Danielle F.

Figuracion

Mgt 104-B (TF 1:00-2:30)

March 13, 2014

A Reaction Paper on A Forum on Women in Disaster and the Continuing Disaster of Trafficking of Girls for CyberSex and Pornography in Cebu Last Wednesday, we were encouraged to join and participate in a forum about prostitution, human trafficking, and womens rights. Or at least thats what I thought it would be about. I would be lying if I say that I was really looking forward to this forum; because, honestly, I would rather be making our comprehensive case which we havent even finished halfway yet at that moment. Although there were some incentives, like an additional point for attendance and bonus in the quizzes of I make an awesome reaction paper, they would only affect a small portion of my grade compared to the comprehensive case that we were supposed to finish. However, I went with the benefit of the doubt and decided to check it out. I wasnt planning to finish the talk because all I needed to do was show up and take the attendance, but once it started, I just couldnt get out (and it was not because there were so many people blocking the entrance/exit). Having studied in an all-girls Catholic school for more than half of my life (11 year to be exact), women empowerment always finds its way to be part of everything we dosmocking pillows, solving math problems, studying the origin of life, everything. We were practically trained to be empowered women. However, because of the conservative environment, we were also sheltered from the nasty side of lifepornography, cyber sex, prostitution and human trafficking. Its not that we knew nothing about those things, its just that there was no in depth discussion and processing on the topic. So, when the forum started, my curiosity started to build. To summarize the talk, prostitution is everywhere. It is found in tent cities, it is found in the city streets. It is done by people living in poverty; it is also done by well-off people. Im not saying that prostitution is acceptable. But for the poor who are living on a day-to-day basis, for those who are so desperate to live, I can understand a little on why they have to turn to selling their bodies its because they want to survive. What bothers me so much, however is the fact the well-off people who are selling their bodies. For what? I dont know. One of the questions that were brought up during the open forum was about liberalisation being a factor of prostitution and human trafficking. Compared to before, people are now more liberalizedwomen wearing skimpy bikinis are all over the tabloids, wearing mini shorts is acceptable. Yes, today, women wearing provocative clothes is accepted in the modern society but I dont think it is a factor of causing human trafficking, specifically prostitution. First of all, prostitution has been around since the concept of barter and trade was invented. In fact, in the early 1900s, in the United States, the demand for prostitutes were so high that there was this well-known bar in the United States that was earning million of dollars from just prostituting alone. Take note, that at this time, people who are wearing anything that shows knees or shoulders was considered vulgar. Second, according to studies, compared to before, there is a lesser demand for prostitutes, resulting to a lesser population of prostitutes. One of the possible reasons may be that women are now more empoweredthere are now more women in the work force, more educated women, etc. Another possible reason is liberalization. We are in a period of time where there are things such as one night stands, casual sex, and friends with benefits. If there is anything that this does to prostitution, it actually lessens it. Although the morals of those who offer free pre-marital sex with strangers are highly questionable, it is a reality. Since the population of

people who are willing to offer casual sex is getting higher because of liberalization, the demand for prostitutes is getting lower. This results to the price of prostitution going lower and the population of prostitutes going lower as well. So, I think that liberalization isnt really a factor that promotes prostitution. Then again, its all about perspective as Senior Inspector Macatangay said, what is immoral to you may not be immoral to me. They say that 0% prostitution only exists in a Utopian world, but there is no harm in trying. Now, if the effect of liberalization to prostitution can be analyzed through the Law of Supply and Demand, it is also possible to analyze its prevention through the SWOT analysis? Let me try it by making a simple SWOT analysis on myself that may affect my own contribution to preventing prostitution. One of my strengths is my background. I grew up in a religious home and was schooled in a religious institution. So, I have values instilled in me by my family and school that will back me up in everything I do. Another strength is that I am still young. I have so many years ahead of me and so many things can happen in that span of time. Next is that I am educated and skilled. I have the knowledge on things related to this topic so I can analyze and think of ways on how to prevent prostitution. Now on my weaknesses. Although I am educated and skilled, at a young age I am still growing and getting to understand the world, to it is easy for me to get swayed by things. Also, I have limited resources and time. As a student, I am still supported by my parents and it is my primary duty to study for a better future. So, I cant dedicate much of my time for extracurricular activities. Another weakness is that I am just one person. How can a single person like me do something to prevent prostitution as a whole? Next are the opportunities. One of the biggest opportunities I can think of is the presence of the internet. The internet makes that world so much smaller. So, with the used of the internet, I can raise awareness with a wider scope of audience. Another opportunity is that I go to school in UP and it cant be denied that UPians are mostly very dedicated in their beliefs. Another opportunity of going to school in UP is that there are many organizations that address social issues like this. Finally, the threats. The only threat that I can think of is the demand of prostitution. Like what I said before, as long as there is that demand, the supply will keep on coming. Based on my SWOT analysis, what can I do? I can put up a Facebook page that will raise awareness about Human Trafficking. I can also join an organization in UP that addresses social issues. Another possibility of making my own organization that aims to prevent prostitution. Or even just talking about it randomly with my friends about prostitution can also help preventing it. There are endless possibilities that a normal student like me can do to help prevent prostitutionand the first step is raising awareness along with morals. As a normal student, I can only do so much. But I believe that if people have the right morals and are aware of this reality, then it is safe to trust these people to somehow pay it forward in one way or another with the hope that someday, it will actually lessen, prevent or totally remove prostitution in our society.