Real men don't buy girls
"Real men don't buy girls." A Google search will yield this motto written on posters held by Ashton Kutcher, Sean Penn, Justin Timberlake and other celebrities. Some would argue that this is a dangerous slogan placing unfair pressure on men to conform to a single standard of manhood. However, the men who refuse to see the women and children in this world as goods to be bartered and sold have the potential to put an end to the existence of modern-day slavery.
When it comes to human trafficking, the statistics show that 71% of the victims are female. Due to the low numbers of criminal convictions, it is hard to find specific numbers tied to the gender of perpetrators. However, it can be assumed that a large majority of the buyers and consumers are male. Within the last decade, there have been cases written about pimps who use female prostitutes as a kind of "front" to gain the trust of teen girls by vouching for legitimate modeling, acting, and retail jobs. In this case, the prostitute involved has become guilty of trafficking, however, there is still a man looming behind her, coercing and manipulating these crimes.
Now hear me, female perpetrators (commonly called madams or head girls) most certainly contribute to this darkness. Yet, they are just a fraction of the "johns","pimps" and porn addicts who keep this multibillion-dollar industry in high demand. When you read the word, "pimp," what image floods your mind? Perhaps a picture of, "America's Most Lovable Pimp," Snoop Dogg? Or possibly a large figure in a green velvet blazer wearing a feathered fedora? Or maybe the very real image of a tyrannical, violent man oppressing the half-naked women and girls around him. If this is the picture of the oppressor in our minds, it makes sense to seriously cry out for the "real men" we admire to step forward and join our ranks this December.
We can no longer be satisfied with the complacent "boys will be boys" attitude so prevalent in our society today. We need men to come alongside us and support the movement against sex trafficking. Yes, women are essential in this fight and we are unquestionably making a huge impact, but we should not have to do this alone. This is a call to our men who love us--our fathers, our husbands, and our sons. Will you stand with us? Will you choose this December to wear a tie, bow tie, suspenders or another attention-grabbing fashion statement every day to generate awareness and funds for the battle against modern-day slavery? Heck, you could even be as brave as this New York pastor and actually wear a dress. To have your support would be monumental.
Even in our morally relative culture, lines must be drawn as we strive to put an end to exploitation. To critique this kind of universal conviction would be akin to condemning recycling programs or anti-bullying campaigns. In this situation, what's right for you and what's right for me is the same thing. The very essence of manhood (and womanhood) must, without question, contain the protection of other humans. Exploitation of other humans--by anyone--must be condemned for the wrong that it is. This fight needs real men to step up and lead their friends, their children and the rest of the world by example.
Cal Chan & Preston Smedley, participated in Dressember last year by pledging to wear a bow-tie for the 31 days of December.
Your male voice in this year's Dressember campaign will echo loudly across the globe. William Wilberforce, a renowned abolitionist once said, "It is the true duty of every man to promote the happiness of his fellow creatures to the utmost of his power." Will you spend your time liberating the hurting, the defeated, and the forsaken? Will you respond to the crisis and promote rescue this December? Become part of the #DressemberMen movement today!
About the Author
Allyss Flores is finally a grown up, having turned 30 this year. She is grateful that now, thanks to Dressember, she can fight for justice every December regardless of her life circumstance. Aside from advocating and telling stories, Allyss loves to raise her two small children with her husband deep in the heart of Texas.