I just want to say that our language use has now been so poisoned by a child predator being called “pedophiles” because “pedo” is greek for child that we attribute just the word to a child predator. IMO pedofile is a bad word because there is zero love involved, they are child predators.
Languages evolve in weird ways. Pedophile comes from “pedo” child and “phile” for love. It could just be a mother or father, someone who loves children. But, it has been used to describe people who love children, but in the wrong way. Similarly, homophobe has been used for people who hate gays, but the “phobe” part is about fear not hate. Also, “homo” isn’t necessarily homosexual, it could be homogeniety. Homophobes could be people who are afraid of people of their own race, but instead we’ve decided it’s the term to use for people who hate or are angry at homosexuality.
Any root related to sex or sexuality has been perverted in English, or at least American English.
Just saying Homo means homosexual, trans means transexual, bi means bisexual, poly means polyamorous, and to MAGA, the word pronoun is more triggering than a swastika.
It’s a more inclusive term because “child predator” and “child rapist” all require some verifiable action on the person’s part. Is a person who is sexually attracted to children and just looks at like AI generated CSM not also a pedophile, despite not actually directly harming children?
I just want to say that our language use has now been so poisoned by a child predator being called “pedophiles” because “pedo” is greek for child that we attribute just the word to a child predator. IMO pedofile is a bad word because there is zero love involved, they are child predators.
Languages evolve in weird ways. Pedophile comes from “pedo” child and “phile” for love. It could just be a mother or father, someone who loves children. But, it has been used to describe people who love children, but in the wrong way. Similarly, homophobe has been used for people who hate gays, but the “phobe” part is about fear not hate. Also, “homo” isn’t necessarily homosexual, it could be homogeniety. Homophobes could be people who are afraid of people of their own race, but instead we’ve decided it’s the term to use for people who hate or are angry at homosexuality.
the term “child rapist” is also fair
…? paraphilias are usually sexual in nature, not love based. “pedophile” is the right word for the act of being sexually attracted to children.
Bibliophile means someone who loves/likes books. I’m guessing that’s their point. That “phile” has been corrupted by sexual connotations.
has it though? the -phile suffix isn’t what designates it as sexual. it’s being considered a paraphilia.
Sure, but I guess their point stands. Why use pedophile for the paraphilia, instead of for someone who really likes the best for kids.
Any root related to sex or sexuality has been perverted in English, or at least American English.
Just saying Homo means homosexual, trans means transexual, bi means bisexual, poly means polyamorous, and to MAGA, the word pronoun is more triggering than a swastika.
So a pedophile is somebody who loves children, in a good wholesome way, like kindergarten teachers we have fond memories of.
Pedo predators are the bad people who belong in prison.
Ok but seriously “-phile” implies a CRAZED over-the-top unhealthy fixation with something.
Bibliophile? That’s great that you love reading books but you probably should find some balance in your life and get out into the world more.
Cinephile? That’s great that you enjoy all things cinema, but you should probably find some balance in your life and get out into the world more.
Etc 😄
It’s a more inclusive term because “child predator” and “child rapist” all require some verifiable action on the person’s part. Is a person who is sexually attracted to children and just looks at like AI generated CSM not also a pedophile, despite not actually directly harming children?
Why we dragging the Terminator into this?