Why do adults prey on young people, or to be more general, why do people in power prey on those without?

Question

I'm mostly thinking about the congressional page but it seems like everyone in power is preying on the people below. Why do they do that? Can we stop it without going to an anarchist society to prevent power in the first place?

Men beat their wives, cops beat prisoners, industry pollutes the earth...

Answer 1

It would appear that the problem is one of basic human nature. It appears to be our nature to abuse power pretty much whenever we get our hands on it. However, human beings, as social creatures, organize themselves into societies. The process of organization lends itself to some having power over others. Clearly, institutionalizing checks and balances into a society to prevent abuse of power is a really good idea. On a smaller, more individual level, ultimately all we can do is to think carefully about our actions before we do them, and to act with compassion towards others. Needless to say, this is much easier said than done. But, if a person can cultivate "moments of clarity," perhaps through meditation, one might better be able to consider the consequences of one's actions and the harm that may result to self and others. If enough people behaved this way and consciously chose to act with kindness towards others, a profound change in our culture would occur, and compassion would become a cultural norm.

Answer 2

I think that it depends on the core person. The ones who prey on others weaker that them will always and have always done so. No matter what the power is, it may be they are a supervisor at a job and prey on those under them. The only way to stop it is teach people not to be bullies and use any power they have wisely and gently. Also to not continue allowing cover ups, turning a blind eye or giving just a smack on the hand to those who abuse their power.

Answer 3

Power is a polar exchange system. Like electricity, the greatest potential for exchange occurs between opposites. The greater the difference between two nodes in the exchange, the more powerful and potentially explosive the resulting reaction.

Its very much like lightning in thunderstorms. Sure, it seems we'd be better off without it. But, as in any system of energy transfer, the elements play their part in our ecosystem, to keep things in balance.

Its easy to blame Senators or Presidents or anyone really for showing sexual attraction in any number of innappropriate ways. It goes without saying that they would be in the wrong for abusing their power.

But, like my Grandma always said, it takes two to tango. There's power in attractiveness and youth, and even underage pages know the economics of it well enough to try to take their own advantage.

Answer 4

The simple thing there is "AUTHORITY". The adults have authority over the young people and the people in power have authority over those that are not in power. In other words am trying to say that even if you yourself have the authority you will do the same .Some people do it because they don't have children.

Answer 5

It isn't that these people have power so they use it. It is because they are powerless in their own lives and the only way they can feel good about themselves is to take from those who are not able to stand up for themselves. Deep down these people are cowards and only feel good when they are making others feel bad.

Answer 6

because it is human nature to feel Stronger by pushing others down, seeing them as Weaker.

however, what we SHOULD be doing is just to continue focusing on Ourselves, to strengthen the good qualities we have, and work on the ones we need, and that way instead of using other people to fulfill our need to feel "strong", it will be our own actions, attitudes, and mindset that strengthens ourselves, so that we are not Dependent on others for our "happiness".

i actually think it is the Weakest person who preys on those in lower positions, because it takes strength in Character, Respectability, Accountability, etc, to really take power and not let it corrupt you, to do the right thing, to help others come Up instead of continuously using your authority. good luck to us all....

Answer 7

They are egotistical cowards. They think they will never get caught and they do it for their own selfish reasons. When they get caught they run to rehab or kill themselves. It's all about them and damn the victims. Then they right a book. Again, all about them.

Answer 8

Human nature, my child. The survival of the fittest.

Answer 9

Anarchy would not prevent this, HJ.

All people are equal, but some are more equal than others.