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In Our Backyard: Human Trafficking in America and What We Can Do to Stop It
This book is the primer on human trafficking in North America.
In recent years, Americans have woken up to the reality that human trafficking is not just something that happens in other countries. But what most still do not understand is that neither is it something that just happens to "other people" such as runaways or the disenfranchised. The human trafficker is no respecter of faith, education, or socioeconomic status, and even kids who are raised in solid families in middle and upper class suburbs can fall victim. Likewise, labor trafficking happens in our cities, neighborhoods, and rural areas.
Through true stories and years of boots-on-the-ground experience, including at the Super Bowl, anti-trafficking expert Nita Belles teaches readers everything they need to know about human trafficking in the United States and what they can do to join the fight against it. She helps concerned parents, friends, teachers, law enforcement, government officials, and other leaders understand all forms of trafficking, identify risk factors, and take practical steps to keep their loved ones and neighbors safe from predators.
In recent years, Americans have woken up to the reality that human trafficking is not just something that happens in other countries. But what most still do not understand is that neither is it something that just happens to "other people" such as runaways or the disenfranchised. The human trafficker is no respecter of faith, education, or socioeconomic status, and even kids who are raised in solid families in middle and upper class suburbs can fall victim. Likewise, labor trafficking happens in our cities, neighborhoods, and rural areas.
Through true stories and years of boots-on-the-ground experience, including at the Super Bowl, anti-trafficking expert Nita Belles teaches readers everything they need to know about human trafficking in the United States and what they can do to join the fight against it. She helps concerned parents, friends, teachers, law enforcement, government officials, and other leaders understand all forms of trafficking, identify risk factors, and take practical steps to keep their loved ones and neighbors safe from predators.
236 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2011
86 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
About the author
Nita Belles
2 books3 followersNita Belles has worked with victims and survivors of domestic violence for many years. Presently, as the Central Oregon Regional Director for Oregonians Against Trafficking Humans (OATH), she focuses on helping victims and survivors of human trafficking and raising awareness about modern-day slavery. A former associate pastor, she holds a master's degree in theology with a concentration in women's concerns.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 25, 2015
~Disclaimer: I received this book for free in a giveaway~
I'm very conflicted as to how to review this book. I wasn't sure what star rating I wanted to give it either.
It had some issues.
Pros: Some good resources are provided, warning signs for what to look for, generally strong definitions of the issues, a variety of different kinds of trafficking discussed and I feel the authors heart is in the right place.
Cons: Very negative on pornography (made statements connecting between buying sex and watching porn as though if you do one the other follows. Did have a disclaimers statement, but the was obviously the message the author wanted to send). Very sex worker negative in general. Made claims that most porn workers are treated as slaves (105) and "I have heard of everything from severe injuries to death as a result of the severe violence that is now commonplace in pornography"(113) I cannot find sources to that effect for the USA (at least not from a reputable source) and the author did not source that statement. Author made the statement that even those who choose to go into sex work don't like it. Not okay with legalized sex work. I feel the author should talk to legal sex workers before making these statements. The author got very repetitive at points.
Might be a pro or con depending: religious tones, some resources religion based
I'm very conflicted as to how to review this book. I wasn't sure what star rating I wanted to give it either.
It had some issues.
Pros: Some good resources are provided, warning signs for what to look for, generally strong definitions of the issues, a variety of different kinds of trafficking discussed and I feel the authors heart is in the right place.
Cons: Very negative on pornography (made statements connecting between buying sex and watching porn as though if you do one the other follows. Did have a disclaimers statement, but the was obviously the message the author wanted to send). Very sex worker negative in general. Made claims that most porn workers are treated as slaves (105) and "I have heard of everything from severe injuries to death as a result of the severe violence that is now commonplace in pornography"(113) I cannot find sources to that effect for the USA (at least not from a reputable source) and the author did not source that statement. Author made the statement that even those who choose to go into sex work don't like it. Not okay with legalized sex work. I feel the author should talk to legal sex workers before making these statements. The author got very repetitive at points.
Might be a pro or con depending: religious tones, some resources religion based
August 27, 2017
I received a copy of this book through Audiofile Sync's summer reading for teens program absolutely free of charge with no strings attached. This is my honest review.
This is a book that pretty much everyone should read, just so that they're aware of how prevalent this problem is. I was astonished at some of the ways human trafficking is perpetrated in the US, and most of the stories included in this book absolutely horrified me. I just have a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea that humans can be that cruel to other humans, which is part of why human trafficking can happen in the first place according to this book.
Read t he rest of my review on my blog. --> http://justanothergirlandherbooks.blo...
This is a book that pretty much everyone should read, just so that they're aware of how prevalent this problem is. I was astonished at some of the ways human trafficking is perpetrated in the US, and most of the stories included in this book absolutely horrified me. I just have a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea that humans can be that cruel to other humans, which is part of why human trafficking can happen in the first place according to this book.
Read t he rest of my review on my blog. --> http://justanothergirlandherbooks.blo...
May 10, 2018
"Human trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transporting, obtaining, or maintaining of a person by means of force, fraud, or coercion for purpose of involuntary servitude, debt bondage, slavery, or a commercial sex act or any commercial sex act in which the person performing the act is under eighteen years old. And while the word trafficking denotes movement, physical movement is not a requisite. ...trafficking is the exploitation of vulnerability. Trafficking by its very nature implies movement - and the movement is from vulnerability to the exploitation of that vulnerability."
"Average age for entry into sex trafficking is 12-14 for girls and 11-13 for boys."
An organization called Slavery Footprint has a quiz you can take to find out how you have unsuspectingly helped to perpetuate human trafficking. This free information is at www.slaveryfootprint.org.
"Each of us can do something, whether it's talking to our neighbors about the issue of human trafficking, donating time and/or money to anti-trafficking groups, or praying to stop this atrocity."
As consumers we can insist on fair-trade products. "Purchasing fair-trade products is one of the best and safest ways to ensure that the goods we purchase are not tainted with slavery."
"This [Human trafficking] is the second-largest and fastest-growing crime in the world."
"The fight to free about 27 million people living in slavery - from nearly every nation and territory on earth - seems like a truly impossible task. Even the notion of freeing the hundreds of thousands of trafficked individuals in this country [USA] seems unattainable. ...people are making a difference. I see part of our job as anti-trafficking activists as making it hard to be a trafficker. Together we can do this.
If awareness is raised and industries are united against trafficking; if children are aware and tell someone responsible when they are approached; if the nation becomes so aware that we designate dollars for servers for runaways so they don't feel their only opinion is to get help from a trafficker; if the nation becomes so aware that we designate dollars for professional and loving shelters for both minors and adult survivors; if we all speak up at every opportunity instead of turning a deaf ear - we can do this."
"We can stop human trafficking in our backyard in our lifetime."
Human trafficking is not just something that happens in other countries. Neither is it something that just happens to "other people" such as runaways or the disenfranchised. Even kids in your own neighbourhood can fall victim . But they don't have to.
Through true stories and expertise from her many years of experience, anti-trafficking expert Nita Belles teaches you everything you need to know about human trafficking in the United States, helping you identify risk factors, take practical steps to keep your loved ones and neighbours safe from predators , and recognize trafficking around you in order to help fight it.
"The aptly titled IN OUR BACKYARD is superb. Belles compellingly calls for action based on the truth that every human life is of equal, enormous value." - Quote by Mark Lagos, former US ambassador and director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP)
The book IN OUR BACKYARD by Nita Belles is both shocking and "eye opening". Everyone should read it.
4****strong stars
"Average age for entry into sex trafficking is 12-14 for girls and 11-13 for boys."
An organization called Slavery Footprint has a quiz you can take to find out how you have unsuspectingly helped to perpetuate human trafficking. This free information is at www.slaveryfootprint.org.
"Each of us can do something, whether it's talking to our neighbors about the issue of human trafficking, donating time and/or money to anti-trafficking groups, or praying to stop this atrocity."
As consumers we can insist on fair-trade products. "Purchasing fair-trade products is one of the best and safest ways to ensure that the goods we purchase are not tainted with slavery."
"This [Human trafficking] is the second-largest and fastest-growing crime in the world."
"The fight to free about 27 million people living in slavery - from nearly every nation and territory on earth - seems like a truly impossible task. Even the notion of freeing the hundreds of thousands of trafficked individuals in this country [USA] seems unattainable. ...people are making a difference. I see part of our job as anti-trafficking activists as making it hard to be a trafficker. Together we can do this.
If awareness is raised and industries are united against trafficking; if children are aware and tell someone responsible when they are approached; if the nation becomes so aware that we designate dollars for servers for runaways so they don't feel their only opinion is to get help from a trafficker; if the nation becomes so aware that we designate dollars for professional and loving shelters for both minors and adult survivors; if we all speak up at every opportunity instead of turning a deaf ear - we can do this."
"We can stop human trafficking in our backyard in our lifetime."
Human trafficking is not just something that happens in other countries. Neither is it something that just happens to "other people" such as runaways or the disenfranchised. Even kids in your own neighbourhood can fall victim . But they don't have to.
Through true stories and expertise from her many years of experience, anti-trafficking expert Nita Belles teaches you everything you need to know about human trafficking in the United States, helping you identify risk factors, take practical steps to keep your loved ones and neighbours safe from predators , and recognize trafficking around you in order to help fight it.
"The aptly titled IN OUR BACKYARD is superb. Belles compellingly calls for action based on the truth that every human life is of equal, enormous value." - Quote by Mark Lagos, former US ambassador and director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP)
The book IN OUR BACKYARD by Nita Belles is both shocking and "eye opening". Everyone should read it.
4****strong stars
Read
August 8, 2022"All the traffickers ask of us is that we do nothing."
Read
September 29, 2020This is a good (feels like a terrible word to use, given the subject matter) crash course in the topic of human trafficking. The book can be a little repetitive, and was a bit more religious-leaning than I prefer, but wasn’t over the top. Some of the author’s personal opinions seep into the narrative at times too, so it doesn’t always feel like an objective read. But she’s very passionate about the subject, and her desire for the victims to find the care they need is clear, which makes up for a lot.
Recommended to anyone who is curious about the horrors of human trafficking.
Recommended to anyone who is curious about the horrors of human trafficking.
Read
July 19, 2011This is a book I wrote. For reviews go to: http://nitabelles.com/page5.php
January 5, 2020
This book was very informative and gave many true examples of different types of human trafficking. The author was knowledgeable, passionate but maybe a bit too preachy for me. She provided clues to look for excellent resources and further information to use if and when the reader suspects trafficking. A well researched read.
November 17, 2018
Great overview of the problem and ways to address it.
July 20, 2018
I don't know where to start.
On the one hand, I'm sure Nita Belles is helping lots of people. On the other, I feel like she's doing lots of damage. This book was part of audiobooksync's program to get free audiobooks into the hands of the 13+ crowd. I get why this book would be included, but it really grinds me that young women are being told that: 1. their sexuality and bodies are shameful, and wanting to have sex means they're somehow going to end up being pimped out, 2. hip hop culture is 100% to blame.
I'm not christian, and not American, so I'm decidedly not the target audience for this book. Apparently, in the author's view of christianity, people need to be told that they're not inherently better than others, that their humanity is not worth more than that of others. This is in line with some of the worst "christians" I have ever met - the ones that assume that because they are christian, because they go to church, they're somehow worth more than everyone else. That they have a good life because they're christian, and not because they're white and middle class and born that way. I have never in my life needed to be told that a migrant worker, a janitor, a fast food restaurant employee, was equal to me, was worthy of respect and dignity.
The little stabs of racism throughout the book were pretty awful. Slavery in the old south was not better than current slavery because the people involved had some sort of value. Livestock have some sort of value. Feeling the need to point out that other religions were used in defense of slavery (and not just christianity) is a bit of a tell. Hip hop culture does not create objectification of women - generally, it's the suburban white rich kids who consume that version of hip hop. Deriding kids who wear their pants "too low" as future pimps is too ignorant for words.
Women's sexuality is not shameful. Women who actually choose to do sex work would benefit from legalization; it would keep them safer and penalize those who seek to take advantage of them. Possibly a world where women are given equal value to men, which many evangelical christian religions do not do, would actually see the eradication of the circumstances which lead women to choose this work. I noted that Ms. Belles did not relay the experience of anyone who did this work by choice, other than to handwave it as them being brainwashed. We'll notice that prostitution is not currently legal, and yet, here we are, with human trafficking happening.
People don't need to be from "a good, christian home" to be worthy of our empathy. Some people are in bad circumstances, and become victims. Some people just make a string of bad choices, and end up becoming victims. Some people never learn how to make good choices. This doesn't make any one person any less worthy of our help than any other.
Those who have been victimized do not need to forgive those who victimize them. Generally, if someone is pushing you to forgive someone who's hurt you before you're ready, it's for their good and not yours.
Lastly, I'm a victim of abuse. I know several victims of abuse. The narrative that victims of abuse are hurting, and need to hurt someone, is pile of complete BS that diminishes the pain that those of us who suffered abuse and decided that our experience is a guide in how to NOT treat people, EVER, because we don't ever want anyone to feel like that. Even a heathen like me understands that.
The version of christianity that Nita Belles subscribes to seems to be a bit perverted. She claims a master's degree, but lists no institution. I'm left suspicious that this master's is either from a non-accredited institution (see: Kent Hovind, among others,) or one that discourages critical thinking. Either way, this woman could benefit from a slightly wider realm of experience.
On the one hand, I'm sure Nita Belles is helping lots of people. On the other, I feel like she's doing lots of damage. This book was part of audiobooksync's program to get free audiobooks into the hands of the 13+ crowd. I get why this book would be included, but it really grinds me that young women are being told that: 1. their sexuality and bodies are shameful, and wanting to have sex means they're somehow going to end up being pimped out, 2. hip hop culture is 100% to blame.
I'm not christian, and not American, so I'm decidedly not the target audience for this book. Apparently, in the author's view of christianity, people need to be told that they're not inherently better than others, that their humanity is not worth more than that of others. This is in line with some of the worst "christians" I have ever met - the ones that assume that because they are christian, because they go to church, they're somehow worth more than everyone else. That they have a good life because they're christian, and not because they're white and middle class and born that way. I have never in my life needed to be told that a migrant worker, a janitor, a fast food restaurant employee, was equal to me, was worthy of respect and dignity.
The little stabs of racism throughout the book were pretty awful. Slavery in the old south was not better than current slavery because the people involved had some sort of value. Livestock have some sort of value. Feeling the need to point out that other religions were used in defense of slavery (and not just christianity) is a bit of a tell. Hip hop culture does not create objectification of women - generally, it's the suburban white rich kids who consume that version of hip hop. Deriding kids who wear their pants "too low" as future pimps is too ignorant for words.
Women's sexuality is not shameful. Women who actually choose to do sex work would benefit from legalization; it would keep them safer and penalize those who seek to take advantage of them. Possibly a world where women are given equal value to men, which many evangelical christian religions do not do, would actually see the eradication of the circumstances which lead women to choose this work. I noted that Ms. Belles did not relay the experience of anyone who did this work by choice, other than to handwave it as them being brainwashed. We'll notice that prostitution is not currently legal, and yet, here we are, with human trafficking happening.
People don't need to be from "a good, christian home" to be worthy of our empathy. Some people are in bad circumstances, and become victims. Some people just make a string of bad choices, and end up becoming victims. Some people never learn how to make good choices. This doesn't make any one person any less worthy of our help than any other.
Those who have been victimized do not need to forgive those who victimize them. Generally, if someone is pushing you to forgive someone who's hurt you before you're ready, it's for their good and not yours.
Lastly, I'm a victim of abuse. I know several victims of abuse. The narrative that victims of abuse are hurting, and need to hurt someone, is pile of complete BS that diminishes the pain that those of us who suffered abuse and decided that our experience is a guide in how to NOT treat people, EVER, because we don't ever want anyone to feel like that. Even a heathen like me understands that.
The version of christianity that Nita Belles subscribes to seems to be a bit perverted. She claims a master's degree, but lists no institution. I'm left suspicious that this master's is either from a non-accredited institution (see: Kent Hovind, among others,) or one that discourages critical thinking. Either way, this woman could benefit from a slightly wider realm of experience.
June 9, 2017
I got this book through the Audiofile Sync summer program of audiobooks for teens, drawn to the subject because of the recent excellent essay in the Atlantic, My Family's Slave, about a Filipino family who immigrated to the US along with their slave. I found this book interesting but exasperating; the subject matter is fascinating, but the way it's presented here is more emotional than factual, more personal than informative, and more scattered than it should be. Which is not a bad thing, to a certain audience! It's just that I'm not that audience.
Human trafficking is a hidden tragedy that takes a terrible toll on many lives, and most Americans are not aware of how many people are essentially slaves, let alone how to spot victims and how to aid them. The statistics in the book are horrifying and informative, and the case stories are heartrending. That said, the book feels disorganized, as the stories are not presented in any coherent grouping (e.g. forced prostitution, forced labor, etc.) and the information on what can be done is both repetitive, as it appears at the end of many chapters, and also seems rather nonspecific, except in the particular case of pornography (more later). There's an awful lot of "I did X" and "I feel Y", reflecting on the author's experiences with trafficking victims, which makes the book sometimes feel like a personal manifesto.
Speaking of personal manifesto, Belles is anti-pornography and anti-legalized-prostitution, stating that the majority of sex workers are coerced and that pornography leads to buying sex from coerced sex workers. She is also clearly religious and approaches much of the material from a religious viewpoint. I disagree with both of these positions.
I would have liked to see more of a systematic overview of human trafficking, with separate sections on forced prostitution, forced industrial/commercial labor, and forced personal labor, with guides at the end of each section on how to spot possible slaves and how to aid them. Belles gave a long list of websites of organizations that will help people overcome "addiction to pornography"; I would have loved a list of websites that list companies which use forced labor, for example, those who exploit agricultural workers or who bring them in under false pretenses. I would like to have seen more about those who fight trafficking in the courts and in the legislature, and in particular interviews with FBI or police personnel who work on bringing those who exploit others to justice.
Human trafficking is a hidden tragedy that takes a terrible toll on many lives, and most Americans are not aware of how many people are essentially slaves, let alone how to spot victims and how to aid them. The statistics in the book are horrifying and informative, and the case stories are heartrending. That said, the book feels disorganized, as the stories are not presented in any coherent grouping (e.g. forced prostitution, forced labor, etc.) and the information on what can be done is both repetitive, as it appears at the end of many chapters, and also seems rather nonspecific, except in the particular case of pornography (more later). There's an awful lot of "I did X" and "I feel Y", reflecting on the author's experiences with trafficking victims, which makes the book sometimes feel like a personal manifesto.
Speaking of personal manifesto, Belles is anti-pornography and anti-legalized-prostitution, stating that the majority of sex workers are coerced and that pornography leads to buying sex from coerced sex workers. She is also clearly religious and approaches much of the material from a religious viewpoint. I disagree with both of these positions.
I would have liked to see more of a systematic overview of human trafficking, with separate sections on forced prostitution, forced industrial/commercial labor, and forced personal labor, with guides at the end of each section on how to spot possible slaves and how to aid them. Belles gave a long list of websites of organizations that will help people overcome "addiction to pornography"; I would have loved a list of websites that list companies which use forced labor, for example, those who exploit agricultural workers or who bring them in under false pretenses. I would like to have seen more about those who fight trafficking in the courts and in the legislature, and in particular interviews with FBI or police personnel who work on bringing those who exploit others to justice.
April 29, 2019
This book is a perfect read following Nobody’s Girl by Barbara Amaya since it focuses on equipping us with the tools to combat human trafficking.
- The first step is reading books like this one and discussing the ubiquitous nature of trafficking not just internationally but locally.
- The next step to slave proofing our community is educating and sensitizing ourselves to the patterns of trafficking in our own backyard. One police commander remarked, “The only way not to find this problem in any community is simply not to look for it.” This book helps us to recognize it and provides us with useful tools to neutralize it.
- The final step is to identify ways to eliminate our unsuspecting participation in trafficking; check out www.slaveryfootprint.com. We can also buy FairTrade products to prevent labor trafficking, thus informing the industry of our intolerance of slavery. Among the reasons to avoid pornography is the fact that the industry is inextricably tied to sex trafficking, see this article; this is a great nonreligious site in general combating porn www.fightthenewdrug.org.
The era of slavery hasn’t ended, so become an abolitionist by doing any one of the following:
- reading books on trafficking
- writing your representatives if you're politically inclined
- including trafficking victims in your prayers if you're spiritually inclined
- informing your friends, family, and acquaintances on this epidemic
- supporting organizations like www.polarisproject.org and www.gems-girls.org
- hosting community meetings on how best to slave proof your neighborhood
- The first step is reading books like this one and discussing the ubiquitous nature of trafficking not just internationally but locally.
- The next step to slave proofing our community is educating and sensitizing ourselves to the patterns of trafficking in our own backyard. One police commander remarked, “The only way not to find this problem in any community is simply not to look for it.” This book helps us to recognize it and provides us with useful tools to neutralize it.
- The final step is to identify ways to eliminate our unsuspecting participation in trafficking; check out www.slaveryfootprint.com. We can also buy FairTrade products to prevent labor trafficking, thus informing the industry of our intolerance of slavery. Among the reasons to avoid pornography is the fact that the industry is inextricably tied to sex trafficking, see this article; this is a great nonreligious site in general combating porn www.fightthenewdrug.org.
The era of slavery hasn’t ended, so become an abolitionist by doing any one of the following:
- reading books on trafficking
- writing your representatives if you're politically inclined
- including trafficking victims in your prayers if you're spiritually inclined
- informing your friends, family, and acquaintances on this epidemic
- supporting organizations like www.polarisproject.org and www.gems-girls.org
- hosting community meetings on how best to slave proof your neighborhood
Read
March 3, 2016I think every parent and teen should read this book to help educate themselves and others to the human trafficking that goes on around us. Nita does a wonderful job of combining true stories with ways to become involved. I highly recommend this book.
February 16, 2024
While I do believe human trafficking is an extremely important topic to educate yourself on, this book is NOT the way to do it. The author appears to be a white evangelical Christian and this book is ripe with racism, internalized misogyny, and a hatred (fear?) of all things sex.
Since she starts with Racism, we will too. On page 32 (of my copy) she implies that slaves were treated better when slavery was legal because they were worth more. I would give you a direct quote but she knows she's being racist so she wiggles around the point for about a page. Additionally, throughout this entire book she is constantly mentioning "modern day slavery" but never once mentions the prison system. That is a pretty huge oversight.
Multiple times throughout the book she implies that sex workers are always trafficked, i.e. no one would choose to do sex work if not forced into it. That is blatantly untrue and harmful to both trafficked individuals and persons choosing to perform sex work. Yes, it might be hard to tell if a person is choosing to do sex work or is being trafficked but that is something people NEED to understand. "People look at prostitution and think its a choice, but there are very few, if any, volunteers." (35). Contrary to what this lady tells you, women can enjoy sex. "In truth, even the woman who isn't a victim of human trafficking but willing sells her body to strangers doesn't enjoy it" (158). This section also contains some misleading stats saying, 'if prostitution is legal in Nevada then why it Vegas one of this most likely destinations for sex trafficking.' Prostitution is legal in SOME counties in Nevada, Los Vegas is NOT in (or near) one of those counties.
Things I said out loud while reading:
-Porn is not the cause of sex trafficking
- 13 year old girls don't get addicted to sex
- Allowing your children to play video games will not lead them to being sex trafficked.
- Celebrities are not grooming your children to be trafficked by simply existing.
Finally, chapter 9 contains a story of a "reformed pimp" that has to be made up, its so unbelievably ridiculous. He grew up in a good (white) family but turned to drugs, alcohol, pimping and rap (apparently he was a successful white rapper). One day he prayed to God and never touched alcohol again. With the help of his parents he cleaned up completely and now he helps young boys avoid a life of crime. Though I'm summarizing I swear its in this book. We obviously cant confirm this story because she uses fake names to "protect" her sources but she knows him personally so just trust her bro.
I personally couldn't find any issues with the chapters on forced labor but the chapters on sex work were so glaringly biased and full of misleading statistics that I can't trust anything this woman says.
Since she starts with Racism, we will too. On page 32 (of my copy) she implies that slaves were treated better when slavery was legal because they were worth more. I would give you a direct quote but she knows she's being racist so she wiggles around the point for about a page. Additionally, throughout this entire book she is constantly mentioning "modern day slavery" but never once mentions the prison system. That is a pretty huge oversight.
Multiple times throughout the book she implies that sex workers are always trafficked, i.e. no one would choose to do sex work if not forced into it. That is blatantly untrue and harmful to both trafficked individuals and persons choosing to perform sex work. Yes, it might be hard to tell if a person is choosing to do sex work or is being trafficked but that is something people NEED to understand. "People look at prostitution and think its a choice, but there are very few, if any, volunteers." (35). Contrary to what this lady tells you, women can enjoy sex. "In truth, even the woman who isn't a victim of human trafficking but willing sells her body to strangers doesn't enjoy it" (158). This section also contains some misleading stats saying, 'if prostitution is legal in Nevada then why it Vegas one of this most likely destinations for sex trafficking.' Prostitution is legal in SOME counties in Nevada, Los Vegas is NOT in (or near) one of those counties.
Things I said out loud while reading:
-Porn is not the cause of sex trafficking
- 13 year old girls don't get addicted to sex
- Allowing your children to play video games will not lead them to being sex trafficked.
- Celebrities are not grooming your children to be trafficked by simply existing.
Finally, chapter 9 contains a story of a "reformed pimp" that has to be made up, its so unbelievably ridiculous. He grew up in a good (white) family but turned to drugs, alcohol, pimping and rap (apparently he was a successful white rapper). One day he prayed to God and never touched alcohol again. With the help of his parents he cleaned up completely and now he helps young boys avoid a life of crime. Though I'm summarizing I swear its in this book. We obviously cant confirm this story because she uses fake names to "protect" her sources but she knows him personally so just trust her bro.
I personally couldn't find any issues with the chapters on forced labor but the chapters on sex work were so glaringly biased and full of misleading statistics that I can't trust anything this woman says.
May 19, 2017
An Audiobook Sync free audiobook for their YA summer program: week 4
Powerful and painful to read, this was full of good information and I think is an excellent addition to this set of free teen reads for raising awareness. The author was from my own state of Oregon making some of the stories shared, including one on the grounds of an unnamed high school in my city, hit that much closer to home. Having volunteered time for several years to a local center for child abuse assessment and counseling, I feel very strongly about this and appreciate such a comprehensive look at, analysis of, and awareness raising of trafficking and modern day slavery is so many of its forms. I also loved hearing about TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking) and the other examples of combating this depravity.
Powerful and painful to read, this was full of good information and I think is an excellent addition to this set of free teen reads for raising awareness. The author was from my own state of Oregon making some of the stories shared, including one on the grounds of an unnamed high school in my city, hit that much closer to home. Having volunteered time for several years to a local center for child abuse assessment and counseling, I feel very strongly about this and appreciate such a comprehensive look at, analysis of, and awareness raising of trafficking and modern day slavery is so many of its forms. I also loved hearing about TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking) and the other examples of combating this depravity.
April 25, 2020
This is an important topic and it’s clear the author is dedicated to reducing human trafficking and modern slavery and for that she is to be commended.
That said, I feel like her religious beliefs affected some sections of this book to an extent that I felt it coloured the tone in a negative way.
That said, I feel like her religious beliefs affected some sections of this book to an extent that I felt it coloured the tone in a negative way.
January 6, 2019
It was eye opening! I definitely want to write a longer review on my blog, but for the most part I feel more led to prevent human trafficking than I do treating people who have been trafficked. We can STOP this!
February 26, 2019
3.5, rounded down. All in all, was a decent read for anyone interested in the subject. However, I would highly recommend “Not For Sale” over this for an in depth investigation of modern day slavery. The biggest drawback of this book was the author’s religious connotations and stigmas.
December 19, 2020
*Sigh*. I truly wanted to like this book. I was hoping for stories, perspective, information. That’s not exactly what you get. This book was a tough one to get through...and NOT because of the subject matter. The author was terrible. The whole book is fraught with suffocating religious and belief bias. Let me preface this a bit: I am a therapist and I’ve worked in nonprofit community mental health for the past 6 years. I work with the highest need populations, with the chronically homeless, substance users, CSEC kiddos (commercialized sexual exploitation of children) and have participated in young women’s conferences targeted at supporting at risk girls and giving them education, hope, and support while also having fun. Human trafficking is most certainly one of the worst possible crimes. There’s a good chance that reading this book could have the opposite effect on people. Even with my background, the book made me a bit angry and I nearly gave up reading multiple times. It isn’t welcoming for those seeking knowledge. It preaches rather than teaches. It blames and shames rather than informs and supports growth. So much of the book attempts to argue that correlation equals causation (even if she says once that she isn’t trying to say that, her proceeding words say otherwise). This can lead to bias, judgment, and misinformation and can do more harm than good. The author’s heart is in the right place but this book and her approach is so self-righteous and condemning to anything that doesn’t fit her idea of what’s “right” that I would NEVER recommend it to anyone. Ever. There are MUCH better reads within this topic that would actually allow for positive outcomes.
July 23, 2019
This would maybe be an okay book for a pre-teen to read. maybe. But maybe not. It's full of inaccuracies, perpetuating the superbowl myth, and proclaiming facts like naming the high percentage of prostitutes who want to get of prostitution, and implying if they want out, they're being trafficked, when there's so much NOT said about how that survey is given, who is answering, in what context, etc. It's just...I wanted to learn more about human trafficking, and I learned more about how not to write. It makes me sad that people might think is a knowledgeable book. the author may have plenty of knowledge, but it's not conveyed well here.
July 4, 2015
Very informative and well written. Human trafficking is an issue and it's definitely one that we can help prevent.
August 4, 2020
Continuing with the Social Passion Series, I reached for another book on human trafficking. Last time it was a standard about trafficking around the world, this time it was a book about trafficking in the US. In Our Backyard by Nita Belles was published in 2015, so it is still up-to-date, though specific facts may have had time to change (like website addresses or statistics). Overall, it is a great resource for learning about modern day slavery as it operates in the United States of America.
In an ideal world, everyone would read at least one book on modern slavery. In my perfect world, it would be at least one book on world slavery and one book on local slavery. So far, I can recommend books by Kevin Bales for trafficking on a global scale, and I would be happy to recommend In Our Backyard to educate people on trafficking in the US. It is not, perhaps, a perfect book and I have some suspicions about some of the numbers (though nearly everyone admits that numbers are difficult to come by in such a subversive element), but it would be great for people to read about the various scenarios that can and are happening in our backyard, in every city and town in America. It is also a very practical book, constantly reminding us what we can and can’t do to help or to get involved, giving us organizations, phone numbers, websites, etc.
Belles’ chapters could be read independent of each other, as she repeats a lot of information. It’s not super clear how the book is divided up, but it is full of stories that Belles has collected through her time in the field. From a boy who was abducted and trafficked over the border into a California neighborhood brothel, to a high school girl who was convinced by her new boyfriend to run away to a life of prostitution, from an immigrant man held prisoner, starving in a sub-standard trailer near a tomato farm where he was forced to work, to a mother-daughter duo who were coerced into the porn industry, it is appropriate to break down how modern day slavery has a number of different faces. Though there are patterns: children and teens; especially runaways; immigrants; foreigners looking for opportunity in America; large events (yes, like the Superbowl, but also others). These are all areas of vulnerability that criminals and abusers are waiting to exploit at the first opportunity. But Belles is also big on underlining that none of us or our children are 100% safe from exploitation, especially with criminals’ ubiquitous presence on the internet, but also in and around our high schools, events, etc.
Belles also repeats over and over that the victims are the victims. Too frequently, individuals who have been coerced or forced into trafficking/slavery are then treated as criminals and prosecuted for things such as prostitution, debt, illegal immigration status, etc. while their traffickers and “customers” are rarely prosecuted. Belles is personally working to change this reality as much as is in her power, but she also wants people to become educated about the reality of victimization and re-victimization. Her book is also about what part we—as average Americans—contribute to slavery. Consumption of goods, unharnessed consumerism, a blind eye, ignorance (and for some, pornography use or even sex tourism)… there are ways that we too are complicit in the victimization and abuse of others. It is possible that even those who participate in the sex industry, legally or otherwise, don’t understand that they are a cog in a terrible machine that is prone to—and indeed subsists on—exploitation. Knowledge is power. (Not that it’s all about sex trafficking and women. Belles given various other examples of trafficking in the US—domestic workers, indentured labor, migrant farmers, even in one case a children’s choir—but sex trafficking is a large slice of the pie.)
Belles chats about terminology, statistics, anecdotes, experiences, people doing good, victories and failures. Again, even though it’s not a perfect book, it’s a great book to learn about modern slavery in America and I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
QUOTES
Though I underlined a ton in this book, there weren’t as many quotables as straight-up info.
“When we see something that could be human trafficking, let’s report it to 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to BeFree (233722)” (p97).
“But we can never lose sight of who is the perpetrator and who is the victim” (p201).
“The FBI determined nothing was wrong because they didn’t see any handcuffs or bruises on the boys” (p48).
***REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG***
In an ideal world, everyone would read at least one book on modern slavery. In my perfect world, it would be at least one book on world slavery and one book on local slavery. So far, I can recommend books by Kevin Bales for trafficking on a global scale, and I would be happy to recommend In Our Backyard to educate people on trafficking in the US. It is not, perhaps, a perfect book and I have some suspicions about some of the numbers (though nearly everyone admits that numbers are difficult to come by in such a subversive element), but it would be great for people to read about the various scenarios that can and are happening in our backyard, in every city and town in America. It is also a very practical book, constantly reminding us what we can and can’t do to help or to get involved, giving us organizations, phone numbers, websites, etc.
Belles’ chapters could be read independent of each other, as she repeats a lot of information. It’s not super clear how the book is divided up, but it is full of stories that Belles has collected through her time in the field. From a boy who was abducted and trafficked over the border into a California neighborhood brothel, to a high school girl who was convinced by her new boyfriend to run away to a life of prostitution, from an immigrant man held prisoner, starving in a sub-standard trailer near a tomato farm where he was forced to work, to a mother-daughter duo who were coerced into the porn industry, it is appropriate to break down how modern day slavery has a number of different faces. Though there are patterns: children and teens; especially runaways; immigrants; foreigners looking for opportunity in America; large events (yes, like the Superbowl, but also others). These are all areas of vulnerability that criminals and abusers are waiting to exploit at the first opportunity. But Belles is also big on underlining that none of us or our children are 100% safe from exploitation, especially with criminals’ ubiquitous presence on the internet, but also in and around our high schools, events, etc.
Belles also repeats over and over that the victims are the victims. Too frequently, individuals who have been coerced or forced into trafficking/slavery are then treated as criminals and prosecuted for things such as prostitution, debt, illegal immigration status, etc. while their traffickers and “customers” are rarely prosecuted. Belles is personally working to change this reality as much as is in her power, but she also wants people to become educated about the reality of victimization and re-victimization. Her book is also about what part we—as average Americans—contribute to slavery. Consumption of goods, unharnessed consumerism, a blind eye, ignorance (and for some, pornography use or even sex tourism)… there are ways that we too are complicit in the victimization and abuse of others. It is possible that even those who participate in the sex industry, legally or otherwise, don’t understand that they are a cog in a terrible machine that is prone to—and indeed subsists on—exploitation. Knowledge is power. (Not that it’s all about sex trafficking and women. Belles given various other examples of trafficking in the US—domestic workers, indentured labor, migrant farmers, even in one case a children’s choir—but sex trafficking is a large slice of the pie.)
Belles chats about terminology, statistics, anecdotes, experiences, people doing good, victories and failures. Again, even though it’s not a perfect book, it’s a great book to learn about modern slavery in America and I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
QUOTES
Though I underlined a ton in this book, there weren’t as many quotables as straight-up info.
“When we see something that could be human trafficking, let’s report it to 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to BeFree (233722)” (p97).
“But we can never lose sight of who is the perpetrator and who is the victim” (p201).
“The FBI determined nothing was wrong because they didn’t see any handcuffs or bruises on the boys” (p48).
***REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG***
May 28, 2017
I received a free download of this audio book from Audio Sync YA summer series.
I have very conflicted feelings about this book.
pros:
- This is an important topic and important dialog that needs to be happening.
- This book thoroughly addresses WHAT is happening in slave and sex labor/trade industry, WHERE it is happening (in our backyard. not just far away. it affects people in our cities, neighborhoods and schools.), HOW it happens, and WHO is at risk.
- We, as a community, often know thus exists. But we want to believe it is happening elsewhere. We've heard of the impact of large events like the super bowl drawing in the sex trafficking industry. It is uncomfortable to realize that while that is true, it is also happening modern day in our towns and cities.
- It provides a lot of resources for if you want to learn more, what to help the fight, or think you see someone in slave trade or sex trafficking.
- In addition to being a dialog our society needs, it also is an important dialog to have with our children, and it gives a guide to this as well.
- It shows our impact (for positive and for negative) on the sex trade industry.
cons:
- I received this book from a series that is geared for children over the age of 13. While this is an important dialog to have with children (whether we want to believe it or not, children are at risk of the industry), this book is NOT appropriate for children. There may be literature on this topic but, in my opinion, this book is WILDLY inappropriate for the teenage population. I an deeply disturbed that hundreds or thousands of early teenage children may have received a free download of this book. I view it as a beneficial resource for adults in the community as a guide, but not for children.
- A total pet peeve of mine, "As we will discuss it chapter 8..." Are we going to discuss in chapter 8? Then maybe we don't need to discuss now. We certainly don't need to discuss how we are going to discuss it later. Minute detail, but completely annoying to me!
I have very conflicted feelings about this book.
pros:
- This is an important topic and important dialog that needs to be happening.
- This book thoroughly addresses WHAT is happening in slave and sex labor/trade industry, WHERE it is happening (in our backyard. not just far away. it affects people in our cities, neighborhoods and schools.), HOW it happens, and WHO is at risk.
- We, as a community, often know thus exists. But we want to believe it is happening elsewhere. We've heard of the impact of large events like the super bowl drawing in the sex trafficking industry. It is uncomfortable to realize that while that is true, it is also happening modern day in our towns and cities.
- It provides a lot of resources for if you want to learn more, what to help the fight, or think you see someone in slave trade or sex trafficking.
- In addition to being a dialog our society needs, it also is an important dialog to have with our children, and it gives a guide to this as well.
- It shows our impact (for positive and for negative) on the sex trade industry.
cons:
- I received this book from a series that is geared for children over the age of 13. While this is an important dialog to have with children (whether we want to believe it or not, children are at risk of the industry), this book is NOT appropriate for children. There may be literature on this topic but, in my opinion, this book is WILDLY inappropriate for the teenage population. I an deeply disturbed that hundreds or thousands of early teenage children may have received a free download of this book. I view it as a beneficial resource for adults in the community as a guide, but not for children.
- A total pet peeve of mine, "As we will discuss it chapter 8..." Are we going to discuss in chapter 8? Then maybe we don't need to discuss now. We certainly don't need to discuss how we are going to discuss it later. Minute detail, but completely annoying to me!
June 19, 2017
I downloaded this audiobook through the Sync download promotion (http://www.audiobooksync.com/) currently going on. (I think Sync's title selection or promotion could have been a little tighter, a bit better planned-- it's marketed as a YA program but nearly half the titles would easily appeal to a much wider audience. If it's a YA program, pick more YA titles. If it's an all-ages program, stop sticking "teens" in all your promotional materials.)
This is an introduction to the topic, and not very graphic, so while it is accessible for teens, I'd call it a general or adult nonfiction. The audio is also very good-- the narrator is easy to listen to and does a good job with different speakers quoted in the book; her generic-kid or generic-man voices are not overt or over-the-top, and the regional dialects or accents she uses are also neither distracting nor caricature. Her narration is slow, appropriate to the weighty content.
I have previously read Trafficked (http://blustocking.blogspot.com/2013/...), also about human trafficking, but that talked mostly about one person's situation in a non-US country. I have a college friend who has become very active in anti-trafficking in a major US city. A few years ago, I suggested to her that a good outreach would be to go to library conferences and talk to library staff, as people who work in a public place-- maybe the nearest warm or cool place for people without a safer place to go. Another person belittled that idea saying library staff "already know" and "know what to look for." Um, it's not covered in library school, it isn't part of the in-house training at any library I've worked at. I've read two whole books, non-required reading, and still feel unprepared. It's kind of hard to imagine the numbers and statistics referenced in this book. But it happened here (http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/cri...).
This is an introduction to the topic, and not very graphic, so while it is accessible for teens, I'd call it a general or adult nonfiction. The audio is also very good-- the narrator is easy to listen to and does a good job with different speakers quoted in the book; her generic-kid or generic-man voices are not overt or over-the-top, and the regional dialects or accents she uses are also neither distracting nor caricature. Her narration is slow, appropriate to the weighty content.
I have previously read Trafficked (http://blustocking.blogspot.com/2013/...), also about human trafficking, but that talked mostly about one person's situation in a non-US country. I have a college friend who has become very active in anti-trafficking in a major US city. A few years ago, I suggested to her that a good outreach would be to go to library conferences and talk to library staff, as people who work in a public place-- maybe the nearest warm or cool place for people without a safer place to go. Another person belittled that idea saying library staff "already know" and "know what to look for." Um, it's not covered in library school, it isn't part of the in-house training at any library I've worked at. I've read two whole books, non-required reading, and still feel unprepared. It's kind of hard to imagine the numbers and statistics referenced in this book. But it happened here (http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/cri...).
March 1, 2018
In Our Backyard is an extremely eye opening book. It is a non-fiction novel about the exploration and explanation of Human Trafficking in our society. It was shocking. It was horrifying. It was eye-opening. While I have always been aware of the exploitation and trafficking of people, I did not truly grasp the extend and depth of this issue. I truly did not realize how well and deep rooted this issue is within our society.
Human trafficking is a huge problem and one that every child, woman, and man need to be aware of and educated in. Thank you to Audiobooksync.com for giving this Audio Book away during their summer reading program. Without this program, I most likely, would never have come across this book and the extremely valuable information it contains.
The content of this book educated me in seeing certain realities in a different light and with greater empathy then I had previously had. It brought much needed awareness into my mind which I have shared with my two daughters. I am more aware and better educated about identifying and assisting people in trouble. I feel empowered to make a difference.
This book should be required reading in every middle school and high school. Every parent should own it. Every person with a beating heart should read it. We, as a society, owe it to our children, women, and others who are trafficked, to learn about this atrocity and not allow perpetrators to get away with this horrible crime.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Human trafficking is a huge problem and one that every child, woman, and man need to be aware of and educated in. Thank you to Audiobooksync.com for giving this Audio Book away during their summer reading program. Without this program, I most likely, would never have come across this book and the extremely valuable information it contains.
The content of this book educated me in seeing certain realities in a different light and with greater empathy then I had previously had. It brought much needed awareness into my mind which I have shared with my two daughters. I am more aware and better educated about identifying and assisting people in trouble. I feel empowered to make a difference.
This book should be required reading in every middle school and high school. Every parent should own it. Every person with a beating heart should read it. We, as a society, owe it to our children, women, and others who are trafficked, to learn about this atrocity and not allow perpetrators to get away with this horrible crime.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
November 21, 2020
Human trafficking is a serious global issue and In Our Backyard: Human Trafficking in America and What We Can Do to Stop It by Nita Belles makes it clear that it is not limited to poor countries, certain lower classes, or races. The author lays out how typical traffickers operate to gain the confidence of their victims who may be facing problems at home and react to almost any act of kindness. Once snared into service for sex or forced labor, they are tightly controlled by threats of harm to their family members or sometimes by photos of the victims in naked sex poses that are often taken while they were drugged. They are usually told these photos will be publicly released if they try to escape or cause problems. Having read a few other autobiographical books by victims, this author basically describes similar tactics that are used to entrap others, including young kids, who are then used until they become too old (late teens or early twenties) and are no longer deemed useful; manage to escape to safety; or die from the often cruel treatment they experience. Since there is no real cost for these criminals to obtain replacements, there is little concern if one of their victims dies. The author also includes ideas of how to recognize signs that someone is being trafficked and what you can do about it to help save someone's life.
August 4, 2017
Highly recommended. This is a very sad non-fiction account of real victims of modern slave trade and sex trafficking in America. It tells the stories of various victims, children and adults and how people can so easily be lured into the business of slavery, quite by accident (although it is not by accident. It is often highly choreographed by the traffickers themselves).
This reports statistics and strategies of how this can happen. Debt Bondage, even traumatic bondage slavery is more common than we think and so is imprisonment slavery. Even within other countries... once they have your passport and i.d. in hand and you're trapped in another country, what can you do? Basically nothing! This also give tips on how to pick out such evil practices and what you can do about it. It is a 'must read ,' particularly, if you're a parent.
The various categories of slavery exposed are, sex trafficking, entertainment (as in singing and performing), sweat shops, kitchen hands, child slavery, house-care slavery, modeling/photography (and also pornographic photography) and even stage production entertainment. You will be shocked.
This reports statistics and strategies of how this can happen. Debt Bondage, even traumatic bondage slavery is more common than we think and so is imprisonment slavery. Even within other countries... once they have your passport and i.d. in hand and you're trapped in another country, what can you do? Basically nothing! This also give tips on how to pick out such evil practices and what you can do about it. It is a 'must read ,' particularly, if you're a parent.
The various categories of slavery exposed are, sex trafficking, entertainment (as in singing and performing), sweat shops, kitchen hands, child slavery, house-care slavery, modeling/photography (and also pornographic photography) and even stage production entertainment. You will be shocked.
October 25, 2023
A shocking, but not too graphic look at modern slavery, known these days as human trafficking.
Human trafficking can happen in many places. From the crew picking tomatoes in the field, to the factory workers making your clothes, to the maid cleaning your hotel room, people can be in slavery with no option for change.
Sometimes the bonds of slavery are psychological, sometimes physical.
The women or girls prostituted in brothels, strip clubs, or on the streets are likely to be victims of human trafficking. People who have been abused can become traffickers. Human trafficking does not just happen in poor countries. Even young women from affluent families are at risk of being trafficked.
The book tells about some organizations combatting human trafficking, and signs to look for to identify victims. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is given at 1-888-373-7888, or text “HELP” to BeFree (233733). The book also gives ideas for helping the cause, from frontline actions, to administrative work, to ‘if you see something, say something.’
Contains: Some cussing with hyphens, references to sexual activity.
Human trafficking can happen in many places. From the crew picking tomatoes in the field, to the factory workers making your clothes, to the maid cleaning your hotel room, people can be in slavery with no option for change.
Sometimes the bonds of slavery are psychological, sometimes physical.
The women or girls prostituted in brothels, strip clubs, or on the streets are likely to be victims of human trafficking. People who have been abused can become traffickers. Human trafficking does not just happen in poor countries. Even young women from affluent families are at risk of being trafficked.
The book tells about some organizations combatting human trafficking, and signs to look for to identify victims. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is given at 1-888-373-7888, or text “HELP” to BeFree (233733). The book also gives ideas for helping the cause, from frontline actions, to administrative work, to ‘if you see something, say something.’
Contains: Some cussing with hyphens, references to sexual activity.
October 6, 2018
A book everyone should read. I actually listened to it and I found the narrator a bit stilted but she grew on me.
The content — a difficult subject but one that we could all stand to learn more about. I learned a lot and, as difficult as it may be, I’m thinking of buying this book so that I can share it with my children and just about anyone else.
The stories are heartbreaking. It’s hard to believe that they are real and the author make that point several times. The amount of suffering and predatory behavior is just appalling. Belles says that the worst thing we can do as bystanders is keep and remain silent. That charge is one we can all take.
Ugh....it’s just so sad and so unnecessary. One of the most poignant chapters had to do with the glamorization of pimp culture. The acceptance and elevation of these criminals further assists the traffickers. I’m guilty of glamorizing these criminals and I will stop immediately.
Belles has done her research. Her passion comes through and her life’s work is admirable. Let’s all do our part!
The content — a difficult subject but one that we could all stand to learn more about. I learned a lot and, as difficult as it may be, I’m thinking of buying this book so that I can share it with my children and just about anyone else.
The stories are heartbreaking. It’s hard to believe that they are real and the author make that point several times. The amount of suffering and predatory behavior is just appalling. Belles says that the worst thing we can do as bystanders is keep and remain silent. That charge is one we can all take.
Ugh....it’s just so sad and so unnecessary. One of the most poignant chapters had to do with the glamorization of pimp culture. The acceptance and elevation of these criminals further assists the traffickers. I’m guilty of glamorizing these criminals and I will stop immediately.
Belles has done her research. Her passion comes through and her life’s work is admirable. Let’s all do our part!
December 17, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5
This book provides a decent amount of information and is accessible for anyone who's just being introduced to these issues. It wasn't my favorite--I honestly just wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style in this (but to be fair, after reading Rachel Lloyd's "Girls Like Us," it's kind of hard for anything to compare), and it kind of bugged me that they did stuff like quote Harriet Tubman as saying “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves" when a very quick bit of research revealed multiple sources saying that she never said that-- but those are my personal nitpicky complaints. This book provides a lot of information without being graphic (as far as I remember; I'm afraid I had to kind of skim this one too while researching for my paper, but I read more of it when I was younger), so if someone wants to learn more about human trafficking but doesn't want too many details or swears, this would be a pretty good introductory book.
This book provides a decent amount of information and is accessible for anyone who's just being introduced to these issues. It wasn't my favorite--I honestly just wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style in this (but to be fair, after reading Rachel Lloyd's "Girls Like Us," it's kind of hard for anything to compare), and it kind of bugged me that they did stuff like quote Harriet Tubman as saying “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves" when a very quick bit of research revealed multiple sources saying that she never said that-- but those are my personal nitpicky complaints. This book provides a lot of information without being graphic (as far as I remember; I'm afraid I had to kind of skim this one too while researching for my paper, but I read more of it when I was younger), so if someone wants to learn more about human trafficking but doesn't want too many details or swears, this would be a pretty good introductory book.
August 25, 2017
This book discusses human trafficking in the USA, emphasizing sex trafficking, which appears to be the most prevalent. Most of us assume that this isn't really a problem in America, but it certainly is. Young children, especially girls, are duped or drugged into it and are then slowly convinced that they deserve the slavery that they're in. The ensuing sense of worthlessness, fear, addiction to drugs provided by the captor, and/or Stockholm Syndrome prevent them from escaping.
The author also discusses how the pornography and prostitution industries are tightly woven with sex trafficking. Most prostitutes and porn actors aren't there because they want to be - they're likely either trafficking victims (and the money they're making is going to someone else) or feel like they have no other way make money.
All in all, not the best writing, but a very informative book on a very important topic.
The author also discusses how the pornography and prostitution industries are tightly woven with sex trafficking. Most prostitutes and porn actors aren't there because they want to be - they're likely either trafficking victims (and the money they're making is going to someone else) or feel like they have no other way make money.
All in all, not the best writing, but a very informative book on a very important topic.
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