The increasing number of crimes committed by sexual predators represents no small problem for our country. However, the problem is even deeper than newspaper headlines would suggest, and one element of the problem is being ignored or even denied. 

First, let me say unequivocally that any adult male who has sexual relations with a minor child (male or female) should be held accountable legally, socially, and morally even if the relationship was consensual. Furthermore, any attempt to lower the legal age of consent for sexual activity must be opposed with all vigor. Adult males must assume full responsibility for the protection of children. There must be no exceptions! For any man to take advantage of a youngster for his own selfish purposes is the height of irresponsibility. Punishment for such an offense must be swift and severe. 

However, there is another part of the story regarding sexual predators that is not being discussed: the large numbers of young girls today that are themselves sexual predators!

This MTV generation has lost its innocence and virtue, and girls seem to be the ones leading the way. Furthermore, the days are gone when we could depend on mothers and fathers to jealously guard the purity of their own daughters. Today, it seems fashionable for girls to dress and behave like prostitutes. The more flesh that is exposed, the more everyone (including the girl's parents) seems to like it. Whereas girls were once the prey, they are now the predators. The damning influence of pop culture icons such as Brittany Spears and Madonna has created an entire generation of girl predators.

This reshaping of American womanhood has created both a huge double standard, and to an even greater extent, a massive societal confusion regarding what is and what is not proper. For example, is it proper for a 15-year-old girl (who is built like a 20-year-old) to show her endowment at will without expecting a natural reaction from the object of her entrapment?  Are boys the only ones who must exercise self-restraint? Do the standards of decent behavior apply only to the male gender? Does a loose, immoral teenage girl bear any responsibility for her conduct and dress? Do the parents of this teenage Delilah bear any responsibility for her sluttish behavior and attire?

Girls (and their parents) across the country seem to be playing a very dangerous game of cat-and-mouse both with America's boys and with America's values. On one hand, they want to be respected and protected by society's laws and norms. On the other hand, they demand to act and behave in a manner that is diametrically opposed to those same standards. Eventually, one or the other will have to give.

Chuck Baldwin