This week I've been watching the news more than I usually do, due to the tragedy at the Boston Marathon. First off, I want to acknowledge, remember and give respect to the individuals who lost their lives, and the families that are now hurting because of it. I was grateful to see all of the people who helped and continue to help the victims of that day.
Because of that tragedy, I head the word "freedom" being spoken a lot. There are two different freedoms here. The freedom we have because of the men and women who have fought and sacrificed for us to live in a place like the United States of America. Now, dont be confused, I am very grateful and honored for that freedom. My brother was a sniper in the Army, who fought bravely for this country and I am very proud of that. He continues to serve in the National Guard.
The freedom I am going to speak of, is one of the kinds that President Lincoln fought for. The kind where slaves no longer exist. Where people aren't forced into work, sex or any other act that they did not choose. I think that Lincoln would be disappointed.....thats not the right word, more like devastated, to know that slavery is bigger now than it was then. Not to say that he fought for nothing, because he didn't. He made a huge impact on our world in that way and passed laws to fight and end slavery. For that he is a hero.
So often as Americans, we feel untouchable. Like, nothing bad happens here because its America, the best place on earth to live. It may be an amazing place to live but we too have our dirty little secrets. The problem is, this secret of slavery (human trafficking) is not little...its massive.
I often think, "man, I'm glad that I didnt live when there were slaves, because it would have made me so angry to see people treated like trash/unfair/inhumane. I wouldn't have been able to keep my mouth shut." (speaking of black/African American slaves). Now let me challenge those of you who have had that same thought. Think of how passionate that makes you. What would YOU have done?
I get that slavery was legal at one point in our history. Does that make it right? Just a thought.
The slavery that happens in our FREE country is BIGGER than it has ever been in human history. Does that bother anyone? Some people don't know what human trafficking is. Does that bother anyone? Some people think that its a problem in lots of other countries far from here, but not the United States of America. Does that bother anyone?
How far are we willing to go, to tell people? Ignorance is not bliss. The problem lies within our own culture. Porn. Prostitution. Our young people, who are runaways, or just a young girl or boy from your local elementary or high school are feeding grounds to be sold into slavery/sex trafficking.
I cant say it enough....IT HAPPENS HERE!!! Please, take the time to look up the stats in your area. I can tell you that Minnesota (the innocent midwest) is number 13, for the most highly trafficked metropolitan area in the United States.
Please read this story. http://www.startribune.com/local/east/202327981.html?refer=y
One example in St. Paul. The names of towns surrounding this article are familiar if you live in Minnesota. This is local. It was a sex trafficking ring controlled by one family.
Educate yourself. Educate others. Take action.
Ways of action:
Buy from people you know are fighting this problem. From clothes, to makeup to food. Your purchases make a difference. Prices dont matter when you put a face to the cost of destruction.
Find local initiatives. Join them or fund them.
Talk to the people in your life. A lot of people dont know that it exists. And if they do, they dont understand the affects they have on feeding into it.
be Lovely is a tool for me to offer people to buy makeup that gives to help fight human trafficking. It is also an education tool for people who use it. If you wear makeup, I encourage you to check my line out. belovely.com
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