Well, I don't think finding a biological cause for a particular behaviour ever excuses it away... But then, I'm pretty committed to the idea that the mind is what the brain does.

I haven't read it, but there might not be congruence with what the diagnostic manual says and what active researchers in the field believe. Or maybe there isn't consensus on the issue. But I think it's not accurate to say that pedophiles are exclusively attracted to children either way.

I completely agree, but I think the solution is to criticize the religions equally, not to participate in excuse-making for the aspects of Islam we disagree with, no?

To be fair, is it ever possible for a young child to consent to marriage? If not, then is Muhammad's own marriage not forbidden by Islamic law?

Interesting, where did you read that? It makes no sense on the face of it. I have read discussions on whether attraction to children is a sexual orientation unto itself - a researcher from CAMH (in Toronto) who studies the neuroscience of pedophilia has suggested as much. But I don't think that in any way precludes…

Well, I'm not sure how much better that is :/

Out of curiosity, how do you have access to the DSM? Are you a psych student?

Mmmm that's not what good ole Wikipedia says, although I admit that I should probably consult other sources on that. Maybe you should direct me to some if you think I'm wrong?

This is absolutely true, and as a scientist, it is so aggravating to me when I see men try to use fertility as some pseudo-evo psych justification for their inappropriate attractions to young teen girls.

I would say the stories contained within the Christian bible are equally horrible, yes, but I can't imagine what that has to do with anything. Does that in any way mitigate the fact that Muhammad consummated his marriage when his wife was only 9 years old?

Ew, that was one creepy comment. Who suggests that an underage bride is something a man can "earn"?

I suppose I understand your point Re: Jezebel being a site about entertainment. That is fair.

Yes, that makes sense to me. But for me, it's not so much about criticizing Beyoncé, but rather questioning why so much attention is paid to celebrities as feminist heroes in general. Another thing that I want to get across is that I don't feel the need to like or agree with women who self-identify as feminists *just…

Makes sense, I can understand and appreciate that.

I feel like you're reading too much into the original post. I suppose I can see why other people enjoy her music. But from what I've read of her she doesn't seem like a super nice person, and I don't know why so much attention has been paid to her over other awesome feminist writers and activists. I don't get the…

Interesting, so is there any possible way to think Beyoncé is overrated, or dislike her, without being a racist? It seems like you're arguing that there isn't, which is absurd.

Yes, that was exactly my point. I don't understand Jezebel's special fascination with her.

I never said she wasn't a feminist.

Again, I don't doubt that she's a feminist. I just don't think I should feel obligated to love and worship her.

Also, I take serious offence to the accusation that I don't like Beyoncé because I'm racist. That's exactly the kind of nonsense I was talking about. That is an unbelievable thing to say and totally unwarranted.