Spring Break
Editorial: Too Ugly
Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
11/07/08 - Rape. Violence. Abortion. Suicide.
Some topics are just too ugly for people to talk about.
But that's not the way it should be.
In a state that holds just more than 1 million people, legalized prostitution occurs on a daily basis behind closed doors. Some students may have walked past the doors of these hidden brothels without realizing it, others know and choose to stay away and others might not give it a second thought.
But the increase of violence against women is not a passing thought; it's a bona fide fact.
Authorities are aware of 28 brothels masquerading as nail salons or massage parlors, according to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Without citizens' urging to close the loophole in Rhode Island legislation that allows for women to be victimized inside of these institutions, these numbers will just continue to rise.
The conditions inside these buildings are "slave-like," according to the Web site.
There's an average of about five women per brothel, who can service up to 10 men a day, according to RICAHT. Do the math. Those are some ugly numbers.
And yet, prostitution isn't always seen as ugly, or degrading.
Movies like "Pretty Woman" or "Sin City" have glamorized prostitution to a point where society has all but ignored the plight of women who are forced into this profession and can't find a way out. The pornography industry has just perpetuated this thinking, nullifying the act of violence toward woman to a lesser degree. Contrary to what Julia Roberts may portray, there's nothing "pretty" about unsafe, forced and oftentimes violent, sex with numerous partners over the course of a day.
According to The Campaign to Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking, approximately 600,000 to 800,000 victims are trafficked annually across the world's borders. Many of these victims are not even the age of most of your peers. They're more like your little sister, or brother. Many of these prostitutes have no family here, no life beyond the walls of the brothel.
The emotional and physical distresses that accompany a victim of prostitution carry on through a lifetime.
Be the one to stop it. Opening up the floodgates of conversation about these ugly, squeamish topics is the first step in finding a solution. Sign the Wilberforce Act Petition and join the cause.
Though the Coalition is trying its hardest to get the attention of the House and the Senate, every recruit devoted to the same cause is another voice that the legislature must eventually hear.
There is power in numbers, and it is much easier to ignore the voice of one than that of 1 million. It's time to get the entire state of Rhode Island involved.
Some topics are just too ugly for people to talk about.
But that's not the way it should be.
In a state that holds just more than 1 million people, legalized prostitution occurs on a daily basis behind closed doors. Some students may have walked past the doors of these hidden brothels without realizing it, others know and choose to stay away and others might not give it a second thought.
But the increase of violence against women is not a passing thought; it's a bona fide fact.
Authorities are aware of 28 brothels masquerading as nail salons or massage parlors, according to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Without citizens' urging to close the loophole in Rhode Island legislation that allows for women to be victimized inside of these institutions, these numbers will just continue to rise.
The conditions inside these buildings are "slave-like," according to the Web site.
There's an average of about five women per brothel, who can service up to 10 men a day, according to RICAHT. Do the math. Those are some ugly numbers.
And yet, prostitution isn't always seen as ugly, or degrading.
Movies like "Pretty Woman" or "Sin City" have glamorized prostitution to a point where society has all but ignored the plight of women who are forced into this profession and can't find a way out. The pornography industry has just perpetuated this thinking, nullifying the act of violence toward woman to a lesser degree. Contrary to what Julia Roberts may portray, there's nothing "pretty" about unsafe, forced and oftentimes violent, sex with numerous partners over the course of a day.
According to The Campaign to Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking, approximately 600,000 to 800,000 victims are trafficked annually across the world's borders. Many of these victims are not even the age of most of your peers. They're more like your little sister, or brother. Many of these prostitutes have no family here, no life beyond the walls of the brothel.
The emotional and physical distresses that accompany a victim of prostitution carry on through a lifetime.
Be the one to stop it. Opening up the floodgates of conversation about these ugly, squeamish topics is the first step in finding a solution. Sign the Wilberforce Act Petition and join the cause.
Though the Coalition is trying its hardest to get the attention of the House and the Senate, every recruit devoted to the same cause is another voice that the legislature must eventually hear.
There is power in numbers, and it is much easier to ignore the voice of one than that of 1 million. It's time to get the entire state of Rhode Island involved.
