I've always been interested in the more controversial books, with pov of the oppressors. For example reading about nazi Germany from the point of view of a German, or colonizers, or pedophiles, or extremists etc etc. I really enjoy understanding and reading their thoughts directly from the source rather than reading from a more "impartial" or third person explaining how the nazis thought or did what they did. I've noticed though that these books are usually harder to find, so I was wondering how people feel over such books?
For example pedophilia, it's a topic I've never really fully understood. What makes someone a pedophile? What is the difference between me and a pedophile and why are they like that not me? Could it happen to me? I started watching a lot of documentaries and articles and wanted to read books from the pedophiles pov - not their sexualization of a child but how was their upbringing, have they reflected on why they are the way they are, do they justify it or do they see an issue? Articles were probably the 'easiest' to find through interviews but books and documentaries were only from the victims pov, which made me wonder if I am being part of the problem. I do not wish to dismiss the people who have suffered, I firmly believe that victims/survivors have every right to tell their stories and that they are important so that others understand the damages caused, but at the same time I get curious about the other side. Would letting an abuser write their own experiences and potential justifications be harmful towards those who have been abused?
What are your thoughts and opinions on the topic? Should such controversial point of views be restricted, or are they a 'necessary evil'? I understand the risks of reading a book written by a nazi and someone agreeing with it, but I also wonder about where does the freedom of speech/opinion/press cross a line - because although these pov are controversial for good reasons, aren't they also important for the education of said topics?
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