Dear Fear-Mongering ‘Friend’

Today is a sad day as I’ve discovered that you, ‘my friend’, have accused me of a horrific crime.

I exaggerate not.

What you did tonight has shown me that you are not the friend you appear to be. You reported a video I uploaded of my son to Facebook as containing nudity or pornography thereby accusing me of sharing child pornography of my own child. It was shared with friends only, and apparently you’re one of them.

I am more than a little sad about this.

But rather than get angry because, really, anger solves nothing as it is merely a cover for fear, I need to respond here.

Do you understand that your accusation perpetuates the fear that pedophiles are lurking around every corner? Do you understand that by accusing me of this crime you have done so blindly?

It didn’t take you long to report that video did it?

The video was up less than two minutes and you had already done the deed. I’m not really sure what’s wrong with you but my suspicion is you act without considering how it might affect people around you.

Do you understand the gravity of your accusation?

I feel sick about this because I cannot defend myself against you for you have chosen to remain anonymous. And now, Facebook will have the last say, won’t they?

My only hope is that they see what I do, a sweet and entirely innocent video of my son dancing around in his glory, his beautiful naked bum shown occasionally as he does his #nakedbabydance before his bath. It’s hardly pornographic rather it’s a celebration of his joy and his charming character.

While it’s true that exposure to media influences us, and perhaps brings out the worst in people, the truth is, that ‘badness’ was already there in the first place. And if anything, social media and the internet make it easier to catch the bastards.

There have always been pedophiles and there always will be pedophiles. I am not one of them.

I myself was the victim of sexual abuse and am the last person to exploit any child, especially my own.

But if you really knew me you would know this.

You have just proven that your lack of self-examination results in you being ruled by your fear. And for that I feel sad that you are stuck in your small mind.

Will we ever be able to live in a world where a photo or video of a cute baby bum is not looked at as an attempt to exploit our children but rather seen as an adorable moment captured in time?

What is the difference between this video and ones I took of him at swimming class? Or how about those newborn photos of babies in their birthday suits or god forbid, those terrible diaper commercials! Oh the shame!

I want to live in a world where we celebrate our children, where we share our joy with those we love.

And if that means sharing a special moment like this video clearly shows, then I will.

You are supposed to be my friend demonstrated by the fact that you are on my ‘Friends’ list on Facebook. So perhaps before labelling me a child pornographer you should have given it a think first. That would have been appropriate behaviour for a friend.

If you were in the room you would understand. But, by labelling me as someone who shared child pornography the way you did, you were the one who stole his innocence not me. And what’s even worse is that I can no longer watch that video with the innocent eyes I once did.

So to be blunt, screw you, my very small-minded and so-called Facebook friend. I don’t mind if you unfriend me, in fact, please do. I don’t need you.

That’s all I have to say. Except this.

Thank you.

Thank you for reminding me that refusing to live in fear is simply a better way to live.

And thank you for reminding me that showing off my child in all his glory is a sweet and loving thing to do. And thank you for reminding me to choose my friends wisely.

Lee-Anne Ekland
Proud Mom and avid photo and video taker of her adorable and well-loved 3-year-old child.

Here is my Instagram profile link that contains the video I’m talking about. And sorry but you’ll have to view it sideways. The video I uploaded to Facebook has been reported for nudity/pornography so I don’t know if you’ll be able to view it.