We started our presenatations this week, and kicked 'em off with human trafficking. There's nothing like diving into the deepend without floaties. I really enjoyed this group's take on such a delicate topic. We started class with a dark and impactful film and ended playing Candyland: Human Trafficking edition (I don't think Milton & Bradley will be calling them for the rights on that one anytime soon). Amongst all the valuable information the group presented, the thing that stuck with me most was the idea that it can and does happen to anyone. Take "Taken" for example. Those girls were U2 groupies one minute and drugged sex slaves the next. ::Insert shivers here:: Granted these naiive Americans were a little daft to share a cab with a complete and foreign stranger. Abide by the same principles your mommy taught you when you were 5: attractive or not, don't talk to strangers! I have lived in a few foreign countries. When I was in Ecuador, my friends and I would go on weekend excusions to climb some of the highest peaks in the world, visit the beautiful beaches of the country, and even take 15 hour bus rides as a gamble for a good weekend. I wouldn't say we were careless and made any hasty decisions. I also wouldn't say I didn't meet new people which entails talking to strangers. Ok, so I kinda bent my own rules. And we had a really good time. But looking back on it, there were probably select moments where we could have been the stars in the horrific sequel. I'll thank God for my atheist friends and me for lookin out for us and keeping us safe during our stay in Ecuador. My sister is studying abroad in Italy next semester. I am so excited for her while at the same time terrified...the latter of emotions I should have felt when I was abroad. It scares me that she doesn't really speak the language, or understand the cultural differences, not to mention that she couldn't pass as an Itaiana (there's just too much eastern european blood in us) and she's not an ugly girl. These things worry me. On the same token, she's not a stupid girl and she's got a real good head on her shoulders. Its just my role as the bossy, big sister to be concerned. I still hope there's no romance--good or bad--overseas for my too-young-to-date sister.
And then there's the other way to think about Human Trafficking. Our high school musical a few years back was "Thoroughly Modern Millie." For the broadway-impaired, Millie is a story about a girl who escapes to New York City to follow her dreams in the roaring 20's. During her journey, she meets the hotel proprietress, Mrs. Meers, who also is highly
involved with a white slavery ring in Hong Kong. Her character is depicted in a mysterious yet comical air. She sings a song about how witty she is in tricking the girls. "So welcome all ye bright young ladies; You're checking into Hotel Hades; I won't stand by while critics praise ya; You're getting shipped to Southeast Asia." And she says it in such a cynical manner (not that I know anything about cynicsm) the audience goes wild. A clever play on words makes even the darkest of deals light-hearted fun. And to add insult to injury, the scene ends with Meers' minions pushing a laundry cart with a limp arm half-hazardly hanging out. But I guess it's okay to mock reality when its continents away.
To end with a bang, here's two words: Lady Gaga. The first time we all heard what we thought was going to be a one-hit wonder, it was just a catchy tune with some wierd baby noises rah rah ramen noodles... By the third time, at least to an amateur critic (that's my backup plan if this whole college thing becomes too much and I decide to drop out in my last semester), the lyrics begin to have meaning. Put those words to a dance in a bath house during an international auction and you've got a pretty powerful message. Just in case you haven't seen it 100 times too many: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I
Case in point, maybe Gaga is a golden opportunity for speading these important messages. Who better to tell the truth than a world renowned pop star sensation like this meat-dress (that can't be kocher) wearing diva?
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