PDF file - Ipce

2. Mixture
I am open to my family and friends. They accept me, but say that other people with feelings of
this kind are still bad. Then I say there are far more people like me, and I know many.
On request, I give, together with others, information to classes or by information stands.
For the public, I am writing a book about my feelings. I shall describe how I am responsible in
the way I handle my feelings and contrast this with the standard image of pedophiles. Many
people I know differ from that standard image.
I have made a logo used now by many ped-groups and sites [not by Ipce].”
Members said during the meeting:: “This does not help, because you in turn set people apart.”
“OK, but it helps people to know they are not alone”.
Working on the personal level
Several members said that working on the personal level is the best way to influence people.
These members said they live fully within society, so they meet many people and have many
contacts. Especially those who have contact with women tell us that women often think and feel
more empathy. Feminism has lost ground. Remarkably, also the most fervent opponents are
also women. But for most women, being in the company of children is a natural way of living.
Some members have found good listeners in gay groups; others found language groups or
ethnic groups and help with translating articles for them.
Working in the forefront and the background
In the forefront are the public media. It is very difficult to work on this level. Media have much
influence, but mostly they want only to present hot news, the outing of persons - and they
mostly follow the mainstream culture. Culture is moving now worldwide in the right-wing
direction.
Members who have experience with outing in the media have learned that not reacting at all is
the best way. Sometimes, silence is better than speaking. Media tend to tell lies instead of truth.
Other members keep writing to the media – or make their own, like the Ipce web site.
All members agree that influence is possible on the personal level. Not in the public area, but in
the personal area people will listen and think with understanding.
At a group level the public and most media react with panic, but in some scientific circles and
universities at least, colleagues react far more thoughtfully. They search for the truth, not for
infotainment.
Members report from several countries that it’s not possible form a group or hold a discussion
in public there. Freedom of speech exists more in theory than in practice. An opinion that
differs from the majority’s or the government’s opinion is seen as ‘dangerous’ or ‘inciting to
illegality’.
http://home.wanadoo.nl/ipce/newsletters/e_14/report_2.htm (4 of 10) [10/16/2002 5:33:47 PM]