Erotic Innocence

The Culture of Child Molesting

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Self Help, Mental Health, Abuse, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Popular Culture, Sociology
Cover of the book Erotic Innocence by James Kincaid, Duke University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James Kincaid ISBN: 9780822379300
Publisher: Duke University Press Publication: May 19, 1998
Imprint: Duke University Press Books Language: English
Author: James Kincaid
ISBN: 9780822379300
Publisher: Duke University Press
Publication: May 19, 1998
Imprint: Duke University Press Books
Language: English

In Erotic Innocence James R. Kincaid explores contemporary America’s preoccupation with stories about the sexual abuse of children. Claiming that our culture has yet to come to terms with the bungled legacy of Victorian sexuality, Kincaid examines how children and images of youth are idealized, fetishized, and eroticized in everyday culture. Evoking the cyclic elements of Gothic narrative, he thoughtfully and convincingly concludes that the only way to break this cycle is to acknowledge—and confront—not only the sensuality of children but the eroticism loaded onto them.
Drawing on a number of wide-ranging and well-publicized cases as well as scandals involving such celebrities as Michael Jackson and Woody Allen, Kincaid looks at issues surrounding children’s testimonies, accusations against priests and day-care centers, and the horrifying yet persistently intriguing rumors of satanic cults and “kiddie porn” rings. In analyzing the particular form of popularity shared by such child stars such Shirley Temple and Macaulay Culkin, he exposes the strategies we have devised to deny our own role in the sexualization of children. Finally, Kincaid reminds us how other forms of abuse inflicted on children—neglect, abandonment, inadequate nutrition, poor education—are often overlooked in favor of the sensationalized sexual abuse coverage in the news, on daytime TV talk shows, and in the elevators and cafeterias of America each day.
This bold and critically enlightened book will interest readers across a wide range of disciplines as well as a larger general audience interested in American culture.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In Erotic Innocence James R. Kincaid explores contemporary America’s preoccupation with stories about the sexual abuse of children. Claiming that our culture has yet to come to terms with the bungled legacy of Victorian sexuality, Kincaid examines how children and images of youth are idealized, fetishized, and eroticized in everyday culture. Evoking the cyclic elements of Gothic narrative, he thoughtfully and convincingly concludes that the only way to break this cycle is to acknowledge—and confront—not only the sensuality of children but the eroticism loaded onto them.
Drawing on a number of wide-ranging and well-publicized cases as well as scandals involving such celebrities as Michael Jackson and Woody Allen, Kincaid looks at issues surrounding children’s testimonies, accusations against priests and day-care centers, and the horrifying yet persistently intriguing rumors of satanic cults and “kiddie porn” rings. In analyzing the particular form of popularity shared by such child stars such Shirley Temple and Macaulay Culkin, he exposes the strategies we have devised to deny our own role in the sexualization of children. Finally, Kincaid reminds us how other forms of abuse inflicted on children—neglect, abandonment, inadequate nutrition, poor education—are often overlooked in favor of the sensationalized sexual abuse coverage in the news, on daytime TV talk shows, and in the elevators and cafeterias of America each day.
This bold and critically enlightened book will interest readers across a wide range of disciplines as well as a larger general audience interested in American culture.

More books from Duke University Press

Cover of the book Panic Diaries by James Kincaid
Cover of the book Queen for a Day by James Kincaid
Cover of the book The Pacific Northwest Coast by James Kincaid
Cover of the book Re/presenting Class by James Kincaid
Cover of the book Liberalization's Children by James Kincaid
Cover of the book Un/common Cultures by James Kincaid
Cover of the book Affirmative Reaction by James Kincaid
Cover of the book Popular Movements and State Formation in Revolutionary Mexico by James Kincaid
Cover of the book The Politics of Survival by James Kincaid
Cover of the book Subject Without Nation by James Kincaid
Cover of the book The Cult of Pharmacology by James Kincaid
Cover of the book Lift High the Cross by James Kincaid
Cover of the book Steeped in Heritage by James Kincaid
Cover of the book Ecologics by James Kincaid
Cover of the book Black Nationalism in the New World by James Kincaid
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy