Whenever you think of a child what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Do you think about how they run, play and are full of energy? Do you think about their endless questions, their adventurous attitude in doing things you would’ve never thought of, or do you see your own children and are amazed and impressed at how bright they can be?
Whenever you think about child abuse what comes to your mind? Do you shun it, not try to think about it and avoid the fact that an adult is abusing someone who can’t defend him/herself? Do you ever think that because a child is being abused they will never be the same again and may have to go through hours and years of therapy? Do you also think they will suffer when it comes to their own self-image and relationships?
Effects on Children
Children who are sexually abused are confused and don’t have anyone to turn to especially if they’re young. If it’s a family member abusing them they wonder why they’re doing that. Is that what love feels like? If it’s a neighbor and they’re being abused, is that what playing’s all about? With each individual who abuses them they’re sworn to secrecy. “No one has to know what we do; it’s our secret.” Sexually abused children are made to feel they have to keep quiet about something that doesn’t feel right and sometimes they’re even threatened if they say anything. However, if it’s supposed to be right why do they have to keep quiet, not tell anyone and why does it feel so wrong?
Regrettably this subject is one people choose to stay away from and what happens is the community thinks those in authority and prestige are upstanding citizens. That’s far from the truth. Who ever said that money and prestige meant you were a moral person, and how many times has a person been wrong about another’s character? Some of the most corrupt people are those that have money and prestige and not everyone is who you think they are. Just because you have a haven and charity for children doesn’t mean you’re not a predator, nor am I saying those who do, are, but you have to be careful to think that anything an adult does for a child is because he or she has good intentions.
Penn State
For many years Penn State has been an outstanding university because of its record when it comes to football. Now I can say that squeaky clean image has been tarnished because that university allowed one of its staff members to molest children ten years ago. This week a scandal broke out on Penn State University over the defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky who was sexually abusing children ten years ago. Yesterday a ninth victim also accused him. How many more were abused and are silent remains to be seen.
Jerry Sandusky put a charity together years ago to help children and many believe that was a subtle way of getting close to them. It’s too bad he like many, do this to satisfy their lascivious behavior, it’s also unconscionable if anyone knows what’s going on and they don’t say anything they’re enablers to a crime. I feel for the victims and their families they didn’t pick up on what was really behind his charity work. We may never know all who were involved in what was happening, but though they may have a stellar record of winning games they also have one that screams “child molestation.”
Fall from Grace
Joe Paterno who was the coach of the football team for many years is resigning after this season; more than anything he was probably asked to go. After I heard that his news conference was cancelled I knew there was trouble. Jerry Sandusky was coordinator of the team he coached so it happened under his watch. I’m not saying he knew everything about his colleague’s personal life, but I doubt he didn’t know something about his friend’s behavior. It’s hard for me to believe or accept that something’s going on for that amount of time with children and no one knows anything about it, especially a charity that Jerry Sandusky founded. Were children objects tossed around for this man’s sexual gratification? It’s obvious they cared more about football than they did children. They didn’t think what that was doing to the child and should be ashamed of themselves, therefore because of their negligence and behavior they need to be removed.
I know many people went to Joe’s house and let him know they stood with him. I think he’s so embarrassed over what happened he doesn’t know what to do. He may also feel guilty or blame himself that he could’ve done more. If he didn’t know anything then he’s exonerated but if he knew at least something about Jerry Sandusky and what he suspected was going on, he should’ve said something, and if he knew and didn’t, he shouldn’t wait until the season’s over but retire now. There’s no excuse for that even at the cost of winning football games. Think of your own child, how would you feel?
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