Comments on: Ian Kerner’s SADD Anti-Porn Logic

By: Why

Why — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:44:19 +0000

The school where Kerner got his “PhD” in human sexuality (or something along those lines) no longer exists – Maimonides Univ. It was considered a “diploma mill” of sorts, and had people finishing their 50-page dissertations in record time. He’s not the trained expert he and his PR team claim that he is, and he has abused the public pulpit he has paid for.

By: Lady Grinning Soul

Lady Grinning Soul — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:39:25 +0000

Fantastic! So glad you said it. I don’t suffer from ADHD, and I didn’t see the article in question, but I really abhor this trend of applying made up disorders to anyone who has problems in society. Here in England the ones that are most problematic are ADHD and dyslexia. And it is so infuriating that every little problem is attributed to something they can drug you for. But equally I want to thank you for drawing my attention to the opposite problem; that the real sufferers of these disorders are having their issues belittled. It’s really inexcusable on both sides. Thank you again for bringing it up.

By: WildOrchid

WildOrchid — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:24:13 +0000

Thank you for this! When I first saw Kerner’s article I was quite taken by it. Part of it was because of Kerner’s books that I like a lot (“She comes first” and “He comes next”). Part of it was how I consume porn – never stopping for too long on one scene. This article helped me see the real problem behind the SADD excuse.

By: James

James — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:03:14 +0000

Ms. Violet,

I find Thom Hartmann’s perspective on our conditioning very helpful; we are just hunters in a farmer world. Our brains are just wired differently. This is both a benefit and challenge. Many big-picture creative types are of the hunter tribe. I’m not surprised to find that you too belong to the tribe. Must be fun for your lovers when that ADHD focus kicks in. ;)

By: violet

violet — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 06:28:00 +0000

Also, Kerner’s whole “porn breaks your dick” crusade is just wacked.

By: violet

violet — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:47:49 +0000

I think this underscores why some dude with a few books and dubious credentials (Kerner’s “Dr.” is from an online degree mill) should be called out for fraud when they invent a psychological disorder. As should CNN and AskMen for publishing it.

As Thomas and I discussed in conversation today, by “dubbing” (and inventing) sexual “disorders” Kerner is implying to the general public (and those that publish him) that he is a trained clinical psychologist. And publishing this in major sources. There is a lot of harm and being done here. And further, his association with AASECT makes me reconsider AASECT’s credibility.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:10:07 +0000

Kate — LOL, thanks! Having the predominantly inattentive type, I resisted the diagnosis for years until a specialist explained it to me. I still think the diagnostic questionnaires are problematic, but that’s why they’re administered by a professional with clinical experience — not as a quiz on Facebook. The diagnosis issue overall is big with ADHD, because I still think it’s hard to get a concrete clinical prognosis. But reading documented management strategies really helps a lot, and normalizes some of the whack-ass shit I find myself needing to do in order to stay productive.

I actually have heard someone with diagnosed ADHD refer to themselves as being “ADD” as an adjective, but I can only think of one instance. I think it’s a bad habit to get into — we are not our disorders (or maybe we are, but that’s not ALL we are). Generally, you’re right that people with ADHD don’t refer to themselves as “I’m so totally ADD!” If you’re far enough through the diagnosis and management process to have a diagnosis and be working with it, I think most people find it feels too flippant to throw it around like that.

As to your point #1, I totally agree — this is a disorder, not a habit or an occasional lapse. There’s a big wide expanse from having trouble concentrating (which everyone does sometimes) to having diagnosed or diagnosable ADHD. And when I hear supposedly qualified commentators suggest that the internet is “making us all ADD,” I roll my eyes.

By: Chrystal

Chrystal — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:08:58 +0000

BRAVO! Well put, Thomas. I hate when people are so flippant about things that are serious and real. Well, I hate when people are so flippant about anything, really. Good reading and thanks for putting such a fine point on this e-hole. (OH and I loved the term “wikihole.)

By: Kate

Kate — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 03:03:13 +0000

It’s reassuring to read something from someone who’s had similar experiences!

For me, “I’m so ADD” often warrants two punches:
1. Occasionally losing one’s focus, train of thought, or drive to complete a task does not ADHD make.
2. I have never heard a person with a real diagnosis refer to themselves AS the disorder.

Maybe I should just respond with “I’m so anger-management problems.”

Ps: I don’t meet too many other people identified as having the PI subtype! So, uh, this is a shout out?

By: Thomas

Thomas — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 02:34:45 +0000

Susan, thanks :-) — glad it was helpful. Also, good luck (ADHD solidarity!!) I will hopefully write more about it in the future. Thanks for commenting!!

By: susan

susan — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 02:30:33 +0000

whoops – I got here from your twitter post and dug into it so quickly I didn’t notice that it was authored by Thomas. My apologies. Thanks, Thomas, for the insights (and thanks Violet for the Twitter post to grab my attention).

By: susan

susan — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 02:01:10 +0000

Thanks Violet. Just…thanks.
From another woman who has actual ADHD and gets mega-annoyed at what you say – at it being used as shorthand for flaky.