No Such Thing

I want you to indulge me for a minute.  For those of you who don’t know, I am a psychology major, and I would like to try out some word associations!

Okay, first word.  Child.  What does that make you think of?  Hopefully it reminds you of some good memories from your own childhood, a time when you were truly innocent.  Maybe it makes you think of your own children, carefree and excited to see what the world has in store for them.  All around, the general feelings that surround this word tend to be happy, innocent, free.  

Now the second word.  Prostitute.  Maybe it disgusts you.  For me, it takes me directly into the world of Law and Order, of seedy motels and men who only want to hurt people.  Maybe it makes you think of all the stuff happening behind the scenes, the pimps who abuse the women, the drugs that numb the pain and keep them coming back for more.  Maybe you think of the women who do this because they feel like they have no other choice.  But all around, it’s not one of those words that gives you an airy feeling in your chest.  

Now put them together.  Child prostitute.  It doesn’t make sense!  It shouldn’t exist, right?  I mean, children are innocent and pure, and prostitutes usually make that decision by choice.  Unfortunately it’s a term I’ve heard used far too often, and it makes me sick.  

These victims of sex trafficking are referred to by many different names in the press, including “child prostitute,” “child sex worker,” and even “teen hookers.”  These terms paint these victims as criminals when they are far from it.  It makes it seem like they had a choice, when they didn’t, and makes the crimes committed against them seem less important.  

Now the federal government has made strides, calling child trafficking victims what they are, victims of child rape.  The federal government does not charge underage girls with any crimes.  The state governments haven’t caught up tough.  Many underage girls are being prosecuted for sex crimes that they couldn’t stop.  All of this only adds to their shame and guilt  (not only were they raped repeatedly, but now they have a criminal record).  This needs to stop!

I’ve been learning how language has an impact on the world around us.  If the Associated press would stop using these misleading words to report on child trafficking, maybe people would realize how bad the problem is and rally to stop it.  So I urge each and every one of you to sign this petition aimed at the Associated Press.  Check out and share the No Such Thing campaign.  Start working toward making a difference in the lives of these young girls.  Thanks.