Does Michael Jackson fit the profile of a pedophile

According to the author of the mj-case.com, the answer is no. To support this he provides two sources. One is Michael Borak , for whom I’ve be unable to find any on-line reference other than the mj-case FAQ, and the other is Dr. Ralph Underwager, who we'll get to in a moment. He also makes a totally unsupported claim that "One undisputable [sic] fact about pedophiles is that they have hundreds of victims. Why does Michael Jackson only have two accusers?" Two things wrong with this. First is the fact most sources agreed that the Seductive, Fixated, or Exclusive (all meaning roughly the same thing) Pedophile is prepared to spend a long time grooming a potential victim. Second is that absence of proof does not mean proof of absence--the fact that we know of no other accusers does not mean that there aren't other potential victims


The star "witness" however is Dr Underwager, who is quoted as saying, "There's no such thing as a classic pedophile. They made a completely foolish and illogical error." Jackson fans are overlooking the obvious: that if what he is says is true (and virtually none of his colleagues agrees with or endorses his view), then his opinion does not eliminate Jackson as a suspect for pedophilia, since Underwager claims that there is no way to tell if someone is a pedophile or not—and that includes Jackson.

But let’s take a look at Dr Ralph Underwager. First of all, despite being called as an "expert witness" in many child abuse trials, his area of expertise is not child molesters or their victims. Dr Ungerwagers area of study is False Memory Syndrome—i.e. the implanting of fictional "memories" in the minds of adults, occurring years, if not decades, after the fact. One can plainly see that this has absolutely no connection at all with the Chandler case, as events were described by Chandler mere months after they allegedly occur.

In case you were wondering., False Memory Syndrome was coined by Dr Underwager is not recognized as a Syndrome by any reputable psychiatric or scientific body.


And a quick look at Dr. Underwager’s resume might prove enlightening.

(All examples can be found in their entirety at http://alexconstantine.50megs.com/judicial_opinions.html )

State v. Hulbert, N.W., 1992 WL27770 (Iowa,1992) While some of Underwager's testimony was permitted, he was not allowed to critique the interview by a social worker, or to offer opinion testimony about whether the Defendant fit the profile of a child molester.

State v. Deloch, 1990 WL 48536 (Minn., 1990) (slip opinion) :… "The record does not establish that the scientific basis for [Dr. Underwager's memory] theory is reliable and broadly accepted in its field," the Appeals Court ruled. In addition, Dr. Underwager did not have "the expertise or qualifications to either evaluate [the physician's] examination technique for child abuse victims, or assess its acceptance ... in the scientific community."

State v. Swan, 114 WA 2nd 613, 790 P. 2nd (Wash., 1990): His testimony was not proper in the absence of any evidence that the results of Underwager's work had been accepted in the scientific community and because the testimony invaded the province of the jury by impinging directly on the credibility of the victims.

Oregon v. Gallup (April 14, 1988) (trial court decision), Case No. J87-1760 at pages 24-35

While some of Dr. Underwager's testimony was allowed, he was not permitted to testify concerning the "psychological profile" of a child molester.

Oregon v. Herrick (trial court decision) In this sexual assault case, the court held that "Dr. Underwager did inadequate research. His preparation was inadequate and therefore it's lacking in sound foundation....

People v. Chuck (New York State, April 26, 1988) (trial court decision): …The court ruled that the Defense had not "demonstrated that there is any scientific reliability of sexual molestation profile [provided by Dr. Underwager]," and also held that Dr. Underwager was "not qualified to render any opinion as to whether or not [the victim] was sexually molested."


An interesting article Dr Underwager can be found here: http://www.nostatusquo.com/ACLU/NudistHallofShame/MrBubbles.html

Dr Underwager gave an interview with the pro-pedophilia magazine Paidika in the early 90’s. Here’s an extract:

PAIDIKA: Is choosing paedophilia for you a responsible choice for the individuals?

RALPH UNDERWAGER: Certainly it is responsible. What I have been struck by as I have come to know more about and understand people who choose paedophilia is that they let themselves be too much defined by other people. That is usually an essentially negative definition. Paedophiles spend a lot of time and energy defending their choice. I don't think that a paedophile needs to do that. Paedophiles can boldly and courageously affirm what they choose. They can say that what they want is to find the best way to love. I am also a theologian and as a theologian, I believe it is God's will that there be closeness and intimacy, unity of the flesh, between people. A paedophile can say: "This closeness is possible for me within the choices that I've made."
Paedophiles are too defensive. They go around saying, "You people out there are saying that what I choose is bad, that it's no good. You're putting me in prison, you're doing all these terrible things to me. I have to define my love as being in some way or other illicit." What I think is that paedophiles can make the assertion that the pursuit of intimacy and love is what they choose. With boldness, they can say, "I believe this is in fact part of God's will." They have the right to make these statements for themselves as personal choices. Now whether or not they can persuade other people they are right is another matter (laughs).

PAIDIKA: You say that paedophiles should affirm the fact that they believe that paedophilia is a part of "God's will." Are you also saying that for the paedophile to make this claim about "God's will, is also to state what God's will is?

RALPH UNDERWAGER: (laughing) Of course, I'm not privy to God's will. I do believe it is God's will that we have freedom. I believe that God's will is that we have absolute freedom. No conditions, no contingencies. When the blessed apostle Paul says, "All things are lawful for me," he says it not once but four times. "All things are lawful for me." He also adds that not everything works.

After this interview, (full text at here ) Underwager was censured by his colleagues and forced to resign from the False Memory Syndrome Foundation Advisory Board. He also claimed (with no supporting evidence) that "97.5% of child sexual abuse claims have no basis."


From an article about FMS:"In 1988, Dr. Anna Salter, a renowned clinical psychologist, received a grant from the New England Commissioners of Child Welfare Agencies to study the research methods and conclusions of often-quoted apparent backlash psychologists Ralph Underwager and Hollida Wakefieid. When Salter published her treatise entitled "Accuracy of Expert Testimony in Child Sexual Abuse Cases," about Underwager and Wakefield's scientific methods (or lack thereof), Salter made very specific and detailed findings indicating that Underwager and Wakefield cite research that "simply does not say what they say it does," maintain positions as factual "when there is no research evidence to substantiate their claims," "simply ignore contrary evidence," "make numerous logical errors," and use citations that "are so filled with errors it is difficult to find many of them." Worse, she found that "the inaccuracies were uniformly in the service of strengthening Underwager and Wakefield's case against children who report child sexual abuse" (Salter, 1988)."


And from another article:
"This was painfully clear on December 19, 1993, when the London Times reported his reference to unspecified "scientific evidence" that demonstrated "60% of women sexually abused as children reported that the experience had been GOOD for them. He contended the same should be true for boys involved with pedophiles." Underwager blames feminists for the current climate of rancor toward pedophiles because they are "jealous" of "men's ability to love other men or children and have stirred up hysteria over pedophilia."
(I've lost the citations for both of these articles, so if anyone has then, could you please email the info so I can post it. Thanks)

And this is the only source that Mikey’s fans offer to "prove" that Michael does not fit the profile of a Pedophile.


So much for that. Now let’s take a look at some of the sources the author of mj-case didn’t include

From the FBI Brochure "A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety":

"Some of these individuals gradually seduce their targets through the use of attention, affection, kindness, and even gifts. These individuals are often willing to devote considerable amounts of time, money, and energy in this process. They listen to and empathize with the problems of children. They will be aware of the latest music, hobbies, and interests of children. These individuals attempt to gradually lower children's inhibitions by slowly introducing sexual context and content into their conversations."


From the Yahoo Message boards:
"[Ken] Lanning is the FBI special agent who authored A Behavioral Profile of Pedophiles, the manual used by many law enforcement agencies to familiarize themselves with the profile of child molesters.
According to Lanning, pedophiles are often "adults who never grew up," and they have a "unique ability to identify with children"; a "Pied Piper effect." Their homes are often "shrines to children" and exhibit a "Disneyland" like atmosphere."

Again concering Ken Lanning:
"Ken Lanning, a retired FBI Agent who was on the front line enforcing child pornography laws, has cited the prevalent use of child pornography by both preferential and situational child molesters. According to Lanning, offenders use child pornography for many purposes, the five most common of which are:
1) to create a permanent record for arousal and gratification;
2) to lower children's inhibitions to engage in sexual behavior;
3) to validate and confirm the child sex offender's belief system;
4) to blackmail victims and other co-offenders; and
5) to sell for profit or trade"


From the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:

To assume that someone is not a pedophile simply because he is nice, goes to church, works hard, is kind to animals, helps abused children, reports finding child pornography on the Internet to law enforcement, and/or searches for missing children is absurd. Pedophiles span the full spectrum from saints to monsters. In spite of this fact, over and over again pedophiles are not recognized, investigated, charged, convicted, or sent to prison simply because they are "nice guys."

One of the best indicators of the continuing lack of understanding of the nature of pedophilia is that the media and society still view as a contradiction the fact that someone could be a caring, dedicated teacher (e.g., clergy member, coach, doctor, children’s volunteer) and sexually victimize a child in his care. The vast majority of dedicated schoolteachers are not pedophiles, but many pedophiles who become schoolteachers are dedicated teachers.


From the same brochure:

Associates and Circle of Friends are Young: In addition to sexual activity, pedophiles frequently socialize with children and get involved in youth activities. They may hang around schoolyards, arcades, shopping centers—any place that children frequent. Their young "friends" may be male, female, both sexes, very young, or teenagers, all depending on the age and gender preferences of the pedophile.

Refers to Children as "Clean," "Pure," "Innocent," "Impish," or Objects: Pedophiles sometimes have an idealistic view of children that is expressed in their language and writing. Others sometimes refer to children as if they were objects, projects, or possessions. "This kid has low mileage," and "I’ve been working on this project for six months" are typical comments.

Identifies With Children (Better Than With Adults): Pedophiles usually have the ability to identify with children better than they do with adults—a trait that makes most pedophiles master seducers of children. They especially know how to listen to children. Many pedophiles are described as "pied pipers" who attract children. This ability often helps them become exceptionally good teachers, coaches, or youth volunteers. This skill is particularly useful in befriending children on the Internet.

Hobbies and Interests Appealing to Children: This is another indicator that must be considered for evaluation only in connection with other indicators. Pedophiles might collect toys or dolls, build model planes or boats, or perform as clowns or magicians to attract children. A pedophile interested in older children might have a "hobby" involving alcohol, drugs, or pornography.

Youth-Oriented Decorations in House or Room: Pedophiles attracted to teenage boys might have their homes decorated the way a teenage boy would. This might include items such as toys, games, stereos, and posters of "rock stars." The homes of some pedophiles have been described as shrines to children or as miniature amusement parks.

Collecting Child Pornography or Erotica: This is one of the most significant characteristics of pedophiles, discussed in detail in the chapter titled "Collection of Child Pornography and Erotica" beginning on page 61.

(The brochure in its entirety can be read here)


From the Interpol Website ( http://www.interpol.int/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/Default.asp ):

"The majority of sex offenders groom their victims, this can take many months, even years, and often begins with the process of grooming the parents of the child.

The paedophile may recognize that a family were having difficulty in managing the logistics and finances of the household and befriend them with offers of assistance, both financial and in kind. Eventually having gained the trust of the parent the offender then offers to baby sit or take the child on outings during which time he then moves on to begin the process of grooming the child victim."

A typical example of how a paedophile operates would be the initial identification of a vulnerable parent who has either one or a number of children. It may be a single mother who having gone through an acrimonious divorce has had to move to accommodation that is smaller or of a lesser standard than her and the children are used to residing in. Family finances are stretched and there is less money available in the household for food, clothing and leisure activities."


This article appears on the Texas Police Central website. Northwest Treatment Associates also maintain that there are several common personality traits among sex offenders. Such as:

Narcissism
Very self-centered; feels that nobody gives them enough of what they need; they have to take care of themselves because nobody else will take care of them; their only fulfillment is through personal gratification.

Poor Self-Image
Dislikes themselves; feels very vulnerable; insecure about self and relationships with others; lacks confidence in abilities.

Defensive
Ability to project responsibility for problems onto others; makes excuses for deviant behavior; may believe that the abusive behavior is not deviant, that everyone has similar feelings.

Ruminative>
Obsessive or fixed pattern of thinking; may misinterpret a seemingly innocent situation and place a sexual meaning on the action; belief system becomes affected by this fixed pattern of thinking.

Social Alienation
Very manipulative in dysfunctional ways; may be superficially popular; feels socially isolated from the world around them and from their families; feels that nobody understands them; lacking in empathy or true interest in other individuals.

Sexual Preoccupation
Escape from stress through sexual fantasy or behavior; sexual acting-out; thoughts are dominated with deviant sexuality. These factors alone are meaningless; however, when they interact they create an environment and preparedness to sexually abuse.


And finally (for now, at least):

Pedophiles will go to great lengths to gain access to children. Pedophiles have volunteered at church youth groups, worked as camp counselors, coached youth athletic teams and more. Though the number of pedophiles is unknown, from the amount of pedophile-oriented pornographic material on the internet it can only be assumed that there are more pedophiles than current estimates suggest. An individual does not necessarily have to molest children to be diagnosed a pedophile. The term is a medical diagnosis applied to adults who have these abnormal sexual desires and urges.

Delaplane and Delaplane describe one particularly disturbing aspect of some pedophiles. "Single mothers are particularly vulnerable to the designs of the pedophile. This person will offer to be a friend to the child participating in sports, taking on hiking trips, etc. The mother, anxious for the children to have a male image, often readily goes along with these offers from 'such a nice person.' The fixated pedophile is 'very good' to the child as one might expect in pursuing a sexual experience."10 Pedophiles will go so far as to date or marry a single mother to gain access to her children.

From Mental Health Journal, Child Abuse: An Overview

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