In a world where the staunch post-modern philosopher declares absolutely that there are no absolutes and thereby exposing the ultimate impossibility of such a statement, this was a recent encounter of mine:
For those of you who are not aware, please know that 27 million people are living in modern day slavery. Human trafficking is the 2nd largest organized crime world wide; more people today are in living in bondage than ever before in the world’s history when slavery was ‘legal.’ The majority of victims are sexually exploitated; also, most are children and women. As a growing global and personal concern, researching, reading, emailing, volunteering and campaigning tends to take up more and more of my personal time.
So true to form, thrown round my tired shoulders, I constantly have an overstuffed yet fashionable (thanks to my parents) black satchel with my projects. Recently, one afternoon, I stop by a swanky Hollywood restaurant and sit at the lovely faux marble top counter for a veggie sandwich. Of course, while waiting I pull out my favorite highlighter, a pen, a note pad (yep, I was that girl in your high school English class) and a book with the title, Not For Sale: the modern day global slave trade. Two young men whom I have met at this restaurant several times arrive, of course, true to my city’s stereotype, the idea that I am studying and yet am not an official enrolled student continues to boggle the mind of the average bystander. (Despite my tone of condescension, I take it as a staement of my youth..hee) So this young man asks about my readings, I share that I am really getting into human trafficking... or the fight against it rather.
Now I actually for the first time ever, hope this person does not have a clue as to what human trafficking is, or maybe he thought it synonymous with smuggling immigration. The point: I actually had a DEBATE as to whether human trafficking was good or bad…right or wrong! In his defense, he did openly admit that he didn’t really know much about this issue. (so the choice to take the opposite side of an issue which I clearly am researching puts him in a precarious position) Surprisingly, I was patient and listened to his attempted thoughts. He explained to me that there are some benefits that come of this horrific violation to basic human rights.
Really? And they are?
Well, you see, the person makes it to America.
Hahah..and we wonder why the international view of our country is increasingly negative and disapproving? He continued to explain that he was Machiavellian in thought and that it is really about whether the ‘ends justify the means,’ cause after all they get to be in the U.S. As my temperature began to rise rapidly and rashes break out under my clothes, I nodded as an active listener while crossing my hands as not to punch him in the face. I respond, yes, sometimes, the victims are brought to the U.S., but that is actually the minority of total cases. Even then many never wanted to come here or be kidnapped from their home, AND how can we pressume the ends justify the means?!? Yes, America is great, but often they are not freed once here, and even then:.. Is living here worth repeated rape and sexual abuse, forced labor, or no freedom???
He then asked if I had ever been to China, in an attempt to help me understand that since the conditions there are so horrendous, anything that could get you to America must be worth it…right. He kept dropping his friend, Machiavellian’s name and explaining that good can come from bad situations, so then..is it really bad?
Ok, I openly admit that yes, often good does come out of bad situations; however, that does not automatically make the original situation good, or even acceptable. Shockingly, he began talking about Machiavelli AGAIN.
I then asked, “Do you believe in absolute right and wrong?” Evidently, this is a perplexing question. (And yes you detect a smug tone, but anyone arguing that human trafficking might just be a good thing for our world and its victims…deserves a smug tone) ... How to reword this? “Um, do you believe something is absolutely right or absolutely wrong, regardless of side effects or aftermath?”
He openly admits to not understand these questions.
So naturally, I answer it for him, “Well, I’m gonna guess that, no, you don’t.” I then explain that clearly, I do. For example if a father beats his 5 year old son, that is just wrong, in every world, in every way. And even if this kid develops a tough strength and other possibly twisted coping mechanisms to navigate through this world, still...beating the 5 yr old boy is absolutely wrong, ...regardless.
I am still in shock that I actually had a DEBATE with an upright bi-pedal homo sapein over the virtue or lack thereof of human trafficking. My father has reassured me, that he didn’t know what he was talking about and was just trying to pick me up. Humorously, he actually did leave me his card/number. You can imagine how winsome this romantic tactic worked for me. So to any male readers: if you find a gal who perks your interest, and you quickly find that she has a social issue/platform..Totally use it as a springboard for easy conversation..it’s a no-brainer. But seriously, don’t take the OTHER side of the issue!!!
So despite the tempting phone number …for now, I think I will stick with my twin bed situation…single in the big city…
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