Peter Sotos

Peter Sotos
Born Peter Gus Sotos[1]
April 17, 1960
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Occupation Writer, musician

Peter Gus Sotos[1] (born April 17, 1960) is an American writer and musician. In his books, Sotos examines sadistic sexual criminals and sexually violent pornography, particularly involving children. His writings are interpreted by some as commenting on media hypocrisy around these issues. His books are often first person narratives, taking on the point of view of the sexual predator in order to explore sadistic and pedophilic sexual impulses.

Early life

Sotos is a graduate of Holy Cross High School. He attended Northern Illinois University for one year and the Art Institute of Chicago for three and a half years.[1]

Pure magazine

In 1984, while the day care sex abuse hysteria phenomenon was sweeping the nation and while attending the Art Institute of Chicago, Sotos began producing the controversial magazine Pure, notable as the first zine dedicated to serial killer lore. The original publications are now collectors' items.

In addition to offering many details about the crimes of serial killers and Nazis, the text in the magazine praises them, describing them using such terms as "genius", "glorious", "exemplary", and "illustrious". The text is juxtaposed with pictures and newspaper clippings relevant to the crimes discussed, showing that the media also abuse the victims. A short manifesto introducing the first issue says the magazine "satiates and encourages true lusts."

A photocopy from a magazine of child pornography was used as the cover of issue #2 of Pure which led to Sotos pleading guilty to possession of child pornography, receiving a suspended sentence. A copy of the magazine was found by Scotland Yard in Edinburgh, in the home of a suspect in a series of child abductions, murders and grave robbings, which led to Sotos' arrest.[1] Despite his early legal troubles, Sotos continues to garner support for his ideas and literary output.

Recent books

In Show Adult (2007), Sotos analyzes the TV shows Supernanny and To Catch a Predator as publicly acceptable forms of pornography. Predicate (2005) explores the Dunblane Massacre in Scotland in 1996 and the motives and life of the perpetrator Thomas Watt Hamilton. Other topics covered include Operation Ore, the Wonderland murders, Russian orphanages, Megan's Law, and non-nude teen websites. Comfort and Critique (2005) explores the hidden motives of reporters and citizens as shown by their reactions to sexual crimes.

Musical career

Until 2003, he was a member of the British power electronics group Whitehouse. In 1992, he released the solo album, Buyer’s Market, which consisted of sound collages of spoken word samples from parents, law-enforcement officers and victims of sex crimes.[2]

Works

Texts featuring Sotos

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Myers, Linnet and Dave Schneidman (December 6, 1985). "$100,000 Bond In Child Pornography Case". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 26, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Peter Sotos – Buyer’s Market". Heathen Harvest. March 17, 2012. Retrieved May 26, 2014.

External links