There are several definitions for the word "Chickenhawk," the most common which will be discussed here.
The first definition, of course, involves the creature which is so named. According to Wikipedia, in the US, "Chickenhawk or Chicken Hawk" is an unofficial designation for three species of North Americanhawks: the Cooper's Hawk, the Sharp-shinned Hawk and the Red-tailed Hawk. The term Chicken Hawk, however, is inappropriate. Although Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks may attack other birds, chickens do not make up a significant part of their diet...
The next definition involves a Warner Brothers cartoon figure that made its debut in the 1940's: Henery Hawk. Henery Hawk was supposedly a chickenhawk "chick" that had no idea what an actual chicken looked like. He only knew for sure that he was supposed to eat them. "You'd almost have to feel sorry for a chickenhawk who doesn't know what a chicken looks like, but for Henery Hawk we'll make an exception." - Petcaretips.net
The next definition is now actually the most commonly used one today, according to Wikipedia, "Chickenhawk (also chicken hawk and chicken-hawk; sometimes designated after a person's name by [c.h.]) is a political epithet used in the United States to criticize a politician, bureaucrat, or commentator who strongly supports a war or other military action, but has never personally been in a war, especially if that person actively avoided military service when of draft age. The term is meant to indicate that the person in question is cowardly or hypocritical for personally avoiding combat in the past while advocating that others go to war in the present. Generally, the implication is that "chickenhawks" lack the experience, judgment, or moral standing to make decisions about going to war."
Now it gets really ugly...The next definition brings us closer to what the term means as it relates to my novel: Chickenhawk. A chickenhawk, particularly in the eyes of law enforcement, is an adult male that preys on children (a pedophile). Most chickenhawks are known for preying on young men and boys, however someone that preys on young girls can also be designated a chickenhawk (see "Street Kings"). Chickenhawk or pedophiles are criminals whose actions are considered particularly heinous, since they are preying on society's most innocent and vulnerable. Other inmates in prison have been known to shun or attack chickenhawks that are incarcerated with them because even hard-core criminals look down on a chickenhawk's actions. Unfortunately, it often seems that chickenhawks or pedophiles don't receive that harshest of prison sentences when convicted, even though law enforcement and legal experts all agree that chickenhawks (pedophiles) have the highest rate of recidivism of any other criminal! In yet another sick twist, there are actually organizations and clubs that promote the sexual abuse of children. Many of these groups even organize trips to foreign countries where they can conduct their actions away from the scrutiny of U.S. law enforcement, and where they can take advantage of the desperation of some of the world's most impoverished people by offering large sums of money for a few hours with their children. In 1994, a documentary was made about the VERY controversial group NAMBLA, which advocates what it considers the validity of men being sexually involved with young men and boys; particularly boys. The title of the film is Chickenhawk: Men Who Love Boys.
Overview
Members of the controversial group NAMBLA (North American Man/Boy Love Association) discuss why their organization supports "boys and men who have or desire engagements in sexual or emotional relationships." Written by Buckie Chuckie
And finally, just an aside... I recently went to the movies with my son and we watched the film, "Street Kings." It was a decent movie, sort of typical shoot-'em-up fare... but what caught my attention was when the star of the movie, Keanu Reaves, refers to some bad guys that had kidnapped two young Korean girls as, you guessed it, Chickenhawks.
Director: David Ayer Writers (WGA):
Tagline: Their City. Their Rules. No Prisoners.
Plot:
Tom Ludlow is a veteran LAPD cop who finds life difficult to navigate after the death of his wife. When evidence implicates him in the execution of a fellow officer, he is forced to go up against the cop culture he's been a part of his entire career, ultimately leading him to question the loyalties of everyone around him.
Getting back into the real world, it is said that, "all who doeth evil, hateth the light," and we must always continue to shine the light of justice and reason on the evil of pedophilia.
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