Sex Trafficking is something that we don't usually hear about unless we are actually paying attention and not blocking it out. At least 20.9 million adults and children are bought and sold worldwide into commercial sexual servitude, forced labor and bonded labor. Somehow we don't look at it because we don't want to focus on it. We want to pretend that this isn't happening, but hell, it is.
About 2 million children are exploited every year in the global commercial sex trade. We try to ignore it but it is happening every year. Survivors of trafficking tell stories of how they were isolated and were only used when they were sexually assaulted. Some even report they become pregnant and go through very unsafe abortions that can harm their body.
Some are forced to sleep with 50 men a day, and if they didn't, they would be beat with a stick, cut, or electrocuted. And, did you forget that some of these traffickers are children?
However, the U.S. is attempting to put a stop to this by discouraging prostitution and making organizations to help and recognize those who are traffickers. Although in other countries, it is hard to fight these crimes, especially in Brazil.
Somehow, we need to stand up. We need to help those who are in need.
1 (888) 373-7888
National Human Trafficking Resource Center
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Friday, May 8, 2015
Monday, April 20, 2015
Sexual Education
We learn about it ever since we get into school. But I believe we need more than two videos about menstruation and masturbation and a little more talk about condoms and our mental health. Although there is a lot of people in the world that don't even know about the females genitals and where they urinate. There are lots of people that are not sure of what there own body is made up at a young age.
Lots of people believe that sometimes teaching kids about sex at a young age isn't right. They believe it will make young boys more sexual and make girls more aroused, but in reality, it's better to teach young children about the dangers of sexual infections and other things that people seem to miss.
When I was in 3rd grade, all I could remember about sex education or changing in our bodies was when the boys went to one room and the girls stayed in another. On a small TV screen, they put in a tape, then we watched these girls talk about periods and other things that make people merely upset. But we never talked about any of it with the teacher. We just continued on and turned on the lights and went with class.
We should realize that we need to watch these types of things and know about these things. When I got my period for the first time, I was unsure and too afraid to tell anyone because I was afraid that there was something wrong with me. I got my period when I was around eleven and twelve. I was a "preteen" and had no idea what a period was.
Sexual education is important. We must teach young ones about it so they are open to the world and know what to expect.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Sexuality, Pronouns, and Misuses
These topics have been more popular over the years. There has been more fights for equal rights for those who are homosexual or those who are in the LGBT community. There are many lists of gender identities, sexual attractions, and even pronouns that tell someone what they wanted to be called, such as he/him or her/she.
Being a fifteen year old girl in my public high school, there is not much variations. There are a couple of my friends that identify themselves as asexual, which is not having sexual attraction or feelings towards any living person, doesn't matter about a gender. There are a couple that are gay and no one seems to fret over it. Although, from personal experiences, there are lots of people who do not like anyone who isn't straight.
I will just call this person a generic name, such as Michelle. Michelle wanted to get into a huge argument with me about how gays cannot raise kids because, I quote, "they will end up weird." This has always been the second biggest problem with homosexuals because people think that a child will see their mothers kiss and say, "Boy! I need to be like them!"
It's not totally true nor false. There hasn't been an actual survey done or research but there is an actual living celebrity that is married and has adopted children. If you didn't know, it's famous actor known as Neil Patrick Harris. He uploads constant photos of him and David Burtka, which is his husband, and his children enjoying their life together.
It is an Instagram post. It's not proven yet about if kids will grow up normal, but lots who support equal rights are for it. Those who do not support equal rights won't support the idea of gays adopting kids, which I guess is alright for them.
But there's always that option on a social website or a dating website about your gender and what you're interested in. Some people get really nervous and can't come to conclusion about what they even are. Lots of my internet friends are gender fluid, gender-less, or pansexual. (The possibilities are really endless.) It doesn't make me look down at them, though. It's whatever they really want in their life.
There are pronouns that people use also which I had also explained in the intro. On this website, it explains all of the pronouns that are used and could be used as your identity. He, she, it, and they are all pronouns that can be used for yourself. Although, if someone you didn't know talked about you, they might misuse it.
If you are born as a male, and someone calls you as him/he, you would maybe get a little offended. It's hard to know for sure. If someone does misuse it just politely correct them and tell them your actual pronouns. There was recently a death of a transgender teenager named Leealah Alcorn who killed herself due to the fact her parents were very religious and wanted her to be her actual gender, which was male. There were many articles that misused her pronouns and called her a him and made lots of people angry.
There are always going to be people in the world who do not care about pronouns, sexuality, and gender identity. But to speak from this generation, we are getting better. There has been many incidents in the whole entire world about people who aren't straight or "normal." But it is getting a lot better and we are trying to fight for equal rights, and soon enough, we will get them.
Friday, March 13, 2015
School Dress Codes
There has been some controversial topics about the school dress code lately, and now that warm weather is getting closer, there are some important things to know about dress codes that are entitled in public schools.
One of the most generic dress code is the "fingertip rule" which means shorts or skirts must extend beyond the fingertips. As this is totally reasonable, I think there are some other things that can be acceptable. As a fifteen year old sophomore, I had gotten these two inch platforms and tights that were black and cute. I always wear black shorts underneath my skirt or dress, just because I don't want to feel uncomfortable if I need to move around or if I was too lazy to cross my legs all day and act lady like.
Although, as soon as I walk into the high school, the assistant principal stops me with my boyfriend and told me that my skirt was not passing fingertip length. I said it did and that I was wearing shorts underneath, but then he told me to go to the office and put on some black sweatpants, which by the way, embarrassed me a little and made me feel self conscious. Luckily, I tried to avoid him during the day and other teachers remarks.
I went home to tell my mother who was a bit upset with the fact that they told me to change, even if I was wearing shorts underneath my skirt. My mom and brother said there was nothing really long with the outfit. No gang related symbols or my whole stomach out or anything like that, but somehow he stopped me and told me it was not right to wear that.
I understand if my whole you-know-what was out, but it wasn't. I especially wear shorts underneath so you can't see my whole you-know-what. There has been many people who would have said my clothing was inappropriate, but hey! It's not. I believe that everyone has the right to express them self, as long as there is no nudity or anything that can be considered "dangerous."
Although, this hasn't been the first time I have got pulled over from my daily schedule and told to go change. Leggings are something that is not to be worn in school without a shirt or sweater covering your bottom. And there are even school that have banned leggings for being a distraction to other students.
We are teaching girls that we must cover up our body. Such as some schools, we can't show shoulders or wear tank tops with thin straps. We are teaching girls that we can't be happy with our body and we must hide it. That they are deserved to be punished and to switch out of their clothing.
My own boyfriend had a chain that clipped to his pant loops, and was told almost every single day to take it off because it is dangerous. My own brother had to stop wearing chains because it was dangerous. There is something not right about this situation.
The school dress code is something that needs to be edited to an extent. We need to teach girls and boys to respect each other. There is nothing wrong on what we wear or how we dress our hair. We're all humans and we can act with respect.
One of the most generic dress code is the "fingertip rule" which means shorts or skirts must extend beyond the fingertips. As this is totally reasonable, I think there are some other things that can be acceptable. As a fifteen year old sophomore, I had gotten these two inch platforms and tights that were black and cute. I always wear black shorts underneath my skirt or dress, just because I don't want to feel uncomfortable if I need to move around or if I was too lazy to cross my legs all day and act lady like.
Although, as soon as I walk into the high school, the assistant principal stops me with my boyfriend and told me that my skirt was not passing fingertip length. I said it did and that I was wearing shorts underneath, but then he told me to go to the office and put on some black sweatpants, which by the way, embarrassed me a little and made me feel self conscious. Luckily, I tried to avoid him during the day and other teachers remarks.
I went home to tell my mother who was a bit upset with the fact that they told me to change, even if I was wearing shorts underneath my skirt. My mom and brother said there was nothing really long with the outfit. No gang related symbols or my whole stomach out or anything like that, but somehow he stopped me and told me it was not right to wear that.
I understand if my whole you-know-what was out, but it wasn't. I especially wear shorts underneath so you can't see my whole you-know-what. There has been many people who would have said my clothing was inappropriate, but hey! It's not. I believe that everyone has the right to express them self, as long as there is no nudity or anything that can be considered "dangerous."
Although, this hasn't been the first time I have got pulled over from my daily schedule and told to go change. Leggings are something that is not to be worn in school without a shirt or sweater covering your bottom. And there are even school that have banned leggings for being a distraction to other students.
We are teaching girls that we must cover up our body. Such as some schools, we can't show shoulders or wear tank tops with thin straps. We are teaching girls that we can't be happy with our body and we must hide it. That they are deserved to be punished and to switch out of their clothing.
My own boyfriend had a chain that clipped to his pant loops, and was told almost every single day to take it off because it is dangerous. My own brother had to stop wearing chains because it was dangerous. There is something not right about this situation.
The school dress code is something that needs to be edited to an extent. We need to teach girls and boys to respect each other. There is nothing wrong on what we wear or how we dress our hair. We're all humans and we can act with respect.
Monday, March 2, 2015
FYI: Rape Jokes Aren't Funny
There seems to some people that there isn't a line when it comes to rape jokes. Even how vicious this sounds and seems hard to believe, people accidentally make rape jokes or just plain out use them to humor people because it is "funny."
Imagine this: a twelve year old girl who was sexually assaulted and raped while intoxicated got pushed around and laughed at by other people, telling her she deserved it because of her actions by drinking while underage. This girl continued to blame herself, and understood that it was funny and she was a big, big joke.
That twelve year old girl was me.
Many people on the internet said that rape while you're intoxicated (could be off drugs, marijuana, alcohol, etc.) doesn't count as rape. My old boyfriend told me that "it wasn't rape. Rape is when you are screaming no. Just because you were drunk doesn't mean it was rape." And I took this to heart, that is until a counselor told me that even if I was naked on the street with a bottle in my hand, it was still rape.
Even today, it's hard. When people ask me if I am a virgin, I can't handle the conversation and just shake my head and pray that they won't ask again. I lost my virginity to a boy older than me who thought it would be a great idea to do have sex because it was "easier," and I needed to ease up a bit and forget my pledge to stay a virgin.
I was twelve.
Here I am, nearly sixteen, and people are still saying those stupid, stupid rape jokes. On the Rolling Stone article it talked about how a girl was gang-raped and lost many friends and respect. And in the hallways of our school, if there is some rumor about a girl who was raped, they laugh.
It took me four years of therapy (and still enrolled) to even come out and say what had happened. I ignored it for 7 months the first time it happened. Then when I was in the hospital, they forced me to say what had happened, leaving me out to the open. My parents were understanding and had much rage towards the boy, but my friends had told me I deserved it. People called me a slut and whore.
I had to go to the police station and talk to a detective. She never called me back. There is 100,000 assaults. 1,000 rapists sentenced. Most of the time, those who are raped never tell anyone. It was hard for me too at the time.
There are still people who are making rape jokes even today online like Dustin Penner. There are still lists for rape jokes everywhere possible.
And I, and many others, do not find your rape jokes funny.
Imagine this: a twelve year old girl who was sexually assaulted and raped while intoxicated got pushed around and laughed at by other people, telling her she deserved it because of her actions by drinking while underage. This girl continued to blame herself, and understood that it was funny and she was a big, big joke.
That twelve year old girl was me.
Many people on the internet said that rape while you're intoxicated (could be off drugs, marijuana, alcohol, etc.) doesn't count as rape. My old boyfriend told me that "it wasn't rape. Rape is when you are screaming no. Just because you were drunk doesn't mean it was rape." And I took this to heart, that is until a counselor told me that even if I was naked on the street with a bottle in my hand, it was still rape.
Even today, it's hard. When people ask me if I am a virgin, I can't handle the conversation and just shake my head and pray that they won't ask again. I lost my virginity to a boy older than me who thought it would be a great idea to do have sex because it was "easier," and I needed to ease up a bit and forget my pledge to stay a virgin.
I was twelve.
Here I am, nearly sixteen, and people are still saying those stupid, stupid rape jokes. On the Rolling Stone article it talked about how a girl was gang-raped and lost many friends and respect. And in the hallways of our school, if there is some rumor about a girl who was raped, they laugh.
It took me four years of therapy (and still enrolled) to even come out and say what had happened. I ignored it for 7 months the first time it happened. Then when I was in the hospital, they forced me to say what had happened, leaving me out to the open. My parents were understanding and had much rage towards the boy, but my friends had told me I deserved it. People called me a slut and whore.
I had to go to the police station and talk to a detective. She never called me back. There is 100,000 assaults. 1,000 rapists sentenced. Most of the time, those who are raped never tell anyone. It was hard for me too at the time.
There are still people who are making rape jokes even today online like Dustin Penner. There are still lists for rape jokes everywhere possible.
And I, and many others, do not find your rape jokes funny.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Feminist "Nazis" Do Exist, But So Do Real Feminists!
If you take a quick search on Google with the unfinished sentence, "feminists are," you'll find out that lots of people don't like feminists. A couple of the suggested words to finish the sentence are ugly, annoying, gross, crazy, and even hypocritical.
The main picture of what people usually see as a feminist is a woman who is pudgy, maybe even overweight in some minds, and has not shaved for a long time and screams at men, "STOP BEING ABUSERS! YOU STEPPED ON THE BACK OF MY SHOE!"
This, in many cases, isn't exactly true.
When I was around twelve years old, I didn't really discover feminism until I found it out on the internet with bias opinions on how feminists are angry and virgins that are lonely and have no friends, so in their mean time, blame men. Of course, I was twelve years old! I wanted to fit in, to be cool and with the internet fad. I began to hate any girl that was recognized as a feminist, but I didn't really know anything about what they fought for. Instead of searching it up, I thought what everyone else thought.
Around 2013, I began to learn about feminists and equal rights. Lots of people get the real definition of feminism wrong, which is in a simple statement, equality for both genders. I started to realize that lots of the reasons why more people should join and be a feminist, was good. And in 2014 was when I officially started to go onto the path of feminism.
Now, don't get me wrong here, there are people that are feminists but in most cases don't understand the definition of feminism, like I stated earlier. There are lots of feminists that are rude for no reason and want lots of attention towards females. Janet Bloomfield did an article why feminists are like Nazis, which is somewhat understandable. I'm not going to lie and say there are those who hate men for no reason, and if there is a chance to blame a man, they will. It happens, a lot.
Some examples of times where feminists blamed men is when Robin Thicke came out with the song "Blurred Lines," which led into a controversial topic about how his song is actually relating to raping someone. And also when the internet fad of this shirt became a phrase that shames woman and implying that they're always cooking/in the kitchen.
These can be looked at in different ways. But there are real feminists that are working on real "problems," such as Beyonce after she opens up and told everyone that she was a feminist. There is also multiple organizations that even allows you to donate or even sign up to keep updated, such as NOW.
Like I had said before, there are going to be those sexist "feminists" who will use anything for an excuse. But there are also real feminists who are working on issues that is in our world today. Even with me being a feminist, I try to stay alert and I will always fight for what I believe in.
The main picture of what people usually see as a feminist is a woman who is pudgy, maybe even overweight in some minds, and has not shaved for a long time and screams at men, "STOP BEING ABUSERS! YOU STEPPED ON THE BACK OF MY SHOE!"
This, in many cases, isn't exactly true.
When I was around twelve years old, I didn't really discover feminism until I found it out on the internet with bias opinions on how feminists are angry and virgins that are lonely and have no friends, so in their mean time, blame men. Of course, I was twelve years old! I wanted to fit in, to be cool and with the internet fad. I began to hate any girl that was recognized as a feminist, but I didn't really know anything about what they fought for. Instead of searching it up, I thought what everyone else thought.
Around 2013, I began to learn about feminists and equal rights. Lots of people get the real definition of feminism wrong, which is in a simple statement, equality for both genders. I started to realize that lots of the reasons why more people should join and be a feminist, was good. And in 2014 was when I officially started to go onto the path of feminism.
Now, don't get me wrong here, there are people that are feminists but in most cases don't understand the definition of feminism, like I stated earlier. There are lots of feminists that are rude for no reason and want lots of attention towards females. Janet Bloomfield did an article why feminists are like Nazis, which is somewhat understandable. I'm not going to lie and say there are those who hate men for no reason, and if there is a chance to blame a man, they will. It happens, a lot.
Some examples of times where feminists blamed men is when Robin Thicke came out with the song "Blurred Lines," which led into a controversial topic about how his song is actually relating to raping someone. And also when the internet fad of this shirt became a phrase that shames woman and implying that they're always cooking/in the kitchen.
These can be looked at in different ways. But there are real feminists that are working on real "problems," such as Beyonce after she opens up and told everyone that she was a feminist. There is also multiple organizations that even allows you to donate or even sign up to keep updated, such as NOW.
Like I had said before, there are going to be those sexist "feminists" who will use anything for an excuse. But there are also real feminists who are working on issues that is in our world today. Even with me being a feminist, I try to stay alert and I will always fight for what I believe in.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Sports Illustrated Cover Wasn't Intentional
If you happen to have an issue of the Sports Illustrated, or the time to even look up the latest swimsuit edition, you can either be totally petrified or could think that the model, Hannah Davis, is doing well for herself. (Or other things that cannot be said out-loud about your "arousal.")
In the cover, Davis is pulling down her bikini-bottom and showing a bit of her lady parts, giving off a red flag for some who think it is pornographic. People are freaking out and making this conversational about how the young children will see this on the streets in New York and say, "Gosh golly-gee mommy! Look at her!"
When I was around eleven years old, I began to find that I really liked Hannah Montana, or famously known now as Miley Cyrus. And in 2010, she started to become more different than I expected. Just like in her music video "Can't Be Tamed," she changed a lot and was more expressed. When in 2009, she pole danced at the KCA, it didn't really made me think all that much, just because I wasn't super judgmental, plus she was still the TV star that I admired.
As herself now, she is more outgoing and wild. She even took a topless photo to support "Free The Nipple Campaign," which is a group of people who want to stop censorship on websites for females exposure, such as breasts. Although I was only eleven, I didn't judge her, and she was more likely a role-model, even if she did pole dance at a kid's choice awards show. And now I'm almost sixteen, and still admire her for supporting females and being body-positive.
But, even if I liked her, lots of people didn't. On social media, her photos have been taken down due to her breasts being shown. Comments were left on her Insatgram, telling lots of things like, "Kill yourself whore!" Or even, "Die you stupid slut!" And the same exact thing is happening to Hannah Davis.
People are saying it's very risky and it is wrong to even post on the cover of a swimsuit magazine, even though there has been more of these covers just like Davis. If you Google search the covers for SI swimsuit magazines, you'll find a lot more. How come people are so angry about this one cover?
Apparently to lots, it is pornographic and not enjoyable, just because it shows a bit of lady parts. Even though men who are former Disney stars that wear Calvin Klein and are known as a "blessing" and "hot," this is pornographic. But it's not!
Guess what? There are many Playboy Magazines that are on stands that are much worse than this, and you're worried about your child to see THIS particular magazine that isn't even as explicit as porn magazines? Children who do even see it won't really think of anything. Although Hannah Davis isn't a Disney star or well-known to children, I doubt this would cause them to think about sex already or think, "Wow, today I'm going to go home and learn all about Hannah Davis! WOW!" I doubt this as much as I can.
Miley Cyrus, Hannah Davis, and many others who have been hated for doing something "risky," aren't exactly risky at all. They both took this matter respectfully or with full throttle, but either way, this shouldn't be a problem to those who think that it is making woman look like a sexual object. Females rock. A lot.
Miley Cyrus, Hannah Davis, and many others who have been hated for doing something "risky," aren't exactly risky at all. They both took this matter respectfully or with full throttle, but either way, this shouldn't be a problem to those who think that it is making woman look like a sexual object. Females rock. A lot.
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