Clergy Sexual Abuse, Is it Universal?

Universal phenomenon?
I tend to think that with the advance of the national and worldwide mass communication information is more broadly disseminated throughout our nation and the world therefore making us more aware of what is going on around us. In times past the only means of mass communication were through print media or radio which only reached a small segment of our society. With the advent of television and satellite communication and news agencies like CNN or MSNBC have opened the door to instantaneous video communication of world events as they are happening. Coupling that with the World Wide Web and information gathering and disseminating sites such as Google we now have the opportunity of searching and obtaining information on any subject we can imagine. The propensity for news media to sensationalize the news has made us super aware of current events whether good or bad. For example the real-time broadcasting of the events that happened on 9/11 coupled with America is response to these attacks to the real-time broadcasting of the bombing of Baghdad of the so-called shock and awe. Not only did these events make us acutely aware of what was going on worldwide but also had the effect of needlessly instilling fear in the hearts of many people.

I think I would debate whether clergy sexual abuse of children would be considered a universal phenomenon given the effects of the news media’s sensationalistic approach to this tragic turn of events. Not only has it made us acutely aware of the problem that the Catholic Church has to deal with and their propensity to whitewash the situation but has also instilled the anger of the populace. Bringing to light such actions may be good and also bad. Good in that we now know what is happening and bad because it may cause us to be vindictive seeking retribution rather than being constructive and demanding that those responsible be removed and dealt with as the laws allow. I believe that the pressures exerted upon us in today’s society are the root of many of our problems. Many people cannot handle the stresses of today's society and tend to crack under the pressure seeking sometimes destructors alternative outlets such as child abuse. And I think we need to take a closer look at dysfunctional families and relationships as a means of screening out undesirables. I also believe that our educational system has put up too many barriers concerning sexual education and moral up bringing. We can do that while still keeping the separation of church and state out of our educational system and still instill proper values in our children. But that's another debate I think will keep for another time.