(11-07-2014, 09:56 PM)crowmeleon Wrote: I will repeat however that even if someone lies about their age, you are still legally culpable for whatever transpires between you. Same goes for if you sleep with someone telling you they're of age but are not.ÂOh god that first paragraph made me remember the Rob Feinstein ep of TCAP ("lol I'll pretend you said 18")
Secondly, I didn't really expect so many cases of actual minors involved in ERP... But I would warn that even if you do not participate but are made aware of the 'abuse' occurring, you are now legally implicated in the crime taking place in many places (In the same way a teacher who doesn't speak up when they find out a child is being abused is legally obligated to speak up). Now obviously reporting your friends to the authorities isn't practical, as I doubt anyone would do it- But if this kind of situation comes to light I do think you are obligated to let all parties involved know that what they are engaging in is illegal, and the risks that poses to EVERYONE involved, yourself included.Â
At the end of the day though it's true, the people who do this will likely do it regardless of the objections of the community. Which is sad, to think that underage characters would have to specify 'no erp' as if anything otherwise is automatically fair game if you don't state it beforehand. So I think the only thing that can be done is to encourage people to forego etiquette and straight up tell these people to 'fuck off'- At ANY point in the rp, and to just retcon/blist that person. And to look out for minors in our community and make sure they are aware of the laws regarding ERP, as well as any adults who may be approaching them in that manner.Â
My personal feelings aside I can't force anyone to do anything.Â
So really all I can do is implore anyone participating in this roleplay act with utmost prudence in those they approach with the subject matter. Legal or no, it is a subject many people are extremely uncomfortable with, whether they are personally involved or just witness it from afar. Other weighty subjects have been brought up (Torture, murder, rape) and I think those things fall under content you should first discuss with rp partners beforehand- So sexual or even just romantic interactions involving underage characters should be handled the same way. ASK beforehand. If someone is going to reject or judge you when you ask honestly, they would have done the same when you brought it up IC.Â
No matter how you feel about the matter, knowing many people take offense at the subject and bluntly throwing it upon every underage character regardless is rude and inconsiderate.
Best way to avoid this situation is OOC communication as you said! Also, don't schtoink anyone who seems remotely like a minor.
Adult lalas don't look like minors.
