Since we know it is almost impossible to change people's attitude toward registrants by force or just words, we have to present a picture that allows people to see us in a favorable light and to allow them to change their attitude on their own accord.

Most sex offenders have no idea how to do this, but the successful ones do. They use human nature to rebuild their image.

How do we do that? Be genuinely nice to people. Open doors at Wal Mart for women and children. Fix a flat on the road for someone. Wear nice clothes when you are out in public; leave the T shirts and raggedy pants at home. Keep yourself neat and clean looking when you go out in public. Smile at people.

Be thoughtful and soft spoken. Do not act like an overbearing loudmouth and people will see you in a different light.

Above all, do not act menacing in any way to people. That really scares the general public.

People will then have the image in their mind of a decent looking guy who is just trying to help others and that image really sticks, much more than just words.

After you have rebuilt your reputation and people begin to like you, you will be less known as the town sex offender and more known as a guy who just made a stupid mistake. It works every time.

This even works in prison, with all the inmates, where courtesy and being a nice person is a hard sell sometimes. The most respected and revered inmates were those who were quiet and presented an image of intelligence and calmness---the voice of reason in a wilderness of chaos.

It is very difficult to continue to hate a guy who is kind, respectful, and helpful to others.

rewdiazepam

I agree with you!

Very true!

Rew, I'm going to read your response to my husband next time he calls!

Yes, nothing speaks better than your actions

Words of wisdom from a very smart man.

Very true on both counts!

I am going to read your review to my husband also.

My son has always been this type of person and when we go out he often will help older women carrying groceries or struggling with a door. If he sees someone with a broken down car he offers a jump or a phone call - etc. When I am with him I find a strange type of pleasure knowing that he is a sex offender and that many of those he is assisting would have a heart attack if they knew! I know - weird.

Well said Rew.

Rew, very true. Speaking from personal experience, a registered person has to live by a higher standard and exceed expectations of others. This truly amounts to a new way of life, a rebirth (you could also say "transfiguration") of the soul, spirit and body. I've been living this way for 10 years, and while it has been a difficult life at times, I have been blessed with so much.

So happy to hear there is sunlight at the end of the tunnel. Thanks Rew and Brain.