Minor-Attracted Person: Difference between revisions
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[[ | [[File:MAP flag.svg|thumb|alt=Minor Attracted Person Flag|The Stenna MAP Flag, widely considered to be the official MAP flag.]] | ||
'''Minor-Attracted Person (MAP)''' is a term that refers to a person belonging to one or more of a number of chronophilic attractions towards persons under the age of majority. The term is more commonly seen in the plural form '''Minor-Attracted Persons (MAPs)''' as a form of umbrella term rather than as a label of self-identification. Due to the differing age of majority throughout the world, nepiophiles, pedophiles, and hebephiles are almost always considered to be MAPs whereas whether or not ephebophiles count as a MAPs still remains a hotly-debated topic. | '''Minor-Attracted Person (MAP)''' is a term that refers to a person belonging to one or more of a number of [[chronophilic attractions|Chronophilia]] towards persons under the age of majority. The term is more commonly seen in the plural form '''Minor-Attracted Persons (MAPs)''' as a form of umbrella term rather than as a label of self-identification. Due to the differing age of majority throughout the world, [[nepiophile|nepiophiles]], [[pedophile|pedophiles]], and [[hebephile|hebephiles]] are almost always considered to be MAPs whereas whether or not ephebophiles count as a MAPs still remains a hotly-debated topic. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
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=== Misconceptions === | === Misconceptions === | ||
Various misconceptions exist in regards to the term "Minor-Attracted Person" and its uses. One of the biggest of which is the idea that its use is meant to replace the term "pedophile" in order to make it more "palatable". On the contrary, pedophiles are far more likely to use the term "pedophile" to refer to themselves and instead reserve the term as the plural form "MAPs" for referring to all minor-attracted persons as a whole or to the broader "MAP Community" or "MAP Movement". "Pedosexual" is a term which does have some support as a replacement for "pedophile", but most pedophiles are satisfied with continuing to use the word as a self-descriptor, generally arguing that | Various misconceptions exist in regards to the term "Minor-Attracted Person" and its uses. One of the biggest of which is the idea that its use is meant to replace the term "pedophile" in order to make it more "palatable". On the contrary, pedophiles are far more likely to use the term "pedophile" to refer to themselves and instead reserve the term as the plural form "MAPs" for referring to all minor-attracted persons as a whole or to the broader "MAP Community" or "MAP Movement". "Pedosexual" is a term which does have some support as a replacement for "pedophile", but most pedophiles are satisfied with continuing to use the word as a self-descriptor, generally arguing that they prefer how "phile" in the term means "lover". | ||
A similar misconception exists that the term is used as a means of trying to incorporate minor-attracted persons into the LGBTQ+ movement. This is untrue as well, with many MAPs being critical of the LGBTQ+ movement ever since the LGBT-MAP split of the 80s and 90s. Many take issue with what they see as appeasement from the LGBTQ+ camp, with MAPs expressing concern that such appeasement will only lead to empty acceptance with no real rights gained for MAPs and youths. However, some MAPs may argue that they come under the queer label in the movement. | A similar misconception exists that the term is used as a means of trying to incorporate minor-attracted persons into the LGBTQ+ movement. This is untrue as well, with many MAPs being critical of the LGBTQ+ movement ever since the LGBT-MAP split of the 80s and 90s. Many take issue with what they see as appeasement from the LGBTQ+ camp, with MAPs expressing concern that such appeasement will only lead to empty acceptance with no real rights gained for MAPs and youths. However, some MAPs may argue that they come under the queer label in the movement. | ||
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When used to refer collectively to all minor-attracted persons, the term "MAPs" is generally taken to refer to up to four distinct forms of chronophilic attraction: | When used to refer collectively to all minor-attracted persons, the term "MAPs" is generally taken to refer to up to four distinct forms of chronophilic attraction: | ||
● ''' | ● '''Nepiophiles''' with an attraction to infants and toddlers, typically around 0-3 years of age. | ||
● '''Pedophiles''' with an attraction to prepubescent children, typically around 4-11 years of age. | ● '''Pedophiles''' with an attraction to prepubescent children, typically around 4-11 years of age. | ||
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● '''Ephebophiles''' with an attraction to postpubescent youths, typically around 15-19 years of age. | ● '''Ephebophiles''' with an attraction to postpubescent youths, typically around 15-19 years of age. | ||
The inclusion of ephebophiles in the grouping is a contested one and opinions vary widely. Additionally, some argue that nepiophilia is an indistinct attraction from pedophilia. Generally, most MAPs tend to agree that the grouping consists of nepiophiles, pedophiles, and hebephiles and others may choose to include ephebophiles as well. | The inclusion of ephebophiles in the grouping is a contested one and opinions vary widely, this contestment is generally attributed to minor being a legal term that does not have the same definition in all cultures and countries. Additionally, some argue that nepiophilia is an indistinct attraction from pedophilia. Generally, most MAPs tend to agree that the grouping consists of nepiophiles, pedophiles, and hebephiles and others may choose to include ephebophiles as well. | ||
== As a Movement == | == As a Movement == | ||
The term is also used to refer to the wider "MAP community" or "MAP movement". The former refers to online groups of MAPs who gather together for discussion, support, or to meet other MAPs. The latter refers to groups, online or offline, which engage in activism to fight for the rights of MAPs and youths. Both the refer to a loose collection of groups with similar motivations or goals rather than any sort of organised group. The term "MAP" is used in these instances due to the fact that they often incorporate people with a wide variety of attractions rather than just pedophilic ones. These groupings can often be further categorised into pro-contact and anti-contact groups, which may or may not communicate or collaborate in certain circumstances. | The term is also used to refer to the wider "MAP community" or "MAP movement". The former refers to online groups of MAPs who gather together for discussion, support, or to meet other MAPs. The latter refers to groups, online or offline, which engage in activism to fight for the rights of MAPs and youths. Both the refer to a loose collection of groups with similar motivations or goals rather than any sort of organised group. The term "MAP" is used in these instances due to the fact that they often incorporate people with a wide variety of attractions rather than just pedophilic ones. These groupings can often be further categorised into pro-contact and anti-contact groups, which may or may not communicate or collaborate in certain circumstances. | ||
Latest revision as of 05:27, 3 January 2023
Minor-Attracted Person (MAP) is a term that refers to a person belonging to one or more of a number of Chronophilia towards persons under the age of majority. The term is more commonly seen in the plural form Minor-Attracted Persons (MAPs) as a form of umbrella term rather than as a label of self-identification. Due to the differing age of majority throughout the world, nepiophiles, pedophiles, and hebephiles are almost always considered to be MAPs whereas whether or not ephebophiles count as a MAPs still remains a hotly-debated topic.
History
The term was first used by freelance journalist Heather Elizabeth Peterson in 1998 in an article for Greenbelt Interfaith News, initially as "Minor-Attracted Adults" (MAAs), before evolving into its current form around 2007 by way of the ATC/ANU blog to reflect the fact that minors themselves can also fall into the category. Since then it has become a regularly-used term in academia to refer to the aforementioned groups and by the online MAP community and movement.
Misconceptions
Various misconceptions exist in regards to the term "Minor-Attracted Person" and its uses. One of the biggest of which is the idea that its use is meant to replace the term "pedophile" in order to make it more "palatable". On the contrary, pedophiles are far more likely to use the term "pedophile" to refer to themselves and instead reserve the term as the plural form "MAPs" for referring to all minor-attracted persons as a whole or to the broader "MAP Community" or "MAP Movement". "Pedosexual" is a term which does have some support as a replacement for "pedophile", but most pedophiles are satisfied with continuing to use the word as a self-descriptor, generally arguing that they prefer how "phile" in the term means "lover".
A similar misconception exists that the term is used as a means of trying to incorporate minor-attracted persons into the LGBTQ+ movement. This is untrue as well, with many MAPs being critical of the LGBTQ+ movement ever since the LGBT-MAP split of the 80s and 90s. Many take issue with what they see as appeasement from the LGBTQ+ camp, with MAPs expressing concern that such appeasement will only lead to empty acceptance with no real rights gained for MAPs and youths. However, some MAPs may argue that they come under the queer label in the movement.
As an Umbrella Term
When used to refer collectively to all minor-attracted persons, the term "MAPs" is generally taken to refer to up to four distinct forms of chronophilic attraction:
● Nepiophiles with an attraction to infants and toddlers, typically around 0-3 years of age.
● Pedophiles with an attraction to prepubescent children, typically around 4-11 years of age.
● Hebephiles with an attraction to pubescent youths, typically around 12-14 years of age.
● Ephebophiles with an attraction to postpubescent youths, typically around 15-19 years of age.
The inclusion of ephebophiles in the grouping is a contested one and opinions vary widely, this contestment is generally attributed to minor being a legal term that does not have the same definition in all cultures and countries. Additionally, some argue that nepiophilia is an indistinct attraction from pedophilia. Generally, most MAPs tend to agree that the grouping consists of nepiophiles, pedophiles, and hebephiles and others may choose to include ephebophiles as well.
As a Movement
The term is also used to refer to the wider "MAP community" or "MAP movement". The former refers to online groups of MAPs who gather together for discussion, support, or to meet other MAPs. The latter refers to groups, online or offline, which engage in activism to fight for the rights of MAPs and youths. Both the refer to a loose collection of groups with similar motivations or goals rather than any sort of organised group. The term "MAP" is used in these instances due to the fact that they often incorporate people with a wide variety of attractions rather than just pedophilic ones. These groupings can often be further categorised into pro-contact and anti-contact groups, which may or may not communicate or collaborate in certain circumstances.