Believe it or not, fifteen year olds can be influenced and manipulated to the point where they ARE victims. It’s just how we are when we’re young. We can see this nice guy and truly like him, but we aren’t experienced enough to know he’s too old and is manipulating us.
When we say “too old,” it isn’t necessarily in the physical sense. I’m talking about mentally. What kind of adult in their right mind would want any relationship with a young girl? Mentally, there is a HUGE GAP: one is worrying about their history final. The other is paying bills and filing taxes. One is living with their parents and is still subjected to their punishments. The other is living under their own roof and their own rules. This kind of relationship only makes sense if it’s sexual.
That being said, having a crush on someone older, like a teacher for example, is normal; I’ve had a few myself. But a lot of what’s wrong in it has to do with the “power” aspect in a teacher/student relationship. It’s innapropriate because a teacher and a student are not equals; one has a substantial amount of power over the other. The same goes in this situation.
There are boundaries, and if Mike L. did what he’s being accused of he KNEW that. People like that only take advantage of those they know they can take advantage of. That’s just how it is.
Also, this case has nothing to do with gender. Don’t make it one.
(Source: mockingales)
