I debated on posting this because these posts are not always the most popular.
Here's how my self-argument went:
Fight-for-the-cause-Me: Wow! I have to post on this! Crazy!
Be-a-cool-blogger-Me: Um, probably not. This video is a little creepy. Eww.
Fight-for-the-cause-Me: Of course it's creepy. Sexual slavery is creepy, duh.
Be-a-cool-blogger-Me: Yeah, but this is not what my readers want to read early morning. It's not the most fun thing to think about.
Fight-for-the-cause-Me: That's not true. You've got great readers who care. You have to trust them.
So here I am--trusting you all! This video is a bit creepy, but before you watch, here are the facts*:
- The Candy Shop is a film initiative to help fight against child sex trafficking.
- The film is a Fairytale/Parable about the child sex trafficking epidemic that has overrun our city of Atlanta. We are using the film to not only raise awareness but provoke meaningful action towards this issue taking place in our own backyard.
- Up to 500 underaged girls a month are trafficked for sex in Atlanta. (That's the USA, guys!)
- It’s the number one city in the country for child sex trafficking.
- The 10th in the world.
- This plague has gone on for too long, and now we at Whitestone, in cooperation with Doorpost, 12Stone® Church and StreetGrace want to put a stop to it.
- This film represents the spearhead of a citywide and possibly a nationwide campaign.
- It is not a documentary. It is not a PSA. It is the beginning of a movement.
This video is just a trailer for the 30-minute long film. It's a bit creepy, yes, but not unwatchable.
Beware: It might make you feel something. It might make you want to look into the cause more. Please, please, let it. Also, if you have any questions about how to get involved, please email me at sarahannsbonmot@gmail.com.
*taken directly from this site.
Wow... that video brings up so many emotions. Anger, sadness, determination to help, etc. It was hard to watch but I'm so glad you posted it. It's an issue that can't be ignored even for the blogging world. Thank you so much for sharing! People cannot try to help what they are not aware of!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting! Sex slavery is an issue I care a lot about. This movie shows little white girls as opposed to Asians and, sadly, I think people will react differently to that.
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed at how limited reaction the social activism posts get. So good for you (and you presented it in a brilliant way).
This is quite creepy, but like the film said, it's supply and DEMAND...which is frankly sick and disgusting.
ReplyDeleteYall have sex slaves, we have kidnapping (In PHX) but it's happening in the United States like you said and not JUST in other third world countries. This amazes me.
These are children; neices, nephews, cousins, god-children, sisters, daughters, sons.
These things weigh heavy on my heart and Im off to pray right now.
Thanks for posting about this Sarah. I can't believe that child sex slavery happening in Atlanta...it makes me sick, but it also motivates me to get out there and do something about it.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that the "fight-for-the-cause" you won your debate. People need to know about this. Something needs to be done.
WOW! Thank you for sharing this. Seriously. Is it a christian film?
ReplyDeleteI also blogged today about an award I got and passed it along to YOU!
Have an awesome day :)
That really is frightening. I hope this wakes people up to the reality outside their proverbial white picket fences...my own included. Where and when will this movie be shown?
ReplyDeleteI saw this several weeks ago on another blog. I'm so glad you chose to post it. Word DOES need to get out about this... it's the only way to stop such horror. I'm looking into it a little more...
ReplyDeleteugh. vomit. not on you or the film, but on the whole thing ever. do you know how to be able to have a showing of that film or anything, or if they're going to do them around? I'm no good with navigating websites and I spent awhile on their site trying to find something about it.
ReplyDeletethanks for posting, though, even if I read it first thing in the morning. Christians need to spend more time burning with holy anger in response to the injustices of the vulnerable.
i'm so glad the 'fight for the cause you' won and you shared this! wow that really gives me goose bumps and just freaks me out. but i am so glad you are spreading the word. i am going to research this a little more and start PRAYING for all of those children.
ReplyDeleteThis issue always affects me. I used to teach a book about it in my classroom, and I have a friend who's going to law school in hopes of pursuing a career that prosecutes this kind of crime more effectively.
ReplyDeleteThe simple fact that so many of us turn a blind eye to the sexual exploitation of children is heart-breaking.
Wow Sarah. Thanks for sharing this. It makes my heart (and stomach quite frankly) hurt to think about this, and the statistics behind it. SO sick and disgusting. As a mother of 2 young girls, that is one of my greatest fears. I cannot believe how real it is, and how common it is in Atlanta.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely check into it more, to see how I can help/become involved/more aware.
Hope you have a wonderful afternoon girl!
xoxo
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI was especially shocked by the stat that up to 500 underaged girls a month are trafficked in Atlanta. Thank you for sharing this and bringing awareness to this issue. And yes, the video was a bit creepy, but awareness needs to be brought to this problem
ReplyDeleteyes the video is creepy, but it's meant to be. it's meant to show how creepy this whole industry is and how we should stop it. i'm glad you decided to share this :)
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by my blog and for following me, i've followed you back and look forward to more of your posts!
- the runaway
I'm glad you posted it. It's something we need to watch, to be educated. Not to be ignorant and think that everything in life is just hunky dory!
ReplyDeleteWow Sarah. I'm so glad you posted about this. My eyes were opened to this when Justin and I watched a Dateline or 60 minutes (can't remember which) episode about sex trafficking about a year ago which got me very interested in the cause. I was angry, sad, frustrated, overwhelmed...so many emotions after watching it. I didn't want to watch it...but couldn't take my eyes off it. The film clip you included is such an intriguing way to capture audiences on this awful situation. I had NO idea it was happening in the US at such a high rate. I would be more interested in information on where and how to get the full video to show once it's out. Also, ideas on how to present it to a group/congregation at church. Small group material? Whole church material? Do you know what's going to be available with this video and what the next steps are? How could we help in blog world? Surely enough of us could put our hearts and minds together to get more movement in this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! Your conviction in Christ is so compelling and contagious!
Wow. I had no idea. Thanks for having the courage to post this.
ReplyDeleteSwinging over from lowercase letters.
Excited to follow all your adventures now, I'll be back for more.
The Survival Mama
great post! thanks so much for it!!! not creepy!
ReplyDeletethelibertybelleblog.blogspot.com
Oh I am so glad you got the video on your page! Thanks for doing this girl!!
ReplyDeleteyou go lady! there is also that inner battle between passionate social justicer and cool blogger
ReplyDeleteand human trafficking is something that always weighs so heavy on my heart as well.
awareness is what brings about change.
now off to stalk your adorable blog!
this is so heartbreaking. I think it is great that you are getting awareness out. My sister works with organizations to stop human trafficking and so many people don't know a thing about it.
ReplyDelete