In 2010, President Obama issues a Presidential Proclamation, declaring January to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The United Nations defines human trafficking as follows: “Trafficking in persons’ shall mean the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.”
It may seem like human trafficking is something that happens in foreign countries, like the movie Taken. While it can and likely does happen everywhere, popular trafficking destinations are Italy, Turkey, Japan, and the United States. That’s right – the United States. Human trafficking is roughly a $32 billion industry, earning more than Google, Starbucks, and Nike combined. The U.S. State Department estimates of the number of slaves in the world today is 20.9 million. It’s no wonder why it is believed to be so profitable and prevalent; while a drug can be sold once and then consumed, a person can be sold and abused many times over. Consider the following:
· Globally, the average cost of a slave is $90.
· According to some estimates, approximately 80% of trafficking involves
sexual exploitation, and 19% involves labor exploitation.
· According to the U.S. State Department, 600,000 to 800,000 people are
trafficked across international borders every year. More than 70 percent
are female and half are children.
· The average age a teen enters the sex trade in the U.S. is 12 to
14-year-old. Many victims are runaway girls who were sexually abused as
children.
· California harbors 3 of the FBI’s 13 highest child sex trafficking areas on
the nation: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
· Between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the U.S. each year.
I feel like we don’t hear nearly enough about this
issue. Hundreds of young girls were
trafficked into Indianapolis the year we hosted the Super Bowl. Without a doubt, it happens each year, in
each new Super Bowl city. Yet the news
focus remains primarily on the game, the halftime performer and of course, the
commercials. So my question to you this
week is, “What did you know about this issue?
Why do you think it’s not a higher priority on the news and what do you
think can be done to help and raise awareness?”
Answers are due no later than Sunday, January 26th, 2014.
Because our society thrives off of entertainment... not what open to the human eye in a everyday life. The news wouldn't dare lose rating or their reputation. But if they did share this information they could save lives.
ReplyDeleteI agree with William B. news programs love to entertain viewers. Good Morning America and Today, two big hit morning news channels, they talk about the more popular and eye battening subjects like war and small cases that the government are dealing with. No news network talks about negative subjects for longer periods of time. Although, the news has talked about missing children and people getting rescued from trafficking but rarely do they announce the number of missing people yearly. Besides the entertainment from the news networks, I highly believe that the government are working on taking down groups that are trafficking human people, but unlike the high action movie of Taken we can't just start smashing down doors and bag the bad guys. The FBI or whoever is in charge do work but like anything else they need prof and evidence. So with the restriction these people who are running the business of trafficking they cover there tracks well. The Indianapolis super bowl and the hundreds of woman that were trafficked into the state makes it very difficult to contain these situations. So who should we point the finger to? I would say the news, lets stop worrying about Justin B. egging peoples houses and lets focus on whats really happening today.
ReplyDeleteIve known about this issue for awhile and Ive noticed it for awhile. I will hear about things that happen on social media but when the news comes on its not even announced. The news needs to have an entire section for awareness's and issues that are not so headlined because that kind of news is important as well. I think if popular restaurants and places people spend a decent amount of time raise awareness's for the most current issues. I feel that would get more people talking about it and betters the chance of it being on the news more often.
ReplyDeleteI already knew that sex trafficking was a major issue, but I didn't know just how many people were being traded and sold as objects. I think that the news should definitely focus more on these topics instead of focusing on mindless pop culture stories. If more people knew about this issue, more people would be ready to take action.
ReplyDelete-Morgan Fenstermaker
i feel this is the problem of the people who run away they got into this situation by not going to the cops or shelters and if they are abducted then its the parents fault im not for or against this
ReplyDeleteUmm... This isn't an issue that we vote on.
DeleteThis is something that IS happening and there's nothing being done to stop it, or even make people aware of it at all.
First of all wow. I knew this went on but I had no idea the numbers were so staggering. I can only imagine it is not a more public issue because it happens on our own soil, and is such a negative act. The news doesn't like to report on the horrible things American citizens will do willingly and in such numbers. Similarly runaways, orphans or others in this situation will not always have someone looking for them, and even if they do a search like this won't go on for long as any trail gets cold quickly. To raise awareness on an issue like this I would take similar steps to rape prevention. Keeping people, especially children, educated and aware could help prevent and slow the trafficking.
ReplyDeleteI could say, the news should cover on this more. I agree with the comments here. Everything now with news is on for entertainment, than nothing serious like this. A lot missing people go by missing, but theres always a serious matter to happened every single day. It's best for people to have more of education, and prevent on those who run away or adducted.
ReplyDeleteI know there's an organization that helps the victims of sex trafficking. I can't remember exactly what the organization is called. In Sociology class, my instructor showed a video what sex trafficking is. It also stated that Cambodia and India are the most popular in sex trafficking cases. children under the age of 14 are pawned off so they can heko take care of their families. The video left me in tears at night and all I can think about is how I can save them as if I had that power. I just wish there was something I could do to help the people in need.
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot about the issue and I feel like I've only heard about it in the last 2 years. But not on the news, or from any form of media at all. Only from different ministries that are devoted to helping people in this situation.
ReplyDeleteMy idea on why it isn't a huge priority on the news is a little out there and super cynical but hear me out!
A lot of our media only shows us what the government wants us to see, we learned that in talking about your friend from the middle east and all of the similarities in our culture compared to his, but they trained us to think was they weren't even civilized because then we feel better about bombing his country.
What if human trafficking is the same way?
What if the country makes enough money off of human trafficking that the government doesn't feel the need to make it known that it's happening in our back yard. Because, well, the country as a whole is making so much money off of selling people, so why in the world would we make an issue about it? Then people would feel bad a bout it happening and probably start to care and then try to do something about it. And we just can't have that. We can't have anybody standing up against all the money that the country is making by selling people into slavary
I'm just spitballing.. Just where my train of thought went. Take it or leave it ;)
So to help raise awareness the news channels and newspapers should start actually reporting the news, the real news.. Not how awkward the virtual cat singing with Miley Cyrus was at the AMA's.
And the local and state governments should actually make people aware of the fact that Human Trafficking IS happening and that cities like Detroit, Gary, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York are just a few of the major cities it's happening in.
We see and hear all the time about young girls "gone missing" or "running away" and we glaze over it.. "Well I don't know her, I don't know her family, not my problem" But we NEVER stop to think what's really happening.
It's a mindset, and we as a culture don't look at our country with that mindset.
These are my thoughts.. I get very passionate about this topic apparently.
I am, like many other students who shared their thoughts already, flabbergasted at the numbers. It never crossed my mind that so many people were being put through this... I'm originally from Bloomfield, which is only 30 minutes away from Bloomington, and in a bunch of areas there is nothing left of where I call home because of I-69. I was filling Shel in on the fact that the huge interstate is connecting Mexico and Canada. Once word was going around down home I was instantly against it just for this reason. No one is thinking about how many children, young women and others will be transported back and forth... I do believe that it will be at an all time high by the time the interstate is finished. Being a female myself, the thought of being kidnapped and used for sexual exploitation has been one of my biggest fears, especially moving into such a large city like Indianapolis from a little po-dunk town that no one has heard of. Many young girls don't get the information from their parents or guardians about strangers and what to do if you're taken. It is up to the people watching over these young children to educate them, as well as the schools they attend, the clubs they join, the local news and the national news. It may not be a big deal to the majority of people who just don't give a hoot about anything, but it is to the people who do. International news teams need to speak about it as well, not just the United States. People as a whole also need to remember that NO ONE asks for this to happen to them, even the girls who run away. They never asked for some creep to pick them up and start to abuse them in many ways. It's just like rape, no one ever asks for it. I don't think this issue will ever really end up resolved to the fullest, but I do have faith that if you start right at home, awareness will blossom into something beautiful for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI don't know a lot abot this issuse. But I do agree with Zorina. As far as saying that the news should make it know to the people, but with that being said even if we here it on the news. A lot of people wouldn't really care. People sometimes are to wrapped up with there own problems. I think the best way to raise awareness on issues like this is to maybe start having like school meetings or get togethers. For students so they can know what's going on. Then they can be aware that its happening in their own country.
ReplyDeleteWell what I feel about the situation is that is something that is wrong I think that slavery what's wrong from the beginning and now since you have something like human trafficking that's been going on for years and years also I think it's absolutely terrible and I feel like the reason why people don't really talk about it the human trafficking situation it's because is something that they can't stop I fell in a way but I feel like with every problem has a solution I don't know but one of my friends told me a long time ago that they think the reason why slavery in human trafficking if not really targeted for you to talk about it's because the United States plays a big part in it as well and that they get some of the Prophet from both of those organizations and me personally it kinda had me thinkin that maybe that's why those situation are not really doubt with the way they should be
ReplyDeleteIts hard to believe that so many people and so much money are involved in human sex trafficking, especially in the U.S. This just shows that slavery still exists but it is kept quiet just because it is not in a cotton field. The news should be the biggest network fighting to raise awareness and try to save lives unfortunately everybody is too concerned with Justin Beiber going to jail.
ReplyDeleteMy reaction to the how drastic human trafficking issue has in a business stance has become is I am in utter surprised. Firstly, I have never been preempted to believe that these efforts of human servitude currently progressed at this magnitude in the United States since the ruling of slavery was outlawed. Even though I know human trafficking is not only composed of the same of definition as slavery where the person is another’s possession and against their will to profit from others; I believe my way of perceiving human trafficking as I have seen in slave terms from the past is simply the way my understanding of owning someone to put to someone else’s devices is just a cognitive way for me to assimilate the severity of these acts. Secondly, I think President Barack Obama made a great call to enforce laws that we seem to put on the side line. It was news to me because I never heard the success this trade received nor did I fully learn what composed of this term. Vastly passing more legislation on it has brought attention to people like me who have a better understanding and compassion for the issue. I always knew there was prostitution and child labor, but besides knowing these were both immoral and illegal act I never knew they were connected. Now that I see them at a more connected meaning, the severe magnitude has lengthened. Within the system it seems to me that the more laws people don’t seem to look twice at, the better it is for potential violators to get away scot free. A way we can help Obama’s legislation to continue on as to mandate the acts that are the components of human trafficking. By establishing company regulations, especially in big facilities, so no business personnel is overseen. A way we can keep human trafficking is as simple as the efforts a lot of communities have focused on, keep watch on the streets. Designating fearers off the streets as to continue watching and protecting the activity of neighbors, keeping vulnerable children protected, and following up with sorrowed children so they do not become at risk. If there is any support a person can give to a neglected or abused child who is thinking of leaving home, just reaching out can save them from a life they don’t want to be later trapped in.
ReplyDeleteI think this issue isn’t covered in the local news because of the emotional measures this issue has. The severe originates from very intense circumstances. Some news stations want the title of reliable because when viewers watch they are either updating a story from a drastic situation to its brightened resolution, or they are covering the issues that directly affect the community. Hence, human trafficking can be seen as indirect for most viewers because they are already taking the highest measures to protect their family. Also, when choosing a news story, reporters look at the perspective of the viewer and must ask themselves: How does this affect my audience? Or, where will updating this story lead? News stations set priorities when they think about their audience, and when they put themselves at the face of too much drastic news, they could potential lose an amount. Losing viewer ratings is the epitome of a disengaging channel. More unconventional news stations may be more likely to cover the issue, but the perimeters of the audience would not be accurate to the locations involved. At the end of the day, the stations, its employees, and any other affiliates that prevents them from risking reputation by misinterpreting their projection audience.
Yes, I’ve heard of human trafficking, it takes place in communities across the nation, even in tourist destinations, were there are lots of people for the victims to blend in with. Most times victims are often hidden in plain sight, scared and without a voice. I feel like it is one of the vilest things a human being can do to another human being. Human trafficking is no more than slavery for today’s times. Most victims pay to be illegally transported out of a situation they feel is not good, into a country that they feel will give them a chance at a better life; only to find themselves forced into prostitution, involuntary labor and other forms of servitude to repay the debts. A lot of the times the victims are children, who find themselves in an unfamiliar culture and language without identification and fearing for their lives and the lives of their families. This doesn’t just affect foreign children brought to the US; it also affects American young adults and runaways taken to foreign countries.
ReplyDeleteI think people are aware of human trafficking but are afraid to acknowledge that it really exist. People want to believe no not in their city… it happens in border towns or port cities. Government agencies kind of perpetuate that mindset by showing public service announcements designed to raise awareness about the dangers and signs of trafficking at ports of entry and airplane departure gates in major/international airports. As far as news coverage, they report what is going on that day, not what could be happening…if you recall back in July (2013) a man and woman were arrested in Carmel for human trafficking and other violations, and yet still have not gone to trial. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) serious about ending human trafficking, relies on tips from the public.
Ive heard about human trafficking and knew it was a major issue but I didn't know it had got so out of control!! Its so scary to think that it happens right here in the United States. I did see on the news a couple of years ago that it was happening a lot in northern Ohio, Detroit and Chicago. I live right off I-65 and its crazy to think how many people who are involved with human trafficking are driving right by my house! I think if you put it on the news it would scary them while they were watching it but then forget about it after it was over. Nobody thinks it is going to happen to them. What a scary world we live in!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Zorina as well...maybe governments make too much money off of it to stop it. Isn't it interesting how many problems this world has that come into light through movies and music and not the news.
ReplyDeleteHuman trafficking is an issue that makes me sick every time I think about it. It makes me scared for everyone I know to travel, especially the women I know. Yes, men are likely made into slaves as well, but probably not nearly as many as women. What it also disgusting is the mindset that people can have about it; it's not that big of a deal, turn your head away and pretend like it isn't happening, or that maybe slaves in the trade ask for it to happen - sounds like rape culture. No one asks for this. No one deserves this, not even the slave masters. The slave masters deserve something, but not to be treated like objects.
My question is what can we really do to stop it? Obviously awareness needs to be raised, but we need to fight corrupt governments and ask for justice.
Ladies, take a self defense class and always be aware of your surroundings. If you walk around on your phones, be talking to someone and keep your eyes alert. Don't walk around texting constantly. Study articles like this:
http://fightsafe.com/pdf/rapists.pdf
I have heard of human trafficking. I also did not think it was happening with a big percent in the united states. What i think about the government, why wont they banned it and i rarely hear about it on the news , and the government seems not to make a big deal but i think it a big issue that needs to be heard. Also i know this involves slavery but slavery has been happening for a long time. I notice this is a big issue for women and not men, and today in this world women rights are still half and half. The government is not taking full charge but i honestly think the government will not stop it because of money, this world revolves around money but this issue is worth more than money and i don't think its right to ignore a issue like this.
ReplyDeletei never knew this was going on in the U.S. let alone during the super bowl. i believe it’s not a higher priority because its so much money in it America would rather keep milking the old cow rather then killing it in other words its too much money involved to get rid of so America would rather keep this to themselves. really the only way to raise awareness is to let others know whats going on but only 10% of people would care enough to try to do anything to stop it 20% of people would care enough to say oh that's sad and go on about their day and 70% of people wont care at all that's why its so big today and most don't know about it.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a matter of people aren't caring enough. I feel like people are aware of what is going on in the world but simply do not care enough about the issue because they are preoccupied by other things.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of the trafficking during the Indianapolis Super Bowl I was not aware this situation. I feel like it would make it easier to traffic as there is a lot of people in the area and crowded areas can make you easier target, but it shocks me that some individuals would use others in such a way.
I have not heard nothing on this issue, but i feel like the government is keeping this a small issue because they worry about whats not important then whats really important. I guess feel that these issues are minor but for us these issues are consider to be major. The government has great protection, but us as people who don't have that protection these things could happen to us. I feel the government should stop looking at their lives and start looking at the people lives. Put themselves into our shoes and ask what would you want to know to prevent this happen to you!!
ReplyDeleteIts sad to say I haven't heard anything about this and I'm ashamed of that. But seeing that I live in the U.S. and they would rather advert our attention away from the fact that's its going on here and show that it just happens in third world countries. What needs to be done is people need to become aware so that we can start to take precaution.
ReplyDeleteI think we should of course make this a priory because it can be prevented better than it is no one touches on this issue enough and I think we should do better such as going to to our kindergarten days and use the buddy systems and the government needs to be more aware of this issue
ReplyDelete