There is so much wrong with this story, I don't even know where to start... Gentle Path linked to a story about an "investigative report" in which a reporter burst into a closed Sexaholics Anonymous (SA) meeting, cameras rolling, to attempt to interview group members. The only version of the report publicly available is one remixed with editorial comments and embedded below.
I understand, very well, the fear and misunderstanding that surrounds addiction, and sex addiction in particular (why do you think I blog under a pseudonym?), but this kind of sensationalist coverage of recovery meetings is the worst way I can think of to address those fears and concerns. It would be like busting into a closed AA meeting to try to talk about drunk driving. After all, there really are (insert ominous drum roll) cars outside those meetings and (insert slow motion negative image) some folks convicted of drunk driving inside them, some of whom (insert scary music) slip in their recovery and show up drunk. Yep, folks. It's true.
As my husband and I always say, it's fine to worry about the sex addicts in the meetings. They're addicts. They've screwed up and done hurtful things to themselves and others. Sometimes (but not always) they've done illegal things, and in some small minority of those cases the things they did posed a danger to others. Their behavior is compulsive, and there's no cure, so they may well act out again. Of course, it's wise and healthy to maintain one's safety by exercising good boundaries. It's wise to ask questions and learn (although certainly not by busting into a 12 Step meeting and outing everyone). But if viewers really wanted something scary to worry about, they'd worry about the folks who aren't in those meetings and who aren't in recovery. Because active addiction, with no glimmer of recovery, is what's really scary.
This post was originally published at The Second Road.
ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME??????????????????????
I read the story link and was relieved to see that the author was outraged over the lack of ethics displayed by the "investigative reporter". He went on to explain her "investigative" techniques. Apparently, she sat in a parked car outside those meetings for a few months before bursting in on a group of men (she said men, no reference to women in group) who were taking brave steps towards recovery from an illness that faces horrible stigma from society. She was stalking them, spying on them, and then emotionally assaulted them by barging into their closed anonymous meeting - a safe space - with cameras to demand answers to ridiculous, prejudicial, unfounded questions.
I am SO sad for these guys. Where are they meeting now? Are they meeting now? have they been so spooked that they'll never be able to attend a meeting again? Has their self-esteem been crushed by this expose on "perverts" "near" "our" teenagers? For fuck's sake. I did like your analogy about cameras barging into an AA meeting demanding answers about drunk driving. Spot on.
This is not a story I will be sharing with Bowser. However, I will be writing to Channel 12 demanding Tara's resignation.
This is absolutely outrageous! As a former journalist, as a survivor of a sex addicts' lewd use of my body for his own pleasure, as a member of a 12-step group for my own sex addiction I am absolutely OUTRAGED by this report. I'm not only angry with the reporter and videographer, but with the station management who aired this report.
I encourage everyone who is so inclined to join me in writing to this news station and expressing strong objection to this kind of alleged reporting.
News 12 Long Island
1 Media Crossways
Woodbury, NY 11797
news12li@news12.com