There are many outlets in which you can become involved to prevent human trafficking even here in College Station. I want to describe a couple of ways in which we can all become a little more proactive towards this cause. On a side note, if you feel passionate about something that isn't human trafficking, there are many organizations and groups that share the same interests you do.
There is at least one organization that is recognized by A&M and supports the cause to prevent human trafficking. It's a great resource to learn how to contribute even more towards the cause. Texas A&M has its very own chapter of International Justice Mission. Although I'm not a part of it, dues are $15 a year and the club generates fundraisers such as t-shirt sales to raise money for victims of trafficking.
Part of prevention is awareness. Keeping in touch with current events about human trafficking (or any other issue) is vital in order to prevent it. Traffickers become more innovative as the internet increases communication between people. This is an advantage for traffickers as well as a disadvantage. Although it is easier to track and sale people, multiple blogs and web pages are dedicated to stop modern day slavery. These websites also provide resources and other opportunities such as donating money or telling the people around you.
Traffickers use indirect ways to sell their "lots." Sites like Craigslist are rampant with trafficking ads. Be aware and use caution if you would ever want to find "love" online.
Finally, indulge in opportunities that are greater than yourself. Organizations such as the World Race, an eleven month mission trip that spans eleven countries, take people to the frontlines of places like India and Thailand. Blogs on the site talk about the horrors of trafficking that these people see on the streets. There are many other experiences such as this. Even if it is just a temporary trip, a person can still do so much.
There are many causes to support. I encourage anyone to do something or donate even a little. It all adds up and this kind of reward is one in which you feel better about yourself because you had the opportunity to help someone out.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
It's in the Music
There are two sides to every story and human trafficking found in music is no exception. Today, many people's lives are centered around music due to its rhythmic beats and catchy lyrics. People identify themselves through the powerful message music can convey. Our moods can be effected by music and we play music based on our mood. Sadly, today, many people identify themselves with music that glorifies a life involving relationships with multiple women, cheating, and abuse. Although, I'm not trying to point out one genre of music, listen to a rap song, and observe the message we receive from these songs. Many other songs talk about trivial stuff that relates to our American culture: infatuation, alcohol, partying, getting rich or being lazy.
However, there are some songs that do talk about some serious issues such as human trafficking. In the song "Beautiful Slave" by Take No Glory, the purpose is to bring awareness to a corrupt craze that happens to so many around the world. Although statistics are given in the description of the video, the song portrays someone who is a victim of the industry, particularly sex trafficking among women and children. The audience experiences possible emotions of a young women, their thoughts and feelings. At the end, it gives a message of hope to all in spite of a grim reality for many.
Although I never heard the previous song before I began researching this topic, I'm sure everyone knows the artist known as Justin Bieber. Although many of his songs are about puppy love," Pray" tries to increase awareness of all the issues we face in this world. Although it doesn't specifically talk about human trafficking, it expresses that we should have concern for the unfortunate events around us.
I know a bunch of current music gets stuck in your head because of the catchy tunes or lyrics because it happens to me as well. However, I hope that we all try to enrich our musical experience by listening to meaningful songs that convey positive and crucial messages. We can learn quite a bit if we search for it.
However, there are some songs that do talk about some serious issues such as human trafficking. In the song "Beautiful Slave" by Take No Glory, the purpose is to bring awareness to a corrupt craze that happens to so many around the world. Although statistics are given in the description of the video, the song portrays someone who is a victim of the industry, particularly sex trafficking among women and children. The audience experiences possible emotions of a young women, their thoughts and feelings. At the end, it gives a message of hope to all in spite of a grim reality for many.
Although I never heard the previous song before I began researching this topic, I'm sure everyone knows the artist known as Justin Bieber. Although many of his songs are about puppy love," Pray" tries to increase awareness of all the issues we face in this world. Although it doesn't specifically talk about human trafficking, it expresses that we should have concern for the unfortunate events around us.
I know a bunch of current music gets stuck in your head because of the catchy tunes or lyrics because it happens to me as well. However, I hope that we all try to enrich our musical experience by listening to meaningful songs that convey positive and crucial messages. We can learn quite a bit if we search for it.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Welcome to India
It's well known that Asia is a hotbed for human crimes such as human trafficking. Some areas are worse than others. In fact, some places are so rampant with these crimes it is seen being carried out in public streets and establishments. To catch a glimpse of how surreal it is, I have incorporated a clip from one of my favorite movies of all time, Slumdog Millionaire. I want to explain this clip, so if you haven't watched it, please do
now.
Video Breakdown:
This takes place in India, broad daylight, and at a busy train station. It also takes place in the PRESENT TIME.
The guy in the green shirt is Jamal's blood brother, the guy he has grown up on the streets with. Jamal is the one trying to get to Latika.
Latika is cut on the face for resisting her captors which is why she is holding her face in the last seconds of the video.
Other Comments:
Slumdog Millionaire is an extremely raw and uncut reality of the lives of Jamal, Latika, and Salim as they grow up in the slums of India and learn how to fend for themselves even though it's a fictional movie.
Without necessarily trying to evoke emotion from its audience, Slumdog Millionaire has raised awareness to the issue of trafficking among other issues such as large-scale massacres of villages, murder, prostitution, and child labor and violence. Although many children are bought from their families in hope of a better future, this isn't the case for the young trio. Their journey into slavery and trafficking begins after they lost their parents and must take care of themselves. Not knowing good from evil, they accept a man's offer to feed, clothe and take care of them. This is where the young children's story begins into a seedy, India underworld truly begins. You can trust no one in this cut-throat environment, and sadly, this statement holds true today, right now.
In order to completely understand the context of the movie and understand trafficking and how many crimes relate to this, I encourage you to watch it. Not only is it a great movie and a good topic for my blog, it has won numerous awards, has an amazing soundtrack, it is a love story, and has an interesting plot. Here's the trailer for an intrigued reader who may want to watch.
now.
Video Breakdown:
This takes place in India, broad daylight, and at a busy train station. It also takes place in the PRESENT TIME.
The guy in the green shirt is Jamal's blood brother, the guy he has grown up on the streets with. Jamal is the one trying to get to Latika.
Latika is cut on the face for resisting her captors which is why she is holding her face in the last seconds of the video.
Other Comments:
Slumdog Millionaire is an extremely raw and uncut reality of the lives of Jamal, Latika, and Salim as they grow up in the slums of India and learn how to fend for themselves even though it's a fictional movie.
Without necessarily trying to evoke emotion from its audience, Slumdog Millionaire has raised awareness to the issue of trafficking among other issues such as large-scale massacres of villages, murder, prostitution, and child labor and violence. Although many children are bought from their families in hope of a better future, this isn't the case for the young trio. Their journey into slavery and trafficking begins after they lost their parents and must take care of themselves. Not knowing good from evil, they accept a man's offer to feed, clothe and take care of them. This is where the young children's story begins into a seedy, India underworld truly begins. You can trust no one in this cut-throat environment, and sadly, this statement holds true today, right now.
In order to completely understand the context of the movie and understand trafficking and how many crimes relate to this, I encourage you to watch it. Not only is it a great movie and a good topic for my blog, it has won numerous awards, has an amazing soundtrack, it is a love story, and has an interesting plot. Here's the trailer for an intrigued reader who may want to watch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)