The Story Behind the “End Slavery” Palm Tattoo
There are few things that have ever captured my mind and heart fully -- God, my family, music -- and now this: being part of ending slavery.
Slavery? Yes, modern day slavery, otherwise known as human trafficking. Specifically sex trafficking. Many people do not know this even exists, much less in our country, but it is very much alive and growing. In fact, behind illegal drugs and arms trafficking, human trafficking is estimated to be the third largest international crime industry.
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Photo by Steven Rimlinger |
To be honest, I’d heard of human trafficking for years but did not realize the magnitude of this industry until only a few months ago. I was particularly moved by the work of iEmpathize, an organization that helps prevent trafficking, intervene for victims, and restore survivors of child sex trafficking. This gripped my heart and just will not let go. To even begin to understand the gravity of this worldwide issue, we must truly empathize...and do our part to stop this.
Here are brief excerpts from the story of a survivor who escaped from Nevada, named anonymous for her safety: *
“In reality, no female desires to be a part of this nightmare. Most of us were incarcerated in basements, underneath casinos and in abandoned warehouses. Our desperate cries for help were silenced by the walls, which separated us from the rest of the world. While tourists roamed the streets of Las Vegas admiring the architectural beauty and the celestial lights, which permeated the night sky, we, the victims, were in perpetual fear for our lives....
The sex trade pimps are incredibly organized, know how to blend into society and stage criminal activity as though it is “business as usual.” The scary scenario is not the every day casual clients, but it is the established businessmen, the upper echelon trustees and the government officials which are also clientele....
America needs to have its eyes open to this reality which is happening twenty-four hours a day. People need to understand that the master minds behind the sex trafficking are very clever, creative, deceptive and cautious regarding their services and the way in which they enslave women against their will. It is important to understand that pimps emerge from diverse social backgrounds....
They robbed me of five years, they thought they could break me. Yet, I am still standing and I will stand and voice my experience for the victims who are still held in captive of human trafficking.”
I ask, how can this not move you...enrage you? And imagine this being a CHILD. UNICEF estimates that 2 children per minute are trafficked for sexual exploitation per minute. Per minute. Parents (uncles, aunts, grandparents), can you imagine this being your child? What would you do? What can we do?
I know many of my friends and even family have looked at my recent talks about human trafficking and said, “oh, that’s nice. She found a charity.”
And then, I told my friends and family I was getting this quite unattractive (and very real) tattoo, on the palm of my hand, of a barcode with the words “End Slavery” under it. In this horrible industry, humans are sold and traded like merchandise, and some are even marked or tattooed by their pimps. This design, while ugly, proved powerful.
At first I received much criticism for choosing to tattoo a barcode on my body. Then I received more criticism for choosing to put it on my palm, being warned that it’s especially painful and may have to be retouched many times, if it lasts at all. All of that misses the point completely. It’s not meant to be aesthetically pleasing, and yes...it was very painful. And really, t’s uncomfortable for others to look at, at first. But it’s symbolic and, let’s be honest, a conversation starter. So love it or hate it, it’s there to stay, and will forever be a reminder of my commitment to this fight.
So, no; I did not find a charity. I found a bigger purpose, outside of myself, outside of my music and creating nice things. My heart intrinsically wants more, and I believe yours does, too.
**If you believe you are a victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) 24/7: 1-888-3737-888
A few organizations actively helping restore victims of sex trafficking and/or forced labor:
Polaris Project - www.polarisproject.org
iEmpathize - www.iempathize.org
Not For Sale - www.notforsalecampaign.org
CAST L.A. - www.castla.org
Girls Educational and Mentoring Services - www.gems-girls.org
Made by Survivors - www.madebysurvivors.com
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xoxo. melia
HEY LUCI YOUR MUSIC IS AMAZING IM A BIG FAN MAMI NICE MEETING YOU I WISH YOU THE BEST IN YOUR SUCCESS
Thank you for making the world a better place with your music. Happy Holidays> Network with us> Lets share the Love. Anton> Suicide Bunnies!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suicide-Bunnies/124133437653119?sk=app_2405167945
Suerte! :) Buena musica!
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