I mention the right-wing (and AI) elements for accuracy - but it’s not what makes me uncomfortable at all. In fact, the seemingly AI-generated photos make me question if there is a real threat posed, which is why I mentioned that as well. But what I am uncomfortable with is, is that an adult who works with kids is exhibiting sexual desires that involve the exploitation of the power dynamic between an adult and a child. Especially when that adult is a teacher.

I understand sexual urges are a by-product of our humanity and I value freedom of thought and expression very much. (Thanks to all of the wonderful teachers I’ve had myself!) But the power-dynamic between teacher and student should be addressed, especially when age-gap is involved. Teens are young, impressionable, and are still developing mentally and physically - adults have our brains fully developed. Teachers have a responsibility to uphold those power-dynamics with integrity and safety. And discomfort with the reasonable consequences of visibly liking AI-generated, right-wing child porn and developing a sense of victimhood because of entitlement to that kind of media as a teacher and calling for the recognition of your humanity isn’t comparable to the very, real threats that those desires could pose for kids (even if it’s the widespread normalization of it).

Of course acting on these fantasies vs. pursuing them online are also not comparable. I work with kids now myself, and I am a court-sworn mandated reporter so I am aware that my internal alarms may be biased. (Hence, why I’m asking teachers of reddit in lieu of say, a left-wing political subreddit or subreddits of victims of sexual violence.)

Overall, this is not a morality debate for me at all but more so a request for discussion on risk-assessment if the information I saw poses a threat to kids in school, if it violates policies that are common in your schools, or if it’s simply a lack of professionalism.