Crocodiles v. Pedophiles

Crocodiles v. Pedophiles

 by L. Stewart Marsden

 

It’s a recurring revelation: Catholic priests; coaches; Boy Scout leaders; teachers and others — all taking advantage of position and power to violate their victims sexually. My father once told me of a man who was hired by his aunt to do repair work to the home he lived in during the 1920s. The man made a pass at my dad, and was summarily fired when dad told on him.

I was working late one evening in the office of a street ministry — doing some construction work — when a drifter wandered in and obviously wanted to do more than talk.

My wife’s uncle, a millionaire, was accused, convicted, and served time for his dalliances with young boys he had befriended.

I began to think of how dangerous a pedophile is. I compared him/her to one of the most feared carnivores that exists today — the crocodile — and found the croc wanting:

• Both the crocodile and the pedophile are cold-blooded.
• Both are relatively unseen in their environment.
• Both stalk their prey.
• Both use power to overcome their victims.
• Both are driven by recurring hunger.
• The victims of both are usually silenced.

The crocodile, however, is visually menacing. He sports jaws of razor-sharp saw teeth. His eyes are slits of mottled yellow and amber and black. His demeanor is ugly and promotes a sense of danger and caution. Not so the pedophile, who comes across as harmless — even innocent in nature, with gentle words, disarming smiles, and kind eyes.

The croc’s massive body is ridged with scales reminiscent of a dragon or dinosaur. He is ugly, and even while he lies sedately on the beach of a body of water, soaking in the sun, he is fearful to the eye.

The pedophile is cloaked as a friend, mentor, or even family member. He blends and assumes a benign personality that draws in and disarms his victims. There is nothing, generally, to alert anyone to the dangers in nearing this beast. Until it is too late.

We know where the crocs are. They live in marshes, bayous, and we can visit them in zoos.

The pedophiles? Maybe next door. Maybe in the school. Or the church. Or the Pop Warner football coaching staff.

I’m not saying be paranoid. I’m saying be careful. And, just as you would call animal control if you stepped out into your backyard to come face-to-face with a crocodile, call the police or other legal authority when you suspect a pedophile.

Crocodile v. Pedophile. Which is more dangerous? Isn’t it obvious?

For statistics and other information about child mosestation, check out the Yello Dyno website.