Category | Op Ed

The invisible chains of modern day slavery

Published on February 26, 2008 by The Sentinel

   “In the face of pure evil would you do nothing to stop it, or would
you do everything?” As we all know here at KSU our history reveals
moments of horrific events that have always followed with courageous
leaders that refused to allow injustice to persevere.

      
     We can recall the Holocaust, our country’s own American slavery or even the most recent event, 9/11. This very day there is a crisis that is shaking our communities, our society and eventually our own homes. I am talking about Modern Day Slavery. Even though more than 150 years ago the 13th amendment set all people free, we live in a time in which there are more slaves today than there has ever been in history, approximately 27 million to be exact.  Out of those 27 million 80% are women and 50% are minors. Are we really fine growing up in a world with slaves?

    I’m not talking about a far away country; I am telling you that slavery is alive and profiting right here in the United States, making Atlanta one of the highest cities for trafficking activity. Human trafficking generates more than $9.3 billion a year. We have all seen it…if you have ever watched a porno, seen a prostitute or even been to a strip club. The reality is that 89% are actually forced into sexual exploitation. If you don’t think this is a problem that affects you, then realize that the HIV/AIDS epidemic has increased steadily on a parallel plain with human trafficking. We are living in a world where you can purchase a human, even worse a child for less than a pair of Nikes. The average cost of a slave today is $90. What’s even more shocking is that the United States is one of the number one consumers in slaves.

    Modern Day Slavery is not prejudice, anyone can fall victim to traffickers. “How much longer will our generation allow such injustice to mentally, spiritually and physically rape our future? Could you tell a 9 year old child, who has been raped and beaten multiple times a day by the men who fill the pockets of her traffickers, that they will have to wait until your off work, out of class, after your date or even just until your favorite TV show is off? Could you justify your lack of moral responsibility and compassion to their raped & beaten bodies? Could you tell them that they are not important enough to save?”  I believe anyone who is aware of modern day slavery cannot do this. So, I ask you to educate yourselves on this crisis, volunteer to spreading awareness in our communities but most of all do not be silent in the face of pure evil. Stand united and bring accountability to our nation but first our campus. Together we will fight for those who cannot do it themselves & break the chains of today’s slavery.