I actually find myself disagreeing with you, Illiad; my innocent idol-worship and awe of you has been rocked to it's foundations! </hyperbole>
First, though, I have to say you're probably right about Jackson, and certainly correct about Big Media's love of conviction sans jure.
But I don't really think we've reached a point of over-reacting to sexual molestation. The witch hunt is on because of Jackson's celebrity status, not because of the alleged involvement of children.
I'm a parent, myself. And, yes, I am very protective of my daughter. Not, I think, to the point of smothering her or stunting her development. But certainly to the point that those who lead me to believe their intent is to harm her suddenly find themselves faced with a rather frightening large and obviously enraged man.
The thing is that there are monsters out there who do prey on the young and inexperienced. And their kick is power over those weaker than themselves. They're looking for thrills, not social interaction with someone who "understands" them, nor even some strange deviant sexual pleasure. Kids aren't people to such as these; kids are toys with which they can gratify their thrill-seeking. Worst of all is the fact that they look very much like you or I, so I can't easily tell which ones among the populace they are.
I, too, fear for our society. But not because parents wish to protect their children -- that's only natural. I fear, because we have reached a point where parents have cause to fear so greatly that their children may be hurt. It used to be the exception, rather than the rule. |
