posted
Bach_Girl from what I know, a pedophile is defined as an adult who has a sexual attraction for children. They don't have to act upon it, just have the attraction.
-------------------- The less you know, the more you believe. -Bono Posts: 457 | From: Philadelphia, PA | Registered: Jun 2006
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quote:Originally posted by unklesam's under the boardwalk: Bach_Girl from what I know, a pedophile is defined as an adult who has a sexual attraction for children. They don't have to act upon it, just have the attraction.
...which of course means a background check is of only limited value. But is a psychology degree really expected? How much checking really goes into seasonal workers who, I'm guessing, aren't paid much (if one is to believe TV and movies--I've never worked as a mall santa, or any other kind of santa--so I have no idea what they make).
-------------------- They call them fingers, but I never see them fing.
Oh, there they go. Posts: 13 | From: Toronto, Canada | Registered: Nov 2006
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quote:Originally posted by freshacconci: [QUOTE]Originally posted by unklesam's under the boardwalk: [qb] But is a psychology degree really expected?
It would not be required, but it might be a plus for some companies depending on what the job might entail.
-------------------- W.W.F.S.M.D? But this image of Bush as some sort of Snidely Whiplash tying the fair maiden to the railroad tracks is beyond the pale. - Joe Bentley Posts: 2311 | From: Minnnesota | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
Even if a psych degree is required or preferred, that has nothing to do with whether or not the holder of such a degree is a pedophile. I can not think of any reason why the two would be mutually exclusive.
-------------------- "Accompanied by the ghosts of dolphins, the ghost of a ship sailed on..." Terry Pratchett Posts: 660 | From: Gainesville, FL | Registered: Dec 2005
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quote:Originally posted by geminilee: Even if a psych degree is required or preferred, that has nothing to do with whether or not the holder of such a degree is a pedophile. I can not think of any reason why the two would be mutually exclusive.
It wasn't implied, Lady Lockout said:
quote: A friend of mine from long ago (I know, I know, anectdote <> data!) said his father was a mall santa during the christmas season. He was also a child psychologist. According to said friend, all applications for mall santa are put through thorough background checks, and some psychology degree is preffered. But that's all I know.
She never said that psychology degrees were preferred. I guessed as to the why, but no link was implied or suggested.
-------------------- W.W.F.S.M.D? But this image of Bush as some sort of Snidely Whiplash tying the fair maiden to the railroad tracks is beyond the pale. - Joe Bentley Posts: 2311 | From: Minnnesota | Registered: Mar 2004
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quote:Originally posted by geminilee: Even if a psych degree is required or preferred, that has nothing to do with whether or not the holder of such a degree is a pedophile. I can not think of any reason why the two would be mutually exclusive.
It wasn't implied, Lady Lockout said:
quote: A friend of mine from long ago (I know, I know, anectdote <> data!) said his father was a mall santa during the christmas season. He was also a child psychologist. According to said friend, all applications for mall santa are put through thorough background checks, and some psychology degree is preffered. But that's all I know.
She never said that psychology degrees were preferred. I guessed as to the why, but no link was implied or suggested.
What? Did you read the quote you posted? It says straight out that "some psychology degree is preferred." That does not directly state the reason, but as it was mentioned in conjunction with background checks in a thread about mall Santas being pedophiles, it does seem to imply that a psychology degree would render a person less likely to be a pedophile.
-------------------- "Accompanied by the ghosts of dolphins, the ghost of a ship sailed on..." Terry Pratchett Posts: 660 | From: Gainesville, FL | Registered: Dec 2005
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quote:Originally posted by geminilee: Even if a psych degree is required or preferred, that has nothing to do with whether or not the holder of such a degree is a pedophile. I can not think of any reason why the two would be mutually exclusive.
It wasn't implied, Lady Lockout said:
quote: A friend of mine from long ago (I know, I know, anectdote <> data!) said his father was a mall santa during the christmas season. He was also a child psychologist. According to said friend, all applications for mall santa are put through thorough background checks, and some psychology degree is preffered. But that's all I know.
She never said that psychology degrees were preferred. I guessed as to the why, but no link was implied or suggested.
What? Did you read the quote you posted? It says straight out that "some psychology degree is preferred." That does not directly state the reason, but as it was mentioned in conjunction with background checks in a thread about mall Santas being pedophiles, it does seem to imply that a psychology degree would render a person less likely to be a pedophile.
I read it, I responded with a supposition on why they would ask for it. I assumed it was just an afterthought on mall Santa requirements, not that it had anything to do with pedophilia. It was not even a general requirement about the job elsewhere. We can agree that having a background check reduces the likelihood of hiring a pedophile.
The thread also refers to preference of having their own beard, but nobody's really suggesting that we link pedophiles with people who have naturally Santa like beards.
The only thing that we should be concerned with is if there is an increased risk that mall santas are pedophiles. I think we can say that any job that involves kids are going to draw pedophiles, but the employers of these jobs (and most other jobs where your around kids) are increasingly aware of this and actually perform background checks to confirm their status and they interview them too. Sure, you could get a serial killer that nobody has found, or even a pedophile, but there are resonble efforts that they go through that screens these guys out.
-------------------- W.W.F.S.M.D? But this image of Bush as some sort of Snidely Whiplash tying the fair maiden to the railroad tracks is beyond the pale. - Joe Bentley Posts: 2311 | From: Minnnesota | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
Many years ago, in my mis-spent youth, I worked taking pictures at the mall of kids with Santa and the Easter bunny. I can tell you that our Santas did not have psychology degrees (one was the manager's 20 year old mechanic boyfriend) and the Easter bunny was usually one of us girls. We did have to make sure that both of Santa's hands were visible in the picture (company rule) and Santa had to wear his white gloves at all times (they show up better in the pictures). As far as I know we didn't employ any pedophiles, but who really knows? I know I learned a lot more about "parent psychology" than "child psychology" from those experiences.
-------------------- Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of -- but do it in private, and wash your hands afterwards.
- Lazarus Long Posts: 300 | From: Waldorf, MD | Registered: Jan 2006
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posted
My cousin is a retired trucker who never got a degree in anything. He makes quite a lovely Santa; the only problem is that his beard gives him a form of diaper rash (he grows his own so the kids can tug on it and see he's real).
-------------------- If the world were logical, men would ride sidesaddle. -Mama
I won't ask "Am I weird?" because that ship sailed long ago. -Kahuna Burger Posts: 394 | From: Memphis, TN | Registered: Jan 2006
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posted
The two malls I shop at during the Xmas season also have a "Mrs. Claus" who works very closely with Santa (at one of the malls, she and Santa share a sofa with the kids.) Until reading this thread, I hadn't thought it was to reassure parents about the man behind the beard, but that may be the reason.
Posts: 31 | From: Pennsylvania | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
It's not even universal for security guards to undergo background checks, so I can't imagine it's universal for mall Santas.
-------------------- Officially Heartless Posts: 3065 | From: The Montgomery County of the West Coast- Berkeley, CA | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Ho, ho, ho, little boy, have I got a surprise for you!
(Five points)
-------------------- “Just because your voice reaches halfway around the world doesn't mean you are wiser than when it reached only to the end of the bar.” -- Edward R. Murrow
quote:Originally posted by Cactus Wren: Ho, ho, ho, little boy, have I got a surprise for you!
(Five points)
Are You Being Served? Season 4. “The Father Christmas Affair” (First shown 24 December 1976).
Spoken by the malfunctioning mechanical Santa.
-------------------- I'd rather be with you people than the finest people in the world! Posts: 1010 | From: North Tyneside, UK | Registered: Jun 2001
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quote:Originally posted by unklesam's under the boardwalk: Bach_Girl from what I know, a pedophile is defined as an adult who has a sexual attraction for children. They don't have to act upon it, just have the attraction.
How would anyone know? Unless someone has had a conviction, I don't think they would disclose it voluntarily.
I can see someone writing down on their Santa job application form. "I've got paedophile tendencies, but I've never acted on them before"
-------------------- On my old guitar sell tickets, so someone can finally pick it. Posts: 799 | From: Dublin, Ireland | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
Five points and a candy cane for VeebleFetzer!
-------------------- “Just because your voice reaches halfway around the world doesn't mean you are wiser than when it reached only to the end of the bar.” -- Edward R. Murrow
posted
I didn't read all the post, and I have no idea how the minds of pedophiles (especially after seeing how stupid they can be time after time on 'nightline', or whatever that show is).
but would a child sitting on their lap in front of a TON of other people (including the parents) really do anything? (and yes I DO understand exibitionism, but would that really count)?
anywho, using something that applies to me, having an attractive female sit on my wife (ETA: LAP! it's supposed to be lap!!! lol, whats wrong with me?) isn't enough to get me 'excited' especially if we're in a packed mall (unless there is more than just 'sitting' going on, which would seem a little hard for others not to notice).
Just my opinion...
Posts: 34 | From: Colorado | Registered: May 2004
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quote:Originally posted by defrostmode: I didn't read all the post, and I have no idea how the minds of pedophiles (especially after seeing how stupid they can be time after time on 'nightline', or whatever that show is).
but would a child sitting on their lap in front of a TON of other people (including the parents) really do anything? (and yes I DO understand exibitionism, but would that really count)?
anywho, using something that applies to me, having an attractive female sit on my wife isn't enough to get me 'excited' especially if we're in a packed mall (unless there is more than just 'sitting' going on, which would seem a little hard for others not to notice).
Just my opinion...
Wouldn't a better example be for an attractive female to sit on your own lap, rather than your wife's? And also for it to be comparable imagine that it's illegal for you to be attracted to attractive women, and so you don't get an opportunity for one to be so near you often.
Ick, I just creeped myself out.
-------------------- Me: "He's 19? Uh oh, I bought him a beer." A: "You contributed to the deliquency of a minor in drag!" "Sweet spell check: keeping drunks off the radar since 1995."- IND GodRe-AnimateGreenPorkBush Posts: 3986 | From: Illinois, jealous? | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
I happen to think that this whole legend is kinda ridiculous. Yes, I'm sure there have been pedophilic Santas, but is it rational to assume that any significant percentage of Santas are pedophiles? This smacks of the "why else would a man want to work so close to children"? suspicion that some parents have of male elementary school teachers.
-------------------- "For me, religion is like a rhinoceros: I don't have one, and I'd really prefer not to be trampled by yours. But it is impressive, and even beautiful, and, to be honest, the world would be slightly worse off if there weren't any." -Silas Sparkhammer Posts: 3239 | From: Ontario, Canada | Registered: Sep 2003
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That was supposed to be on my LAP.... not on my wife! *ahem* well that wasn't embarrassing at all...
Well anyways. what I'm trying to say is that I would think they would find a more private way than a packed store to have a child do something that would turn them on (and from the news and everything it would seem they are able to way to often). and I don't think it would turn me on any more or less if it was illegal for me to be attracted to females... and I could still find ways to get my 'holly jollies' in a more private setting with something thats more of a turn on.
Posts: 34 | From: Colorado | Registered: May 2004
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posted
MapleLeaf, I don't think anyone is suggesting that a significant percentage of Santas are pedophiles. What is being discussed is whether is significant percentage of pedophiles would think being mall Santa was a great idea. That is not the same thing. Sort of a flowers and roses distinction.
Defrostmode, I think one attractive woman sitting on your lap is not a perfect analogy; how would you feel about a line of attractive women waiting to sit on your lap?
-------------------- "Accompanied by the ghosts of dolphins, the ghost of a ship sailed on..." Terry Pratchett Posts: 660 | From: Gainesville, FL | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
I find it hard to believe that a pedophile would seek to have children in their lap, in a crowded mall, with a bunch of people standing around watching and taking pictures.
-------------------- "My Very Educated Mother Just Said Uh-oh! No...Pluto..."~ Steven Colbert Posts: 3256 | From: Somewhere in Ohio | Registered: Apr 2004
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and geminilee, a 'line' of attractive woman lined up outside my bedroom to do things other than 'sit'... without anyone else there sounds like a turn-on... not a line of attractive woman in line to sit on my lap in a packed mall with their family and a TON of other people standing there watching... doesn't sound like a turnon at all (at most an ego-boost!).
Posts: 34 | From: Colorado | Registered: May 2004
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quote:Originally posted by geminilee: MapleLeaf, I don't think anyone is suggesting that a significant percentage of Santas are pedophiles.
I would agree with you gem if the thread were entitled pedophiles=santas, but my interpret the thread is exactly what maple leaf was saying, that a great deal of mall santas are pedophiles. Heck, even snopes comment says:
quote: I just heard this urban legend thats been going around here. It goes that those Mall/Store/ect Santas are most likly pedophiles wanting pleasure
Its a bit ridiculous since most pedophiles probably are not going to be so public in an area with a lot of adults where the risk of getting caught is way too great.
-------------------- W.W.F.S.M.D? But this image of Bush as some sort of Snidely Whiplash tying the fair maiden to the railroad tracks is beyond the pale. - Joe Bentley Posts: 2311 | From: Minnnesota | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
thanks diddy, I'm glad some people can say what I'm trying to say (only in an intelligent fashion)!
Posts: 34 | From: Colorado | Registered: May 2004
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quote: I just heard this urban legend thats been going around here. It goes that those Mall/Store/ect Santas are most likly pedophiles wanting pleasure
Its a bit ridiculous since most pedophiles probably are not going to be so public in an area with a lot of adults where the risk of getting caught is way too great. [/QB]
Most Pedophiles aren't going to do any sexual acts with children:
Three types of pedophiles: -Those that get aroused just by talking to children (Which would seem to fit as a Santa Clause.) -Those that get aroused by talking about sex/ sexual topics with children (There was an incident here last summer of a man on the beach going around offering parents that he'd talk to their children about sex eductation, he wouldn't have assaulted the children.) -Those that would try do sexual things with children.
Posts: 201 | From: Toronto, ON | Registered: Jun 2006
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posted
I'm sort of agreeing with DaGyyWitBluGlasses. Whereas it is improbable that a store Santa would actually be able to molest a child in such a public setting, I think it's entirely probable that a paedophile could obtain some sort of pleasure from such close proximity to them. Then he could add the experiences to his 'w*nk-bank.'
-------------------- "Ladies and gentlemen, this is what is commonly known as money. It comes in all sizes, colours, and denominations - like people." Posts: 997 | From: Maidstone, UK | Registered: Jun 2006
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posted
Actually there is a fourth type, those who get off on images of nude children, from the innocent child nudist to the sexually explicit.
And just to explode a stereotype, pedophilia is a non-sexist affliction, it could be men or women having an attraction to boys or girls.
Posts: 70 | From: Chicago, IL | Registered: Jul 2006
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quote: I just heard this urban legend thats been going around here. It goes that those Mall/Store/ect Santas are most likly pedophiles wanting pleasure
Its a bit ridiculous since most pedophiles probably are not going to be so public in an area with a lot of adults where the risk of getting caught is way too great.
Most Pedophiles aren't going to do any sexual acts with children:
Three types of pedophiles: -Those that get aroused just by talking to children (Which would seem to fit as a Santa Clause.) -Those that get aroused by talking about sex/ sexual topics with children (There was an incident here last summer of a man on the beach going around offering parents that he'd talk to their children about sex eductation, he wouldn't have assaulted the children.) -Those that would try do sexual things with children. [/QB]
Number one, I would give you. But if they could be turned on just by talking to kids, doing it in an environment with the mother watching you isn't going to lend to much erotic talking... (that covers number two and would be considered a 'sexual act'
Number three is an actual sexual act as well, again, that ain't happening in a public mall. Too many people around. Just not romantic enough for your pedophilic Santa Clause (not that I am familiar with them).
Look, pedophiles are going to look for ways to interact with children. Mall Santas do interact with many children a day so yes, a few out there may be. But really, these Santas only interact with kids for a minute of two at most and do it in front of lot of people. Plus its in a hot mall where the guys already overweight, has a sore leg, a heavy beard, plus a thick furry suit, and dealing with kids who aren't always in a good mood. My guess is that 'getting off' inst on the top of their list.
EDIT:
quote:Actually there is a fourth type, those who get off on images of nude children, from the innocent child nudist to the sexually explicit.
Doesnt really apply to a mall Santa, he would already possess such images already and would really have a hard time getting more from the kids he interacts with on the job.
-------------------- W.W.F.S.M.D? But this image of Bush as some sort of Snidely Whiplash tying the fair maiden to the railroad tracks is beyond the pale. - Joe Bentley Posts: 2311 | From: Minnnesota | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
I guess it's possible that a pedophile could enjoy being Santa, even if he weren't allowed to actually do anything inappropriate. But the implication of the OP is that the children will be harmed by this. If the pedophile behaves exactly like a non-pedophile Santa, what difference does it make to the children or parents? Mall Santas interact with the children in clear view of a crowd and the parents for a very short period of time per kid, and the visits are photgraphed and given to the parents. The Santa has no way of getting back in touch with the children later. So the kids are safe no matter what is going through Santa's mind. All the malls near me even have an escort that accompanies Santa through the mall on breaks, so he's never alone in the mall in his Santa suit.
Posts: 2115 | From: Texas | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
I think if we scrutinized what is going on in everyone's mind we come into contact with we would notice a lot of things that make us uncomfortable.
I don't care if anyone I speak with out in public is thinking about NFBSKing me as long as they don't talk about it or touch me.
-------------------- "My Very Educated Mother Just Said Uh-oh! No...Pluto..."~ Steven Colbert Posts: 3256 | From: Somewhere in Ohio | Registered: Apr 2004
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quote:Originally posted by Bach_girl: I think if we scrutinized what is going on in everyone's mind we come into contact with we would notice a lot of things that make us uncomfortable.
I don't care if anyone I speak with out in public is thinking about NFBSKing me as long as they don't talk about it or touch me.
I'd probably care if I knew. But the whole not-being-a-telepath thing comes in handy sometimes.
Nonny
-------------------- When there isn't anything else worth analyzing, we examine our collective navel. I found thirty-six cents in change in mine the other day. Let no one say that there is no profit in philosophy. -- Silas Sparkhammer Posts: 10141 | From: Toronto, Ontario | Registered: Apr 2000
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Three types of pedophiles: -Those that get aroused just by talking to children (Which would seem to fit as a Santa Clause.) -Those that get aroused by talking about sex/ sexual topics with children (There was an incident here last summer of a man on the beach going around offering parents that he'd talk to their children about sex eductation, he wouldn't have assaulted the children.) -Those that would try do sexual things with children.
Lord! All the Law & Order: SVU staff must be pedophiles!
Posts: 246 | From: Toronto, ON / Kyiv, Ukraine | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
The other night I was doing some research on a different topic and came across some information from 2002 regarding the vetting of mall Santas. In a nutshell, the larger malls do indeed perform background checks on all prospective Santas, Mrs. Santas, elves, and whatnot. Of those checked by PreEmploy.com (which places Santas for a number of malls) 70 out of 1,000 were found to have criminal records going back as far as the previous seven years. That's 7% of the folks who applied, and those criminal records included indecent exposure, soliciting prostitution and drunken driving.
I've no idea how many were pedophiles, but it's clear from that 70 out of 1,000 figure that any assertion that most mall Santas are pedophiles is wrong.
Barbara "they also screen the Santas and their helpers for drugs" Mikkelson
Posts: 2511 | From: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
I was a mall Santa one year when I was in my early 20's. Most of the other Santa's were fireman doing it as a side gig, we got payed minimum wage so not a lot of cash. As for the job itself it sucked kids are down right terrified of Santa be it a stranger with a scary beard or they thought this guy had control over their Christmas bliss.
-------------------- There is absolutely no evidence that life is meant to be taken serious. Posts: 29 | From: Washington | Registered: Jan 2005
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