No matter how one feels about the attitude towards gays in "Boys Beware," can anyone deny that it gives some sound advice?
For example, whether the "gay" aspect is present or not, a young boy should definitely not take rides from strangers, and especially not befriend them and take gifts from them. This is a popular method for gay men who are bad to earn the trust of young boys, so pointing this out really isn't wrong at all.
If your friend is stupid enough to get into a car with a complete stranger, yes, taking down the plate number is also a good idea. And if you are walking towards an area where you will be particularly vulnerable, like under a pier as in the film and you see a strange man following you, yes, it's a good idea not to go in there.
Yes, the narration may be a little off, as well as the overall attitude. The film doesn't stress that not all gay men are bad, and that is wrong, sure. But it's just as wrong to deny that many of them, enough to be concerned about, are predators, just like many heterosexual men, and women. The obvious bias against gays in the film doesn't negate that the methods shown in the film for getting the young boy's confidence are indeed used, always were and always will be.
And of course that doesn't stop at gays towards young boys - it could be any kind of adult looking to groom and mold an innocent kid.
So the film is a relic in its execution, but like mommy and daddy always would say, "Don't take candy from strangers."
For example, whether the "gay" aspect is present or not, a young boy should definitely not take rides from strangers, and especially not befriend them and take gifts from them. This is a popular method for gay men who are bad to earn the trust of young boys, so pointing this out really isn't wrong at all.
If your friend is stupid enough to get into a car with a complete stranger, yes, taking down the plate number is also a good idea. And if you are walking towards an area where you will be particularly vulnerable, like under a pier as in the film and you see a strange man following you, yes, it's a good idea not to go in there.
Yes, the narration may be a little off, as well as the overall attitude. The film doesn't stress that not all gay men are bad, and that is wrong, sure. But it's just as wrong to deny that many of them, enough to be concerned about, are predators, just like many heterosexual men, and women. The obvious bias against gays in the film doesn't negate that the methods shown in the film for getting the young boy's confidence are indeed used, always were and always will be.
And of course that doesn't stop at gays towards young boys - it could be any kind of adult looking to groom and mold an innocent kid.
So the film is a relic in its execution, but like mommy and daddy always would say, "Don't take candy from strangers."