What could have been a fantastic opportunity to visually showcase the complex grooming process of our youth into the trickery of prostitution fell short, plain and simple.
The word glamorize was mentioned a time or two in the beginning of the film, but the visual shown was of an older homeless girl in scruffy clothes and unkempt hair. Nowhere was the magnetic pull our kids feel to dress in name-brand clothes, wear the trendiest sneakers, and sport designer accessories. Where were the bling-ladden hot, older guys driving slick cars tempting young girls to be a part of the "lux life"?
There's a reason El Cajon Boulevard is peppered with nail salons; sometimes all it takes for pimps to lure their next victim into their stable is a set of fancy fingernails and a few sweet words: "I love you, I'll never leave you, I bought you a cute outfit, a cheap pair of earrings, and oh, by the way, the other homies in my crew are going to lay down with you, but only because we love you and want you to prove your loyalty." Deceiving a child through insincere displays of affection is a cake-walk and these losers know it. Our youth are the most vulnerable members of society, and the gangs are capitalizing on it big time!
Too often, our children are so attention/love-starved, they are ill-equipped to discern the issues of affection, friendship and security. Even if hiding a relationship from their parents feels wrong, the lure of money or freedom entices them to keep lying and soon these creeps convince them to run away. More often than not, they disappear or suffer irreparable damage that may last a lifetime.
I did enjoy the clips of law enforcement, youth advocates and a few of their brave parents boldly sharing their experiences. I was most pleased to see my favorite activist, Rachel Lloyd, featured as well as Susan Munsey of Generate Hope, and other local rescue resources. I love that the issue of psychological bondage was brought up. If society could begin to grasp the masterful manipulation seducing our youth down the lie-ridden path of destruction, then perhaps dialogue with our youngsters would be possible. Unfortunately, as it stands, the sad truth is human trafficking and sexual exploitation are grossly misunderstood.
Nonetheless, I applaud the efforts of those who made this film possible. I will continue to scream and shout about this issue because I'm one of the lucky ones who have not only survived, but have recaptured my voice and refuse to let anyone silence me again.
