
He has now opened up to Dutch publication NOS about his experience, admitting that while he anticipated backlash, the intensity of it took him by surprise. "I definitely had a moment of breaking down, both before the tournament and during it. But I thought ‘I’m not going to give others the power to bully me away or get me away’.
I’m not asking nor defending that in any way. I am challenging the typical way people look at individuals who are attracted to minors. There are people out there who are ashamed and scared. They know it’s wrong. They don’t act, yet the impulse is there, and with it the anxiety. There is a stigma even against them, those who can find help in treatment, but are labeled right alongside those who commit atrocities and act on that desire.
It’s anger. Rightfully so. Often displaced.
Paraphilia is considered a disorder for a reason. It can be treated, and it is important to make the distinction.
I will die on this hill.
You see the problem is you are posting this altogether by itself rational argument in an irrational place; under a post in regards to a convicted and known rapist, therein implying that you wish to excuse that rapists actions.
While it is correct that intrusive thoughts are simply human nature, acting on them is not. Harming children in any way is not acceptable and should not be excused. That distinction was already made here, as it wasn’t about intrusive thoughts at all.
Case in point, I believe that you are either very confused, very stupid, or rage baiting.
I do this on purpose. Calm and rational people will attend calm and rational debates. I don’t actually expect to receive rational responses in a thread like this. My only goal is to plant the potential for a rational response when the normal reaction is anger.
So if I had to choose one, I’ll go with very stupid. :) I’ve been called worse by those who claim I am in support of the act of pedophillia, when I am in support of treatment of those who have not taken action, and against the label and stigma produced by our society which stops these individuals from coming forward.
As a culture we equate action and desire without action as the same thing in these circumstances. People then who might seek help do not for a very real fear of their life, potentially literally, ending.
I’ll take very stupid in a semi-relevant thread if it helps even one person decide to seek treatment. Because that decision will stop harm for themselves, and importantly stop potential harm to a child in the future. Whether harm was maliciously intentioned or not.