Modern Abolitionists

Modern day slavery has been a topic of discussion for a while, and we have previously talked about underpaid workers in foreign factories. However, this article in the New York Times also brings up the issue of human trafficking. While it is worse in other countries, human trafficking often takes place in the United States. Thousands of people in the United States are held against their will and are victims of exploitation. They are forced to work endless hours for no pay. As Obama has declared, human trafficking is modern day slavery.

What I find most interesting about the article is how it was closed. It ends with, "For those who insist they would have been abolitionists during the Civil War, now is the chance to become one." I find this especially interesting, because so many people learn about slavery, and do not doubt that if they had lived during that time, they would have done everything they could to help free the slaves. I admit to having thought that about myself at times. It is so easy to recognize the wrongs of slavery now, and say that you would have done something. But in reality, there is a form of slavery going on in our own country right now, and very few people have been doing anything to stop it.

I believe that there needs to be more awareness of human trafficking in the United States for anything to be done. How can we bring awareness? Do you think that people who claimed they would have done something during the Civil War will do anything to help stop modern day slavery?