If men are brought up to believe that success in sex depends on the domination and conquest of a submissive partner, or even that sexuality is linked with power over another, then portrayals of children may help turn them into acceptable sexual targets. The children's dependence and lack of power are effective stimuli for insecure adults. For many people, and not just pedophiles, these images serve as powerful rationalization for their sexual interest in or actual misuse of children.