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Touch: Malcolm Gladwell on Jerry Sandusky
By Kyle Scott
Published:
In today’s must-read stories: I’d suggest you spend some time with Malcolm Gladwell as he deconstructs Jerry Sandusky. Surprisingly, Gladwell didn’t liken Jer to a Jewish lawyer from New York, or blame his tendencies on his inability to spend time with computer terminals at the University of Washington. Instead, this: [New Yorker]
We now know what Sandusky was really doing with the Second Mile. He was setting up a pipeline of young troubled boys. Just as important, though, he was establishing his bona fides. Psychologists call this “grooming”—the process by which child molesters ingratiate themselves into the communities they wish to exploit. “Many molesters confirmed that they would spend anywhere from two to three years getting established in a new community before molesting any children,” van Dam writes. One pedophile she interviewed would hang out in bars, looking for adults who seemed to be having difficulties at home. He would lend a comforting ear, and then start to help out.
It’s long, but worth your time. Or your lunch break. Read it here.
I’d also highly recommend you swing by the Malcolm Gladwell book generator to see what’s on the horizon from Gladwell:
Kyle Scott is the founder and editor of CrossingBroad.com. He has written for CBS Philly and Philly Voice, and been a panelist or contributor on NBC Sports Philly, FOX 29 and SNY TV, as well as a recurring guest on 97.5 The Fanatic, 94 WIP, 106.7 The Fan and other stations. He has more than 10 years experience running digital media properties and in online advertising and marketing.