We're being honest about how we feel. The manner in which you speak is hypocritical and condescending, and we will call you on it, when we feel that's how it is.

I don't think anyone called you a name, rather than describing the way you're speaking. You may not mean to be condescending, but you are. Some of us aren't willing to keep quiet about it.

I understand feeling sorry for abusers because of their past. But I refuse to excuse their behavior because of it. I can't go around hurting innocent people just because other people hurt me. By your account, no one should be punished for what they do, because most people who commit terrible crimes do so because of things that happened to them.

People who steal justify it. Almost everything people do wrong is justified in their minds, even when they acknowledge it's wrong. A bad past does not justify actions, and such persons should be punished. Additionally, people who are dangerous to society need to be taken out of society.

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but I guess I have a bit more of an idealistic view of where I'd like society to be headed

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This is exactly what we mean by condescending. You're putting us down as not having ideals and wanting good things. Just because we see things differently and see certain things as ideal that you do not, does not mean you're better or smarter than us.

I like some pornography, or what certain people would call porn. Different people have different ideas of what porn is. I don't commit rape or hurt people as a result of it, and I will continue to enjoy porn and erotica, whether you like it or not. The vast majority of scientific studies that I've seen support it as reducing sex crimes, and I believe them.

I also believe women should not be treated as sex objects, but I don't blame porn for this; I blame those who treat women that way. I expect adults to take responsibility for their actions, and to look at their views themselves. Children should not view porn, because they're not mentally or emotionally ready for it; they should be taught by their parents to treat women respectfully. And men should be treated with respect as well. Adults who learned as children and teens to be respectful will not change by looking at porn, and can enjoy another aspect of sexuality in a healthy way.

I'm sorry if you're uncomfortable, Rayna, but I feel I must speak up when something bothers me.