Victims of the Sex Trade

 

 My political blog will be to inform the general public on the issue of sex trafficking. Sex trafficking is a big issue around the world and I think that it does not receive the type of recognition and public concern that it should. Women and children all over the world are subjected to the exploitation, degradation, and victimization of being sold into the sex trade. Society often minimizes the effect of the sex trade because you mainly see young women that are standing on street corners, on drugs, and using their bodies for money or some kind of gain. What society does not realize is that most of these women and children are forced into this lifestyle against their will and are beaten, threatened, and controlled. When we use such language as prostitutes, or other degrading slurs to describe these women and children it often gives the impression that they choose this type of lifestyle for themselves. If society was to think of prostitution and the exploitation as “women used in prostitution” or “sexually exploited children” as Ambassador John R. Miller suggest, then the perception of the trade will potentially be recognized for the severity of the problem. I do believe that people understand that sex trafficking is an issue, but do not think critically enough to raise awareness for the issue. There are children that are used as sex slaves to satisfy people who may have traveled from their own countries to engage in sexual activities with them. These individuals are more likely professionals who have good reputations in their own communities, but then travel to other countries and exploit these children. Ultimately, these women and children are subjected to long term physical, mental, and psychological abuse along with health issues. I think that it is essential for the public to become aware of this issue so that there may be potential for concern in which communities can then become involved.  

In attempt to raise awareness of my blog on sex trafficking I am able to access and utilize social networks such as twitter, and facebook where there are many viewers in which I am able to post information regarding my blog. In chapter one, Shamoon states, “The truth is that much of our society is organized around the public’s sharing of their views and opinions, and as a democratic culture we depend upon the free and open debate about issues, difficult events, problems, and appropriate solutions.” I think social networks are effective because they are popular sites that are able to promote the issue and my blog where people would most likely read upon and may become interested enough to interact and publicly get involved. I think a good strategic way to publicly write about my issue is to join associations who share the same concerns as we did in the beginning of class via twitter. I think that demonstrating some type of interest to the associations that promote awareness about these issues and similar issues are also effective because they allow you learn more about the issue that you may have not known and learn about events that you can also promote on your social network page as well as the political blog. Overall, I want my readers to understand the problem of sex trafficking by posting facts, stories, and information that may influence an individual to get involved as well.