Overview

Relationships between adults and minors—man/boy—in particular have been controversial in American history since the creation of the nation, which was founded on Puritan Christian social codes and beliefs. In addition to social codes, State and Federal laws now exist prohibiting such sexual relationships. Yet, an association now exists, NAMBLA (North American Boy Love Association,) which follows an ideology that is founded on the concept of healthy sexual relations between older men and boys.

In recent decades it seems as though this pederastic counter culture has become a popular subject of mainstream media attention, perhaps provoking an appeal for the socially deviant institution. The question remains; however, are media representations mirrored reflections of contemporary society? Or are media representations of society dictating and manipulating contemporary society itself?

Ancient Greek culture (among others) had an accepted role for such man-boy relationship but also allowed for heterosexual relations later in life. This mutually consenting relationship typically existed between an erastes (an older man of 20-30 years of age) and his eremonos (teenage boy of about 12-18.) Still in Ancient Greek culture, laws and social codes regulated this type of relationship. Man boy interaction was seen as an important tool for an aristocratic boy’s education. Literature, art, philosophy, and law were all major aspects of life in the ancient world; each of which showed outright expressions and acceptance of love between males and young boys.