When black, indigenous, hispanic, asian and middle eastern women go missing they are not seen as a priority. This documentary takes a closer look at how prevalent the problem is among black women and girls who are seen as targets by predators and dismissive by law enforcement, media and larger community.
The statistics indicate that nearly 40% of women and girls reported missing are black. Studies into trafficking have revealed that predators feel more confident in grooming and/or abducting women of color because they are less likely to garner the attention of law enforcement and media, making their criminal activity easier and in turn, more profitable.
The missing women who aren't abducted or groomed into trafficking or prostitution turn out to be victims of homicide often at the hands of their partners. More than half of all black women report experience violence at the hands of their intimate partner.
There are movements being made and actions being taken to bring more attention and resources to this problem but in all honesty, it's still not good enough.
The following are just some of my thoughts on the matter.
I think that strong, beautiful black women are admirable. Many times they are women who struggle with issues like being a single parent and having to overcome the discrimination they face being both a woman and black in the workforce and society. This is something that should be celebrated but there are far too many negative labels being placed on them and these wonderful aspects of black women are often drowned out.
The label of an "angry black woman" has stolen from a black woman's loving, nurturing and compassionate nature. The degrading of black women in music and videos by labeling them as "THOT's", focusing on their sexuality, their bodies and making them seem expendable has stolen from their grace, beauty and value.
Society, as a whole, should stop placing such labels on black women so the perspective of their worth can shift. They do not deserve such degradation. No woman does.
The entire situation is unfair. More attention should be focused on this problem. Every woman matters.
Although the wheels of change are excruciatingly slow, I am glad to see that progress is being made. Check out this documentary and do your part in becoming more aware.
The statistics indicate that nearly 40% of women and girls reported missing are black. Studies into trafficking have revealed that predators feel more confident in grooming and/or abducting women of color because they are less likely to garner the attention of law enforcement and media, making their criminal activity easier and in turn, more profitable.
The missing women who aren't abducted or groomed into trafficking or prostitution turn out to be victims of homicide often at the hands of their partners. More than half of all black women report experience violence at the hands of their intimate partner.
There are movements being made and actions being taken to bring more attention and resources to this problem but in all honesty, it's still not good enough.
The following are just some of my thoughts on the matter.
I think that strong, beautiful black women are admirable. Many times they are women who struggle with issues like being a single parent and having to overcome the discrimination they face being both a woman and black in the workforce and society. This is something that should be celebrated but there are far too many negative labels being placed on them and these wonderful aspects of black women are often drowned out.
The label of an "angry black woman" has stolen from a black woman's loving, nurturing and compassionate nature. The degrading of black women in music and videos by labeling them as "THOT's", focusing on their sexuality, their bodies and making them seem expendable has stolen from their grace, beauty and value.
Society, as a whole, should stop placing such labels on black women so the perspective of their worth can shift. They do not deserve such degradation. No woman does.
The entire situation is unfair. More attention should be focused on this problem. Every woman matters.
Although the wheels of change are excruciatingly slow, I am glad to see that progress is being made. Check out this documentary and do your part in becoming more aware.
