• FuglyDuck@lemmy.world
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    2 hours ago

    I largely agree that it’s not the age that’s the problem.

    The thing is that the age is a useful proxy for all sorts of things that might lead to such power imbalances.

    Including:

    • emotional/mental maturity
    • life experiences to avoid such imbalanced
    • financial stability and well being

    It isn’t absolute, and context matters, but it is a useful proxy.

    • fizzle@quokk.au
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      1 hour ago

      Forgive me but, describing age as “a useful proxy” just sounds like shitty behavior to me. I’m not trying to say you’re a shitty person, just that your comment seems to be sane-washing prejudism.

      FWIW I agree. A 50 year old guy “dating” a 25 year old woman has an increased likelihood that a power imbalance exists. However, it’s still profiling and prejudiced and a generalisation.

      For example, domestic violence may be more prevalent among indigenous communities, but suggesting that indigenous status is “a useful proxy” for a determination that domestic violence is more likely is obviously inappropriate.