African American girls are disproportionately more targeted for human trafficking. African American girls are viewed as disposable and never as victims in these horrendous situations. African American girls feel that people don’t view them as innocent compared to other girls strictly because of their race. This document https://www.cbcfinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SexTraffickingReport3.pdf shares a lot of valuable information on this topic and the status of the issue primarily in the United States. I was shocked to read that “traffickers admittedly believe trafficking Black women would land them less jail time than trafficking White Women if caught,” (4). I wouldn’t even think that skin color would ever affect jail time let alone believe that traffickers would think this way.
I would consider this as systemic racism because young African American girls are targeted more just because of their skin color. This is a form of discrimination that happens on a larger scale, and not just one incident. Many people may blame the victim but being aware of the racial disparities that is integrated with human trafficking reveal the “larger structural implications,” (3). I feel like the best thing that we can do as a society is educate ourselves. If it wasn’t for the presentation, I personally would not know what is going specifically in Columbus, OH. I feel like it can be easy to not want to hear these disturbing things especially if it hasn’t impacted you personally. However, being aware of these injustices and watching out for others is a good start moving forward.
I found this article (https://www.grantmakersforgirlsofcolor.org/resources-item/sex-traffickings-true-victims-black-girlswomen-vulnerable/) that explains the misconceptions and assumptions that many people have made regarding human trafficking. I was disturbed when I read that “With law enforcement more likely to see a Black sex trafficking victim as a prostitute and not as someone needing help, trying to find solutions toward keeping our girls safe may require a radical examination of the core beliefs American society is currently based on,” (par. 6). Many people may have a hard time learning more about this topic or don’t want to face the terrible truths of this world, but it’s important to stay informed and be aware.
This reminds me of de Beavoir’s concept of Othering. In this idea, the “One” is considered to be more superior than the “Others.” I think this theory is displayed in this systemic injustice example as particularly African American girls can be considered as the “Other” as these young innocent girls are not seen as victims as other girls with different races might. People may overlook or look down on these individuals just solely based on their race which is not right at all.
This is a very strong systemic injustice post and it is definitely something that needs to be talked about more to change our American society. Sex Trafficking is a horrific crime no matter what the circumstance but it is actually very haunting that individuals in America AND our law enforcement see African American girls and women more as prostitutes’ rather than someone that needs help. I was also not aware of the fact that “sex traffickers” see African American individuals as more disposable and think that they would never be seen as victims in this situation. That is a very scary thought for anyone and definitely needs to be fixed.