Human trafficking today has become a serious global issue. Despite the fact that slavery is legally banned in every country in the world, experts are claiming that there is a range of 10-27 million slaves worldwide. This number is not only including slaves used for sexual services, but for mining, agricultural, domestic, factory work etc. We know that the lives of these unfortunate people are harsh and demeaning. Their stories of survival break our hearts and make us feel ashamed that modern-day humans can be this cruel. They embarrass us because our utter lack of knowledge and awareness on such a large, horrendous industry is revealed. But what do we really know about those particular people who are doing the trafficking? Sure we know what signs to look for to avoid a trafficking scam and how the traffickers operate, but there is more to the story. How do traffickers get into this line of business? What aspect of this lifestyle draws them in and keeps them hooked?
Since there is currently not a lot of information digging into the lives of traffickers, specifically of the sex trade¹, we can explore their decisions based on their similarities to gangs. In the world of trafficking there are many levels of traffickers²; the common street trafficker and the “top boss” who hires other people to do the work for him, usually of a lower class. Those who are involved in this field choose this lifestyle because it will provide a source of much needed finances. The supply and demand for sex slaves is high, which means that there is financial security in the job. The chance of getting caught, especially in underdeveloped areas, is very low, so this makes the job more appealing. There is a quick return with low risk, and all this trafficker has to do is a bit a transporting and tell a few white lies to convince a family to let their child move for better employment. From the economic standpoint of someone struggling to survive, this job seems to be the best that will ever be gotten. Aside from the financial aspect, there is a sense of community made, since trafficking requires networking. A family of sorts is established, and that family is worth protecting. Similarly to gangs who sell drugs, the benefits outweigh the risk and protecting the family is a priority³. Are the two really that different? They both live lives that some in society frown upon, but the choices made seem to be out of need rather than greed.
¹ http://www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org/uploads/report_final.10.13.08.pdf
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ReplyDeleteI really would of enjoyed hearing of maybe the family situation or background that most traffickers come from, majorities anyway. Both drug dealing gangs and Trafficking "families" function in the same way the only difference I can think of is the actual addiction keeping gang members together and selling the drug(s), to keep up their habit. While traffickers addiction lies in earning fast cash.
ReplyDeleteAshley, While I agree with you that this is a despicable practice, I do not agree that the only way that people fall victims into this business is through lies of a better life. Many times traffickers have a huge network of people working to find girls, addict them to drugs, and ship them to different countries, where then they are sold. This is a business of cowards where they prey on girls who cannot protect defend themselves against these men and manipulate them into their trap. Once these girls are in their network, it is almost impossible for them to escape.
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