How Metaphors Kill / Douard
The public tends to view sex offenders as monsters, and the law reflects that dehumanizing metaphor. At our 2016 conference in Atlanta, Mr. Douard explained how the monster metaphor points in the direction of Draconian recidivism prevention strategies, such as registration and civil commitment laws, rather than utilizing more humane and effective public health strategies that seek to protect society while also protecting the rights of sex offenders.
Who are the people in the audiences at these conferences? Is it just made up of RSO’s and their friends/families? If so, then these conferences are only preaching to the choir. These types of conferences need to be brought before the state/ local officials and the general public who need to be told that all sex offenses ARE different.
These conferences are educational and training seminars for RSOs, their families or anyone else who cares. They are not preaching sessions. They give educational material to share with the public and points to fight with when we take our cases to our state officials. Being armed with knowledge that is backed up by the experts is better than pulling untested rhetoric out of your hat.
What do you feel should be done instead, if training and educating people involved in our fight is not up to your standards?
Unfortunately, vast majority, if not all, have already made up their mind about “Sex offenders” and thus are not willing to listen anything humanizing about the topic. If majority of the population have their way, they would put sex offenders in concentration camps. I regularly post facts about the topic in public forums/comments, and easily get backlash and discouragement.
Dear Maestro,
I, too, agree that the messages need to be delivered to legislators, prosecutors, and police departments. This is why I am engaging in a personal “letter writing” campaign to my own state capital. They (regulators) can’t go on painting everybody with the same paintbrush. It is social injustice!!!!!
The Congress just approved a bill to microchip mentally ill Americans. Looking at how quickly President Obama signed the International Megan’s law, and with very few days left in office, Obama is very likely to sign this bill into law.
Again it’s all about setting the precedence and the registered citizens may also be included under those “mentally ill”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RzlXfYBVW8
I am sure you are aware that IML passed in Congress with zero opposition. Even if Obama had vetoed it they would had over turned his veto easily. I wonder if he knew that when he signed it. Lets ask ourselves who introduced IML and this microchip law in the first place.
In other news the Obama administration is busy dismantling another registery that was found to be ineffective
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/obama-rescinds-nseers-trump-registry_us_585bf2b7e4b0d9a594574d6b