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2. Mixture
In several cultures, it is ‘not done’ to speak publicly about certain issues. For example, in the
cradle of our democracy, Greece, it is factually not possible publicly to criticise the president.
But in the personal area one speaks the same as elsewhere.
The history of the gay liberation movement tells the same story. However, gay liberation has
not succeeded by staying in the closet, but by speaking. However, a ped liberation or
emancipation movement – or any other such movement – may have to follow other ways
nowadays in a changed and changing culture.
Members also agree that it is necessary to analyse the culture, the society, its ethics and the
changes carefully. Better to say: several cultures, not only the dominating western one.
It is also important to study the legal systems; they differ greatly from country to country. On
the other hand, severe laws originating in English-speaking countries are being introduced by
other countries and cultures.
Several members said they read many articles and books so as to understand what happens in
society. Some members are performing research or writing books and articles – or translating
articles and research reports, or making overviews, and sending them to the Ipce web site.
Other members said they are still searching for their own personal way. “First, I will meet
people, and I will start reading basic literature. Then, I will decide what to do.”
It is not fruitful to think in terms of “enemies”. Better to think about people with other opinions,
which is their right. Better to try to understand their motives and arguments. “You need a
knowledge of anthropology for this”. If they act as enemies and tell lies, they act as a part of a
societal system. That system is the enemy, not people. Try to analyse and understand that
system.
Once upon a time… and now
c. A broader look: other times & cultures
“Yes. So, most people with pedophilic feelings are living quite lonely lives. It is a privilege to
have a group like this. Anyway, we have.
When I was young, even the word “homosexuality” scarcely existed. The old sexologist
Magnus Hirschfeld did research on that issue. All sexology was German in that era. When his
book was published, it was kept hidden for students. I needed the permission of a professor
even to borrow it from the university’s library. The word ‘pedophile’ did not exist anyway
those days. It was a synonym for ‘mad man’ more or less. The early gay clubs named
themselves “Shakespeare Club” and so on, and also their addresses were inaccessible to
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