TraffickStop

The issues of sex trafficking and sporting events are debated for every major sporting event.  Whether it is the world cup or the Olympics, Superbowl to NASCAR.

Articles from both proponents of the linkages and purveyors of the lies – the question is:  How do we wrestle with this in good conscience and what do we DO?

We must consider a variety of the media stories.  We must also consider the sources and what investment the author or the publisher has in the telling of the story.  If it were in a magazine funded heavily by those that are purveyors of sex ads, then I would question its validity.  If it were not well sourced by checking with authorities on the subject, it would be questionable as well.

This is just one aspect of what sports brings to a city or area when an event is hosted.  Consider these articles:

http://www.coha.org/the-infamous-link-between-sex-trafficking-sex-tourism-and-sporting-evhttp://www.coha.org/the-infamous-link-between-sex-trafficking-sex-tourism-and-sporting-events-–-what-lies-ahead-for-brazil/ents-–-what-lies-ahead-for-brazil/

http://www.changemakers.com/blog/the-silent-sports-trade-sex-trafficking

http://www.atalliance.org.uk/index.php/sex-trafficking/2012-olympics

“Things can be different at London 2012 if priorities are shifted from sensationalism to consistent tackling of the root issues. As Catherine Stephens of the International Union of Sex Workers says, the rumour gets so much media attention because it involves four crucial elements: money, power, gender and sex. Mainstream media knows that all this sells, but remember: it only sells because we buy it.   http://www.newint.org/blog/2012/02/01/sex-trafficking-rumours-at-olympics/

The bigger question this blog hopes to raise is two-fold. 

First, as participant in sporting events - what are you doing to make sure that purchasing sex with minors is not a part of the “game plan” for those that come to participate as spectators? 

Second, how can someone who is an athlete make a difference by speaking up about the purchase of sex as unacceptable?

Women athletes making their voices heard is one avenue of raising awareness and attempting to confront the issues for women. http://sportagainsttrafficking.com/.

Traffick911 had NFL players record message about their disgust for people who buy sex in their ”I’m Not Buying It” campaign http://www.traffick911.org - (see PSA videos) during the 2010 Superbowl.  Men, talking to men is a very effective approach.  Athletes talking about their disdain for the practice are powerful. 

Are you a sports enthusiast or an athlete? What are you going to do making sure purchasing sex is not a sport?

Check out this campaign too! by Not For Sale   http://bit.ly/HW77SX