Beyond the 2008 Olympics: How to Help Modern Day Slavery

Introduction

As millions of international spectators watch the 2008 Summer Olympics, there are millions of people who are depressed around the globe. Currently, there are more than 27 million slaves in the world, more than the number of people extracted from Africa throughout the 400 years of the slave trade. Modern human slavery includes trafficking which generates profits in excess of 12 billion dollars a year. As a matter of fact, individuals are rewarded in the black market for selling others into slavery and sexual bondage. According to International Justice Mission (IJM) statistics, more than two million children are trapped in forced prostitution and many others are forced to become child soldiers. Forcing individuals into slavery involves aggressive behaviors such as intimidation, torture, rape, abandonment, and murder. Those victims entangled in these lifestyles often exist in subhuman environments which can result in forced enlistment into the military, drug trafficking, prostituting, and other amoral endeavors.

Refocused Living

Many people cannot bear to listen to such horrible stories. Therefore, they often avoid this reality and look the other way. However, some US citizens are taking a stand on this matter. Recently, the Redemptive Film Festival (RFF) formed a strategic alliance with the human rights activist agency, IJM to use legal means to help to rescue and empower modern day slaves. Virginia Beach resident Dr. Christopher Cunningham founded RFF; he has worked in the media for more than twenty two years. He explains, “We don’t want to merely have a popular festival that shows redemptive films; we want to help in the process of redeeming our brothers and sisters who for one reason or the other have fallen victims to slavery.” The following are possible ways that individuals and organizations can get involved: (a) educate yourself on the issue of modern day slavery from websites such as RFF’s website (www.redemptivefilms.com), (b) encourage your friends and family to do the same, (c) develop anti-slavery groups or clubs at work and at home, (d) donate to organizations specifically for this cause, and (e) write articles and speak out in your local area to support this effort. In fact, there are many other ways to act. The key is to act.

The Path Forward

Will the world continue to ignore this terrible slave trade market? Changing hearts and minds about this plight continues to be a global challenge. Therefore, progress must be made in baby step increments. Partnerships like RFF and IJM are a good start. However, personal involvement is critical. Dr. Cunningham agrees. His organization is donating 60% of all profits from the 2008 season to support this effort. Dr. Cunningham adds, “As I watch the Olympics, I am reminded of what we can achieve if we all set aside our differences and work together. Our brothers and sisters who are victims of modern day slavery need our help and through the use of film and the support of others, we believe we can make a tangible contribution to change the world.” Yet, there is a call for many other individuals from the international community to get involved. Although the slave trade industries while probably continue well beyond the 2008 Olympics, citizens of the world can’t afford to forget these oppressed victims. Let us pray that it won’t be too late.