Anushka MehtaCo-Founder, Rightantra History of ‘Pop Culture’ treatment of paedophilia In today's day and age pop culture largely influences the lives of most people, especially Gen Z. We’ve all tried our hand at emulating Rachel Green from F.R.I.E.N.D.S or laugh-groaned at a ‘that's what she said’ innuendo picked up from The Office. Iconic movies, songs, and lierature have always created an impact, whether positive or negative, on the behaviour and perception of teens and adults alike. The author shall bring to light the negative effect of the portrayal of paedophilia in pop culture, which is either grossly romanticised or completely brushed under the carpet under the garb of karma. This leads to drastic consequences in present reality. The World Health Organisation’s ICD-10 defines paedophilia as a sexual preference for children, boys or girls or both, usually of prepubertal or early pubertal age, with an age difference of at least five years between the person and child. This includes intense sexual fantasies, urges as well as actions, according to MSD Manuals. Paedophilia is a mental health disorder characterised by desire, which may or may not culminate in behaviour or justify the same. It remains to be harmful to children nonetheless. To know more about paedophilia as a mental disorder, read our article on the same here.
In light of the above definitions, it is both applaudable and yet at the same time, truly disheartening to see the depiction of paedophilia in western movies and music (with no mention of the Indian entertainment industry since paedophilia is viewed as a taboo topic so far). Commendable because these movies and novels do not shy away from showing paedophilia as it exists, with its own set of accompanying mental distress and sexual urges, thereby allowing it to be brought into mainstream discourse. However, disheartening on account of no depiction of instances of educating the affected child about the incorrectness of what they have experienced or on the other hand, no mention of any punishment for the offence or alternatively, treatment options for the one suffering from a paedophilic disorder. From Lolita to American Beauty and more recently, Miss Grundy’s relationship with Archie in Riverdale, pop culture is seen to depict an acceptance towards paedophilia as a practice, without showing concern for the child who might have felt out of control in the relationship, or for the person suffering from paedophilia to be counselled, and in the event that treatment is not an option, for punishment to be meted out. Why it is problematic As emphasised above, this author is not against the theme of paedophilia in pop culture, rather its unfair portrayal on two ends of the spectrum, as romantic acceptance or blatant ignorance which give rise to utopian perceptions among its consumers. 1. Creation of unrealistic notions One of the most controversial representations of paedophilia can be seen in Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita”, which is a story about a man who marries a dying woman solely because of his obsession with her 12-year-old daughter, with whom he has sexual relations over the course of the novel. Told in the POV of the stepfather, Humbert, who did not shy away from calling himself a villain, the novel ends with a realisation in Humbert regarding the wrongfulness of his acts in not only violating a vulnerable child but also stealing away her childhood. The cinematic interpretations (1962 and 1997) go one step further and cast the actor playing Lolita as sensual and mature. This is a low-key trivialisation of paedophilia, although given the times when the novel was released an exception can be made for the lack of awareness about paedophilia and so Humbert’s remorse will have to be enough. However, what is shocking is similar picturisations in the 21st century starting with the movie “Call Me by Your Name”. The movie takes place in the 1980s through a romantic and possibly sexual relationship between a 17-year-old boy and a 24-year-old man. Though many do not characterize this as a depiction of paedophilia given that the age of consent in various countries is at the pubescent stage, the point trying to be made through this article can clearly be seen in the no questions asked acceptance of the 17-year-old’s relationship by his father. While the affirmation of the boy’s homosexuality, without any criticism, is a great message, however, what is missing is concern about any power imbalance in the relationship or safe sex. This shows ignorance towards non-consensual sexual activities, if not specifically paedophilia. Similarly, even Lester’s infatuation with his daughter’s friend, Angela, in the 1999 film “American Beauty” may not be characterised as paedophilia given that Lester is attracted to the idea of youth. However, the fantasies about Angela and Lester’s desire to have sexual intercourse with her, which does not take place because Angela tells him she is a virgin reminding Lester of her innocence, are in fact problematic and he cannot be redeemed solely on the basis of his last-minute understanding and subsequent death. Another example of shocking brush off of paedophilia takes place in season one of “Riverdale”. Episode 4 of the popular television series reveals an affair between 15-year-old Archie and his music teacher, Miss Grundy. On discovery of their relationship, instead of reporting Miss Grundy to the police, Archie’s father reaches a compromise which involves Miss Grundy leaving town. Later episodes of the series go on to show Miss Grundy expressing her attraction towards other young boys, which seems like the breaking point at which the series should turn towards showing her receiving counselling and treatment. However, the storyline progresses such that she is killed in an isolated incident, leaving viewers with only a perceived sense of karmic justice. 2. Blame on children for inviting such attention The result of popular culture, especially through movies like “American Beauty”, leads to viewer’s blaming the child for inviting sexual advances. The movie shows Angela talking about her made-up sexual history and her knowledge of Lester’s crush on her. This creates an impression that the fault lies at the feet of the child and their behaviour calls for such advances, which is wholly incorrect. This additionally undermines the struggle of the victims while simultaneously glorifies or exonerates the perpetrators. 3. Creation of stereotypes Such depictions create stereotypes against paedophiles that they do not deserve treatment or should only suffer for their acts/desires. See here under the heading ‘Attitudes towards Sex Offender Treatment’. 4. Casting young actors in mature roles could affect them Films such as “Leon: The Professional” and “Pretty Baby” portray 11-year-old actresses Natalie Portman and Brooke Shields, respectively, in scenes with nudity, which caused them to be sexualised in Hollywood at such a young age. Natalie Portman received fantasy letters and was sexualised after her role in Leon, whereas Brooke Shields felt that the nude scenes done by her double were not needed and should be taken out. Drawing the Fine Line: Cases of misconception On one hand, the romanticization or ignorance of paedophilia in popular culture is something to be frowned upon, however, it cannot be denied that netizens often try to label any expression of art involving children in mature roles as overlooking paedophilia, stifling creative expression through children. This usually takes place on account of political motivation or preconceived notions based on the real-life experiences of those involved in such movies, music, literature, etc. One of the most recent examples of such disillusioned allegations is the Netflix film “Cuties”, which was criticised as promoting paedophilia due to its now-deleted poster showing 11-year-old girls in “suggestive” poses even though the movie itself is said to be a commentary against the sexualisation of children. News articles suggest that the flak received by this movie was majorly due to a political agenda. Other such instances include the music video of Sia’s popular song “Elastic Heart”, which features Shia LaBeouf and 12-year-old Maddie Ziegler dancing together in flesh coloured outfits, in a cage. The instances of LaBeouf trying to touch Ziegler and her wrapping around him were viewed as encouraging paedophilia. While Sia apologised for any triggers caused due to the video, to survivors of sexual abuse, there is no sexual content in the video. Once again with the music video of “BB Talk” by Miley Cyrus as well as the anime “Kodomo no Jikan” similar allegations of paedophilia have been raised. In conclusion, while all aspects of pop culture which portray children alongside adults in platonic roles or where children are shown to idolise or have a crush on the adult should not be dubbed as promoting paedophilia, the tide changes when the adult in question reciprocates or starts to develop lust towards the child, whether acted upon or not. It is this romantic depiction of lust or sexual fantasy which becomes problematic and causes enjoyers of pop culture to formulate deceptive notions about paedophilia in the form of rationalising children as sexual objects or brushing such incidents aside as not of consequence.
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