Conservatism, Grooming, and CHILD Beauty Pageants and Churches: Opacity and Inaction

Given that conservatives have repeatedly stated their disapproval of groomers, what are their actual plans for addressing child beauty pageants and churches that perpetuate harmful practices? This article delves into the opaque relationships between these entities and the broader ethical concerns surrounding grooming. We explore the nuanced positions of conservatives and how their rhetoric aligns with—or, in some cases, diverges from—reality.

Understanding the Rhetoric and Reality

As a conservative, I have consistently emphasized that my primary concern is the protection of children, especially within religious institutions. While conservatives intuitively understand that churches and beauty pageants should not facilitate conditions that could lead to grooming, the reality on the ground is often murky and complex.

For instance, the term grooming is frequently misused or misunderstood within conservative circles. Drag queens, though often vilified, are not typically groomers in the context of child exploitation. Instead, the real issue lies with individuals who exploit children through sexual material or activities, regardless of their appearance.

The Problem with Grooming in Child Beauty Pageants

Child beauty pageants, whether involving children or teenagers, essentially serve as pedophile fodder. They promote unrealistic body images and teach young girls to value themselves based solely on their appearance. This is a significant ethical concern and one that deserves more attention from the conservative community.

Illiteracy and Unawareness

I often encounter conservatives who are unaware of the severity of the issues surrounding child beauty pageants. Many decent parents find it hard to believe that their friends and neighbors could potentially engage in such harmful practices. The horror and trauma children experience in these environments often go unnoticed and unreported until it is too late.

The effort to shut down child beauty pageants faces significant legal hurdles. The first issue is defining what constitutes a child beauty pageant. Once a definition is established, free speech concerns arise. While the pageants involve children too young to consent, advocates for these events might argue that their activities are protected by the First Amendment. Legal battles were bound to ensue.

The Role of Churches in Protecting Children

Churches that abuse children are already subject to legal scrutiny and action. For example, Warren Jeffs, leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was sentenced to two life terms in prison. Therefore, it is equally important to address any abuse within mainstream churches.

Conservative-led organizations typically focus on holding individuals accountable for their actions. However, it is vital that churches implement robust prevention measures such as background checks for all individuals working with minors and policies ensuring that no adult is alone with minors. These steps are crucial to safeguarding children.

While libertarians would prefer to rely on voluntary compliance, liability attorneys recognize that churches that fail to implement such safeguards face greater legal and moral risks. The responsibility for protecting children lies not just with individuals but with the entire organization.

Conclusion

The ongoing debate around child beauty pageants and churches reflects the need for clearer policies and more transparent discourse within the conservative community. While many conservatives express disapproval of grooming, their actions often fall short of the necessary protections. Addressing these issues requires a combination of legal action, education, and systemic reform. Only with a genuine commitment to protecting children can we hope to eradicate the practices of grooming within our society.