slavery today

659 Words2 Pages

The movie “12 Years a Slave” amazingly portrays the history of slavery and its effects on society today. The film depicts the old South as a land of cruelty and slave owners as ruthless and inhumane. Not only did it accurately represent slavery in the United States, it allows a deeper understanding of the current versions of slavery in society. Modern day society includes all criminal behavior involved in forced labor and sex trafficking. Today children and women comprise most of the “modern-day” slaves, most of which are victims without consent and were brought or born into a state of involuntary servitude. Slavery not only still exists, it has evolved into a lucrative and popular business worldwide.
This film, which was based on a true story, details the kidnapping of a man who was born free in New York to be sold into slavery in the South. The main character, Solomon Northup was taken away from his family and life as a free man in New York. After 12 years of being a slave in Louisiana, he was able to write to his friends and family who were able to release and bring him back home. This story also describes the sugar and tobacco production that took place in several plantations and stories of numerous people who were tortured and beaten to death during his twelve years of bondage. The movie describes the effects of slavery on Northup well and can be applied to feelings and effects on modern day slaves as well. There are more than half a million people today who can be considered “slaves” according to human-trafficking statistics.
Forced labor is a type of modern day slavery that is also known as involuntary servitude. Forced labor occurs when corrupt employers exploit their workers who are more likely to be vulnerable to une...

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...r this reason, many people in our society do not think that Prostitution is considered as modern day slavery.
In conclusion, the movie “12 Years a Slave” did a good job in portraying the horrible realities of slavery and lead to more conversation about racism and slavery that exists. It is important to understand the history of slavery in order to fully examine the evolution of it today. Sexual exploitation of females and children is increasing in the world, even in the United States and needs more awareness. Forced labor as well as bond labor in immigrants is becoming more and more okay in our culture. This movie is an important reminder of the nature of violence and historical significance of slavery and the wounds if left on the people that suffered. Finally, this movie reiterates how slavery today is not finished and is still common around our world.

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