https://fstube.net/videos/watch/c01009ab-5dce-4aa7-92dd-867a60ece615 Interviewer: Ms. Svetlana Mintcheva (Program Consultant, National Coalition Against Censorship) Recording November 2022 Hosted by NPO Uguisu Ribbon This video features an author talk by journalist Judith Levine, author of the book Harmful to Minors: The Perils of Protecting Children from Sex. The discussion, moderated by Svetlana Mintcheva of the National Coalition Against Censorship, focuses on the history of censorship, the construction of moral panics around children's sexuality, and the contemporary political weaponization of these issues. -Key Highlights- The Myth of Child Innocence: Levine argues that society often protects a "Capital C" concept of an innocent, white, bourgeois child, which ignores the actual realities of diverse children and weaponizes ignorance as a form of control (6:52-8:45). The 1980s/90s Moral Panic: The speaker outlines how economic and social anxieties in the 1980s coalesced into a "sex panic." This included the fabricated epidemic of Satanic Ritual Abuse (9:52-19:30), the demonization of specific groups, and the eventual creation of a vast, punitive system for sex offenders that often violates human rights (26:27-30:00). The Modern Resurgence: Levine explains how these tropes have been revived in contemporary American politics. Terms like "groomer" and "predator" are now used to target LGBTQ+ individuals, educators, and political opponents, particularly through book bans and legislation restricting discussions of race and gender in schools (30:32-35:25, 40:46-49:24). The Role of Art: Levine emphasizes that exposure to "dangerous" art is vital for young people. It allows them to explore complex, difficult, and transformative ideas in a safe environment, helping them develop independent thought and personal identity (50:10-54:06). -Conclusion- Levine concludes that instead of focusing on "protecting" children from sexuality—which often results in harm—society should prioritize addressing the genuine perils children face, such as poverty, systemic racism, and climate change. She advocates for comprehensive education and support that empowers children to understand their bodies and relationships safely (37:37-38:30, 58:20-1:01:55). Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:03:21 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://fstube.net https://fstube.net/lazy-static/avatars/96e8fff6-e139-48bc-8392-ffb52b9cfe9a.png https://fstube.net/videos/watch/c01009ab-5dce-4aa7-92dd-867a60ece615 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://fstube.net/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.