Influencing the Media and Cultural Narrative Around Human Trafficking and Slavery
It’s 2024 and ineffective ‘awareness campaigns’ are still flying about, traffickers are leveraging technology and getting more creative, existing loopholes in legislation are contently dismissed, debt bondage masquerades as legitimate work visas, and many people still think that human trafficking is only about kidnapping, international sex trafficking rings and that family members cannot be traffickers, all while believing that survivors cannot lead their healing, much less the anti-trafficking sector!
Reality has been distorted to suit misconceptions that sustain a cycle of harmful stereotypes, causing further damage to anti-trafficking and anti-slavery efforts in general and we must shift focus to how these cliché narratives can be dismantled and structure a new message that empowers, educates and inspires the right actions.
In these times when we are advocating for reforms in the sector through a reimagined movement that centers on the experiences and stories of those who have lived through it, irresponsible media representation can be counterproductive to changing existing cultural nuances and eliminating performative empathy.
Cultural and media influences shape the way stories are told and impact the narrative that is formed over time. They both create a dynamic interplay and this relationship implies that the stories that are told in media reportage are not only a reflection of societal standards, they also inform how norms and values are formed, which in turn influences public opinion and societal attitudes over time. It is no coincidence, therefore, that stories are one of the most powerful and employed tools of engagement within the sector, influencing how strategies are formed and initiatives are molded.
Narratives are created around visual stories and images generated over time through the media and, in most cases, they become the knowledge that is perpetuated and when done right, are useful for understanding and resolution of systemic issues.
Many of the existing portrayals and narratives need to be challenged. For example, approaching the subject using photos of forlorn young females bound with ropes or chains, Africans crammed on small boats crossing the border by sea, or portraying human trafficking as only affecting some parts of the world or a specific demographic. While these images contain elements of truth, they do not paint the entire picture or broaden public understanding.
Because of these harmful narratives, the survivors at the center bear the brunt. The illusory truth effect has portrayed survivors as incapable, unqualified, and helpless even in the affairs of their well-being and the choices they can make for themselves. Opportunity and choice are limited to what little the “saviors” can provide which leaves survivors with no choice but to be ‘grateful’. However, many survivors have found agency and resiliently powered through their trafficking experiences and have had many successes in life.
Cultural narratives around human trafficking often reflect deeper societal values and beliefs. To effectively change these narratives, addressing underlying prejudices and misconceptions is a must. For instance, cultural stigmas associated with survivors of trafficking can lead to further marginalization. Among many ways, the media can play a role in challenging these stigmas and reshaping cultural perceptions by:
Moving Beyond the “Savior” Narrative: Instead of portraying survivors as helpless individuals in need of rescue, focus on their resilience, strength, and leadership.
Partnering With Survivors: Collaborate with those who have lived experience and expertise to tell their stories ethically by prioritizing their narratives over sensationalized dramatizations.
Give Voice, Not Exploitation: Rather than taking advantage of survivor stories for sensational headlines and catchphrases, ensure that media content gives voice to survivors.
Tell Stories Respectfully: Avoid images or storytelling that exploits or objectifies survivors. Focus instead on the broader systemic issues.
Highlighting Survivor Agency: Center on stories of survivor leadership and highlight the agency of survivors in their own recovery effort
Go Beyond Pity: Move past awareness campaigns that evoke pity. Instead, focus on inspiring informed action and systemic change.
Investigative Reporting: Investigate and expose exploitative individuals and corporations who engage in or turn a blind eye to modern slavery and human trafficking.
Ultimately, the goal is to reshape existing narratives and create an accurate, dignified, and empowering representation of survivors. This approach will contribute to more effective anti-trafficking efforts and a deeper societal understanding of the issue. As we work towards this, remember, that at the heart of these narratives are individuals with their own unique experiences and voices. Honoring their dignity and agency is an ethical obligation and a powerful way to drive the much-needed change in the fight against human trafficking and slavery.
Written by Eseosa Eguamwense.
Eseosa Eguamwense is a lived-experience professional and a dedicated advocate for ethical survivor engagement practices. With a background in writing, communications design & management, performing arts, and community engagement, she employs her skills to connect survivors to tools and resources that foster healing and to thrive both professionally and in their personal lives.
Drawing from her journeyto movement leadership, Eseosa emphasizes the importance of systemic change and professional development opportunities for survivors beyond their lived experiences. She is committed to creating supportive and inclusive spaces where survivors can develop their skills, build confidence, and pursue their chosen paths.
Eseosa hopes to pursue a pathin filmmakingin the near future.If you don't find her cackling with laughter, you will find her in the kitchen cooking for friends, mostly singingwhile doing so!