But to say that it is human nature seems to imply that this is just what any humans would do in that situation. I believe that there are people who would not molest, be neglectful of children or starve them if put in this same position. I believe it was the individuals who perpetrated these acts that are responsible and not their humanness. Does that make sense or am I not understanding you?
There was plenty of child molestation.
The "love" is a lie. You cannot say that you love someone and watch them get sick and not help them while you sit up in a warm house, with electricity, plumbing and heat while they are in a tent that has no power, no indoor plumbing and no proper heating. You cannot say you love someone and stand by why you hear accusations of molestation, rape and assault and not even inquire into them. You cannot say you love somebody and then sleep with their partner. You cannot say you love somebody and watch as they are deprived of a decent education and basic needs. You cannot say you love someone and watch as they are beaten by their husband and DO NOTHING. You cannot call it love. That is not love.
How was it for both of you? I'm sure I know both of you because I grew up there too. I think the blatant sexism lead to more domestic violence and child abuse. It's the same as any other sexist community. The more overt the sexism is the more reports of rape, molestation, pedophilia and domestic violence there are.
I think blaming it on human nature is a cop out. Allowing a bunch of kids to be malnourished, molested and force-fed drugs is not human nature, it's selfish and neglectful intent. Speaking from experience here.
I grew up in the family. Not just for five or ten years but until we lost the property in 2004. Everyone has their own stories but to claim that sexual abuse was not going on is selfish of ex members. Sexual abuse happens in many communities. I think it was intensified by the fact that we allowed complete strangers to watch the children and even take drugs with them. Along with that there was the whole preaching that age doesn't matter, which it does. If you have a fourteen year old sleeping with a man in his twenties, regardless of what she says, that's rape. If you have a sixteen year old girl sleeping with a fifty year old man IT"S RAPE.
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Opus