“GRILLIN THE NARRATIVE”
It started with a group of guys in Pattaya, Thailand. Almost every Monday night for five months we met to grill hamburgers and discuss current topics. I was always determined to share my faith in Jesus Christ every time we came together and explain why I have chosen to follow Him. Some listened, others were dismissive, but they all loved the free hamburgers. We would discuss different narratives and grill. It was always a good two hours of lively discussion; always engaging and thought-provoking. The different backgrounds, cultures, and religious beliefs gave way to challenging our different narratives. This polemical exercise was not an attempt to compromise our sacred beliefs, nor was it an attempt to prove individuals wrong. I strongly hold to an uncompromising faith in Jesus Christ. In other areas such as politics and current events, our different narratives were head-scratching and enlightening all in one.
As I stated, we are in Pattaya, Thailand, the unofficial sex capital of the world. Men travel from around the globe to Pattaya for this reason. Sex tourism, child exploitation, and human trafficking are issues that engulf this beautiful oceanfront city; as they do many other cities worldwide. This topic was challenging to navigate. I hold fast to my core convictions, however, there were some valid assessments from their point of view in the way organizations fight human trafficking and exploitation. It created an initial panic in my soul! Am I doing the right thing by listening to their narrative? Am I making a difference? Is the work I am doing by serving vulnerable and exploited children beneficial to them? It was now a fire in my belly. I came to the conclusion I had to dig deeper. To end this heinous crime against children and humanity as a whole, we must continue to research, investigate, and challenge our narratives about our beliefs and practices of anti-trafficking work. We must continue to strive to find solutions to complex questions. We must come together to implement the best strategies to protect and serve the vulnerable, exploited, and survivors worldwide. We have to keep “Grillin the Narrative.”
In graduate school, I wrote my master’s thesis on the Reverend Ed King, a Methodist minister from Jackson, Mississippi. Ed King was instrumental in the fight for civil rights and desegregation throughout the South. I was fortunate to visit Jackson several times and interview Rev. King. Initially, my research centered on the role of the local church in sustaining segregation, and white supremacy. I began my research by delving into the trans-Atlantic slave trade, antebellum slavery, the history of the Civil Rights Movement, and white supremacist organizations to obtain a thorough understanding of the subject. It was during all these hours of reading and studying that my research morphed into a whole new Quest for me. My eyes were open and my heart was seared by the present-day plight and despair of many individuals worldwide; Human Trafficking and Exploitation.
Human trafficking, modern-day slavery, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children were foreign to me. I had no idea of its magnitude. The more I studied and researched slavery of the past, the more I learned about present-day slavery. Trafficking and exploitation is a worldwide scourge on humanity. Every day individuals and children are trafficked worldwide. I embarked on a journey to learn more and more about the subject. I volunteered with and researched various anti-trafficking organizations. It was enlightening! However, the more I researched, investigated, and worked in the anti-trafficking community, the more difficult it was to understand the entire narrative. Human Trafficking is a dark and hidden crime! It is hard to know the exact number of individuals being trafficked because of the insidious, enigmatic, and complex nature of the crime. Traffickers operate undetected, and those who are being trafficked or exploited don’t often identify themselves as a victim. Thus, making it difficult to prevent, protect, and restore vulnerable and exploited individuals.
Human trafficking is often used as a trite platitude! The narrative of human trafficking is dark and extremely misunderstood in many cases. Understanding the complexities of trafficking and exploitation creates difficult problems in finding better solutions. There are a vast number of stories guiding our understanding of trafficking and exploitation. There are various governmental entities and non-governmental organizations creating narratives in an attempt to base policy decisions, and legislation as well as the operating procedures guiding action that helps the vulnerable and exploited escape and recover from their trauma. The prevalent issues that complicate the eradication of human trafficking and exploitation are the plethora of narratives that are dominated by public audiences worldwide. These vast narratives are true in some cases, and misguided in others, complicating and adding to the complexities of helping children and adults be less vulnerable and ultimately free.
I do not contend to have all of the answers, and at times my answers are misguided from past experience or a lack of understanding of the complex nature of trafficking and exploitation due to culture, and misinformation. There are various complicated areas with a lack of understanding in the world of anti-trafficking and the prevention of trafficking and exploitation. It is crucial to understand narratives and talk them through to understanding within the public discourse. “Grillin the Narrative,” examines the victims, the children, the communities, the countries, along with the villains and NGOs working to make their world less vulnerable. The narrative of human trafficking consists of sex slaves, exploited workers, organized crime, traffickers, and consumers. There are various government and anti-trafficking activists who contribute to the story. We can find answers and solutions to complex questions. We must strive to understand each narrative that presents itself. Who is to blame for the problem and how do we end it?
I have found extreme opinions about what human trafficking looks like. Unfortunately, the narrative is guided by entertainment, sensational news, and media reports, many have good intentions, but this isn’t the reality of the vulnerable and exploited. I intend to keep “Grillin,” by researching and investigating these crimes against children. I believe there are Champions in the Field, and I will Stand with them and Share their Stories. Champions come in all forms and sizes! We must keep searching for the correct narrative. We must find solutions to poverty, and the lack of education in communities and villages where a vast percentage of young girls and children come from. My focus is on Southeast Asia, and predominately children. This is the narrative that I continue to try and understand. I have a passion and desire to help children become less vulnerable and remain free to live out their dreams and ambitions. I am dedicated to examining the best practices and solutions. It is critical to find the best way to implement the answers into the communities and the lives of vulnerable children. It is important to highlight and emulate organizations and individuals who are creating better lives by reducing vulnerability and exploitation. I will keep “Grillin the Narrative.”
Rich Binning is a researcher, investigator, and freelance writer based in Southeast Asia. He supports missionaries in spreading the message of Jesus Christ and works towards ending child trafficking and sexual exploitation. Rich is well-educated in Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, and Political Science, which equips him to comprehend the intricacies of cross-cultural missions and anti-trafficking efforts. He applies his research and investigative skills to offer effective solutions to complex issues.
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