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Should the acronym AAM be updated?
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2026 6:48 pm
by MAPallmylife66
Let me first say, that before coming on here, I had never heard of the acronym AAM, but since learning of it, and what it means, as well as reading some of the threads and comments by AAM's, it seems to me that the acronym needs to be updated. Adult Attracted Minor, just seems like more of the stigmatization that they're already trying to fight against. MAP, or Minor Attracted Person, at least has the word "Person" in it, indicating that MAP's are people. The word "Minor", does not imply personhood, and if these young people wish, as it seems they do, to be treated as equals to their adult counterparts, then they should be referred to as people, or persons accordingly. I propose that their acronym be changed to AAYP, or "Adult Attracted Young Person", in order to better reflect, that they are in fact people, and deserve to be referred to as such.
Thoughts?
Re: Should the acronym AAM be updated?
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2026 7:46 pm
by PorcelainLark
I don't think it makes much difference. I hate having to change terminology constantly. I feel like it's part of what made tumblr LGBT an inaccessible and alienating clique to most people. I was even begrudging about switching from CSAM to PIM, even though I understood the reason. Language is about usage, if you change the terminology you're trying to get people to invest more effort than necessary imo. Neologisms should be avoided where ever possible.
Re: Should the acronym AAM be updated?
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2026 8:57 pm
by bnkywuv
MAPallmylife66 wrote: Sun Jul 26, 2026 6:48 pm
Let me first say, that before coming on here, I had never heard of the acronym AAM, but since learning of it, and what it means, as well as reading some of the threads and comments by AAM's, it seems to me that the acronym needs to be updated. Adult Attracted Minor, just seems like more of the stigmatization that they're already trying to fight against. MAP, or Minor Attracted Person, at least has the word "Person" in it, indicating that MAP's are people. The word "Minor", does not imply personhood, and if these young people wish, as it seems they do, to be treated as equals to their adult counterparts, then they should be referred to as people, or persons accordingly. I propose that their acronym be changed to AAYP, or "Adult Attracted Young Person", in order to better reflect, that they are in fact people, and deserve to be referred to as such.
Thoughts?
I am in favor of this. I tend to use YAP (Youth Attracted person) because minor has a stigma as slaves to controlling, youth hating adults, incapable of thinking for themselves, etc. Plus youth has a more positive ring, i.e. energy is wasted on the youth, youthful, etc.
I'd say AAYP is nice, it encompasses youth, and refers to them as PEOPLE. I had once thought of simply AAY (adult attracted youth) or AAC (adutl attracted children, but that also uses a slur against youth, child, as well as excludes teens) but AAYP includes their young age. Plus if I say AAYP, people will just think referring to apes!
Re: Should the acronym AAM be updated?
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2026 10:03 pm
by DarkUniverse
As a new member of this community, it's been a struggle to get around terminology. If a change does bring a more positive note, sure, why not. But if it's just for aesthetics, might be cumbersome for other new members to navigate 2-3 different terms with the <same> general meaning.
Re: Should the acronym AAM be updated?
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2026 1:33 am
by ReArm!
PorcelainLark wrote: Sun Jul 26, 2026 7:46 pm
I don't think it makes much difference. I hate having to change terminology constantly. I feel like it's part of what made tumblr LGBT an inaccessible and alienating clique to most people. I was even begrudging about switching from CSAM to PIM, even though I understood the reason. Language is about usage, if you change the terminology you're trying to get people to invest more effort than necessary imo. Neologisms should be avoided where ever possible.
Tbh I hate the term CSAM because it gives off a meaning that isn't true at all: "abuse". Yet I also don't like PIM, because it's a niche term and honestly feels like an euphemism. That's why I always just say CP (Child Porn), much more direct and unapologetic than the other two, and without a negative meaning either.
About AAM or AAYP, however, I honestly don't have an opinion, both sound kinda the same to me.
Re: Should the acronym AAM be updated?
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2026 1:43 am
by PorcelainLark
ReArm! wrote: Mon Jul 27, 2026 1:33 am
That's why I always just say CP (Child Porn), much more direct and unapologetic than the other two, and without a negative meaning either.
Based
Re: Should the acronym AAM be updated?
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2026 2:02 am
by MAPallmylife66
ReArm! wrote: Mon Jul 27, 2026 1:33 am
PorcelainLark wrote: Sun Jul 26, 2026 7:46 pm
I don't think it makes much difference. I hate having to change terminology constantly. I feel like it's part of what made tumblr LGBT an inaccessible and alienating clique to most people. I was even begrudging about switching from CSAM to PIM, even though I understood the reason. Language is about usage, if you change the terminology you're trying to get people to invest more effort than necessary imo. Neologisms should be avoided where ever possible.
Tbh I hate the term CSAM because it gives off a meaning that isn't true at all: "abuse". Yet I also don't like PIM, because it's a niche term and honestly feels like an euphemism. That's why I always just say CP (Child Porn), much more direct and unapologetic than the other two, and without a negative meaning either.
About AAM or AAYP, however, I honestly don't have an opinion, both sound kinda the same to me.
I only suggested it, because the word "minor" doesn't denote personhood. These kids are people, and deserve to be called as such. Adult attracted young person, just seems more inclusive. I'd love to hear input from youngsters on this.
Re: Should the acronym AAM be updated?
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2026 2:29 am
by ReArm!
MAPallmylife66 wrote: Mon Jul 27, 2026 2:02 am
I only suggested it, because the word "minor" doesn't denote personhood. These kids are people, and deserve to be called as such. Adult attracted young person, just seems more inclusive. I'd love to hear input from youngsters on this.
Yes, of course, I understand that, although I don't think that "minor" denies personhood tbh. Yes, it means less legal rights, but AAM is a legal term after all. A 16yo that likes adults may be an AAM in the US but not in Germany, since they have the legal "consenting" status and are just a regular teleiophile.
that doesn't mean I don't like the change, AAYP would just have a different meaning than AAM.
Re: Should the acronym AAM be updated?
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2026 10:38 pm
by DANAT4T
I have to disagree. The term "young person" is extremely condescending. I would never call a legal minor that.