Child Abusers Are Not Monsters

Very recently, a person who had once been in my life was arrested for possession of child pornography. This post is not about that.

This post is about sin.

I'm not gonna preach. I'm not gonna try to guilt trip you. I'm gonna speak some truth.

When people are arrested for child pornography, or for child molestation, or for essentially anything that has to do with harming children, people get super upset, and rightfully so. We SHOULD be outraged that these sort of things that occur. And we SHOULD hate that they did it. We SHOULD NOT let them get away with this.

But we should also try to prevent the abuse from happening again. But first we have to make this crazy hard statement that might make a lot of people mad:

Child abusers are not monsters.

Please hear me out before voicing your opinion or rolling your eyes or hating me. (I would love to hear your opinion--but only if you're willing to listen to mine first!)

Child abusers are not monsters.

We paint these people as if they are the scum of the Earth. We say that they are the worst kinds of humans, that they should rot in hell. We act like they are less than human. They are bad. They are scum. They are evil.

But they're just like us.

{I hope I'm making you uncomfortable}

They were once little babies. They learned how to walk and talk and do everything you do. They maybe played tee ball and they probably liked chocolate bars and they had favorite teachers and laughed at funny jokes and maybe even made the honor roll in high school. They could have gone to college, they maybe had a huge impact on their community. They may have had a really normal life. Maybe a girlfriend or a boyfriend or even a husband or wife and kids. They were teachers or leaders or priests or business people or anything. They were 100% human.

They were just like us.

But guess what that means? It means that we can be in the exact same position. That's right. We are fully capable of becoming child abusers. We are one bad decision away from being in their shoes. Seriously.

Think about this. Did the child pornographer just wake up from his normal life one morning, look at his* wife and kids and dog, his great job, and decide, "Hmm.... I think I want to abuse a child today. That seems like the right thing to do!" Absolutely not.

It started when he was young. Something happened. Maybe someone showed him a soft-core porn website in the locker room in middle school. Maybe someone abused him. Maybe he lusted after the girls in his classes. But it progressed.

C.S. Lewis said it best in his book entitled The Screwtape Letters: "

Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one--the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts"

The abuser didn't jump off a cliff from a normal life into a pit of child abusing, terrible wretched sin. He took a step closer to that pit every day.

So maybe he started by pulling up a porn website out of curiosity. And honestly he maybe even felt bad after like 2 seconds and exited out--he could have easily been a good guy. But then he looked a little longer, and then a little longer. And then maybe that soft stuff wasn't good enough. And now instead of looking only when he felt depressed or lonely, he looks every night. Then he moves on to some more intense stuff. And honestly he might even try to stop. He might make it his New Year's resolution for years. He might hate it, and he might hate himself for doing it, but he keeps on. He looks for more more more to satisfy, but it doesn't. So he keeps looking and he's progressed to things especially wrong--violent porn, child porn, the like. And he hates it. But he's too far in now, he can't tell anyone, he can't get help, his friends would think he is a monster. But it's happening. And he needs more. He keeps walking this path, and he makes baby steps every day and he commits an act that my heart breaks too much to even imagine. He might get away with it, he might do it an infinite amount of times. But he also might get arrested and sent to prison for the rest of his life. No matter what, he has to live with the choices that he made and the people that he hurt.

His everyday decisions put him into a path of destruction. It ruined his life. It shattered others' lives.

But we are just like him.

Every day, we have the choice to walk down a path of destruction or to walk up on a path of righteousness. We take baby steps in one direction or another every day.

Here is my plea: Stop watching pornography.

WAIT! Don't stop reading.

Stop watching pornography. 

Pornography has ruined lives. It had ruined marriages and relationships and has twisted the minds of its victims. It's effects can be seen in broken families, in serial killing {seriously, sooooo many serial killers have admitted that their lifestyle started with porn and grew}, and in the sex trafficking industry, to name a few. Honestly, I'm a busy college student who doesn't have time to wow you with a list of scientific sources and citations and statistical evidence. I can get you sources if you need them, but I've spent way too much time studying human trafficking to not know the effects of porn. I don't need academic support to back the fact that porn hurts people.

Porn hurts. It is a small baby step down the slope of destruction. And it can get out of control quickly.

My argument is not that if you watch porn, you will become a crazy child molesting, puppy slaughtering, serial killer. My argument is that porn can be and often is one of the first steps down the small slope that leads to absolute destruction, to hurting yourself and others.

So how should we respond?

First, if you are addicted to pornography, please seek help. There are online resources, there are recovery programs in some churches, there are people to help. Find these resources and please use them. I am asking you to help yourself. Do not let yourself take one more step in that destructive direction. You are not alone.

Second, if you have not viewed porn but are ever tempted to, think about what direction watching porn would move you. This can be applied to any temptation. Would it move you closer to God, or farther? Step closer. Step away from hurting others.

Third, speak out against pornography. Help people who are struggling. Be a nonjudgmental listener and provide facts to steer your friends away from it. There are so many reasons why I believe pornography is harmful {feel free to comment or message me if you want to hear what I think!}

Fourth, understand that the people who commit terrible crimes are humans too. They aren't monsters. They are human beings who have made mistakes with their footsteps. And you can end up just like them with the decisions that you make. Don't call them monsters. Doing so puts the idea in our heads that we can recognize monsters, that we can see them, and that we aren't them. Don't lie to yourself like that--we can become monsters.

Furthermore, don't rejoice in the suffering of criminals. They are God's children too. He gave them free will, and they abused it, and they will face the judgment of God, but it is not our place to decide what they deserve. Pray for redemption, that they change the direction of their steps, that they never again hurt another person with their actions. And take action. Don't let your friends and families walk down this path. Be present and watching, graciously and respectfully guiding them in the right direction.

I don't want to sound self-righteous. I don't want to sound like I think I know everything. But I want you to hear that pornography destroys, that pornography can have lasting consequences on the trajectory of your life, and that you can take action to prevent further abuses that stem from an addiction to pornography.

If you're struggling, I ask that you would find whatever it takes to seek help. If you're not, I ask that you would commit to examining your everyday decisions, keeping careful watch over the direction of your footsteps. Do not allow yourself or those around you to walk in the wrong direction.

Thank you for hearing me out. I hope I didn't hurt someone with my words. If I did, let's talk about it. Feel free to voice your opinion respectfully. Feel free to ask questions. Feel free to give criticism. I don't know everything, but I do know some things.

Respectfully yours,

Karla

*I use a male pronoun throughout this hypothetical story not because I think that men are the only users of porn. I understand that a growing number of women are also consuming pornography. Women are just as capable as becoming abusers. I used a male pronoun because in my experience, men tend to be the ones who struggle with pornography. Regardless of your gender, do not think that you are immune to the potentially destructive effects of pornography. You are. Sorry.

Dressember Partner Highlights Part 3

Now that you've (maybe) received some Christmas cash, here are some fair-trade places to spend it! Remember, when you buy fair-trade, you're choosing to contribute to an economy that does not support or utilize slave labor and unfair, unsafe working conditions. You're buying sustainability for others, workers' rights, and simply fairness. It's the way things should be. So if you're going to consume, you might as well do it in a way that truly helps others and is non-exploitative! Also, remember that my selections are a handful of the THOUSANDS (or millions... who knows--get lookin'!) of fair trade products available on the web. If you don't really care for the items I've put on my blog, do some of your own research on these sites. You can do more research and find your style in fair trade too. Some popular brands even utilize fair trade. Patagonia, for example, is a great one. They take care of workers and use some of their profits to take care of the globe. Keep your eyes open for ways you can contribute to a fairer world for us all.


Adventure T-Shirt ~ $25.00
http://www.handsproducinghope.org/shop/adventure-t-shirt

Our vision is to see all people (regardless of gender, ethnicity, or geographical location) be afforded opportunities to have dignified and respectable work, and to provide for their families and flourish in their communities. We want to see a universal growth in an understanding of the impact an individual can make with their time, resources, and talents.

Our artisans are paid an above fair wage. They are treated with respect, and are taught that they and their dreams have value.

We offer a variety of life skills work shops to help enrich the lives of our artisans, their families, and their communities.

We connect our artisans with local churches and missionaries, and share small lessons from the Bible whenever we gather.

The women we work with are now hearing and learning that their dreams matter and have value. We believe that as we empower the women we work with, a generational change will take place and daughters will be raised up hearing these principles.

We prioritize education, offering assistance to the students that work with us, as well as to any adults who desire to return to school and obtain their high school diploma.

The Guaymi people have faced discrimination for generations. As relationships form through involving the local Costa Rican community in our mission, we hope to see small steps towards reconciliation and an end to the generations of discrimination.

Seriously--this business is just so inspiring. They seem to be doing everything right! I love everything they stand for and the ethic codes they hold themselves to. Their printed tees, prints, and jewelry are so beautiful. This is one of my absolute favorites. 

Fancy Free Scarf ~ $34.00
http://crownedfree.com/women/limited-edition-fancy-free-scarf-presale/

Crowned Free is a business that invest 35% of their profits into organizations that help women who have been abused by sex trafficking. Workers are treated with dignity and respect and they receive sustainable wages.
This scarf is adorable and I love it. I also love the story of Crowned Free! Check it out on their website.




Infinity Bracelet ~ $26.00
Dream builder Cuff ~ $38.00

http://shop.birdandstone.com/bracelets/infinity-bracelet

http://shop.birdandstone.com/bracelets/dreambuilder-cuff?_ga=1.203479511.69526690.1448733541

15% of Net profits from this bracelet fund micro-loans and financial training to widowed women in Kenya. Bird and Stone provides entrepreneur opportunities so that women can support their families and overcome the cycle of poverty and aid. They literally help women start their own businesses by providing training in agriculture, accounting, and business. When you buy from Bird and Stone, you're helping women build their dreams in Kenya.

I love businesses like these because they allow workers to be their own bosses. They don't give away money or jobs, but they empower women by enabling them to create their own businesses. That's so cool to me!





Chelsea in Charcoal Grey ~ $38.00
Chelsea in Light Grey $38.00

http://elegantees.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/chelsea-in-charcoal-heather
http://elegantees.com/products/chelsea-in-heather-grey

This tee gives meaningful employment for women rescued from sex trafficking. It was made in Nepal, one of the least developed countries in the world, which ranks high for trafficking. This design creates a bright future for the survivor who made it.

Elegantees provide lots of affordable clothing. I really really love their simple designs and I'm pretty sure I'm ordering like 12 of their products like right now. Their mission is amazing--they are 100% committed to giving new lives to victims of sex trafficking. What more do you need?

Loralie Necklace ~ $22.95

https://www.vibellajewelry.com/shopnow/All%20Products%20Necklaces/Loralie%20Necklace

Our whole mission at Vi Bella Jewelry is centered  on providing a path out of poverty for our artisans and a deep desire to form a community for them that is encouraging and prayerful. The employment that Vi Bella artisans are given creating jewelry and accessories also creates more beautiful lives for them, their children, and their communities.

In addition to steady income, Vi Bella provides school sponsorships for all of our artisan's children in Haiti and we fund after-school programs for children in Mexico.  We are also give back to the communities in which we serve by financially supporting schools, partnering with orphanages for school sponsorships, and  being part of collaborative efforts that improve living conditions.

Like wow! How amazing is their mission? This is one of the many cute and affordable jewelry pieces available on their website. If you're in the mood for new jewelry--look no further than ViBella. There is something for every style!




The Envelope Clutch ~ $29.95
http://www.eth-ics.com/ethicsstore/the-envelope-clutch

Krause Necklace ~ $46.00
http://www.eth-ics.com/ethicsstore/necklace

Not only does the Krochet Kids intl. Women's Envelop Clutch Wallet give your dollars a unique and stylish place to stay, but it also lets them support a good cause by directly benefiting at-risk Women in Peru and Northern Uganda working in Krochet Kids' empowerment program.

Eth-ics asks the question, "What do you stand for?". To me, when you buy products like these--fair trade that support real life people and their empowerment--you stand for Equality. You stand for Empowerment. You stand for Goodwill, for Fairness, for Justice, for People. That's an awesome message.


Connect the Dots Skirt in Coral ~ $44.99

https://www.matatraders.com/connect-the-dots-skirt-coral.html

Mata Traders fair trade clothing and accessories are made by the hands of artisans in India and Nepal. Every item we sell is an original piece, and many incorporate craft traditions that date back centuries, such as block printing and embroidery.

Our artisans come from rural areas, tribal villages, and urban slums, but they all want the same thing – the chance to earn a living wage and lift their families and communities out of poverty.

Mata Traders offers some of the most beautiful clothing pieces. Their style seems to be more casual and their prices match. They sell products on their website, but be sure to do your research because many ethical boutiques also sell a wider selection of Mata Traders Products (and sometimes they have great sales!) 

Pacha Scarf ~ $16.95
https://www.vibellajewelry.com/shopnow/All%20Products%20Accessories/Pacha%20Scarf

Oops! I forgot to tell you that ViBella Jewelry has much more than jewelry! They also sell accessories, books, gift items, and purses. So check them out now!

You don't have to buy all these products to change the world. In fact, you don't have to buy a single one. All you have to do is be conscious of the issue of human trafficking and unfair labor practices, and then carry that knowledge with you when you're considering purchasing new goods. Let your awareness of the inequalities and injustices involved in the making of your products help you make better choices! I'm not saying that you should never buy another thing again unless it's 100% fair trade certified. I'm say that our consciousness should inspire change, and that when we are given the opportunity to buy either a $5 made-in-exploited-factory shirt or a well made, ethically produced shirt for a little more (WearPact.com, people!), we should choose the ethically produced option. It's better for people, better for the fashion industry, and frankly it'll make you feel good. Maybe you won't buy anything now that you're aware of the injustices--not even the $5 t-shirt. That's okay too. It's always positive to look back on how much we are consuming and think about the impacts our consumption makes.
If nothing else, I hope this blog makes you think. I hope you think hard and I hope your hard thinking helps you make more ethical decisions.
Thanks to all,
Karla

P.S. Comments, questions, and critiques are always welcome! Seriously!

Dressember Partner Highlights Part 2

Hi friends! I'm happy to share some more of my favorite fair-trade items from around the web!


PACT Organic Striped Tee ~ $16.00

I love this shirt because it's plain, simple, and affordable. PACT makes some of the most affordable fair-trade clothing on the web. They have all the basics you could need from underwear and bras to tee-shirts and leggings. And they're of course fair-trade!

http://www.beadandreel.com/products/organic-striped-tee-pact



Karuna Full Pants ~ $47.99

Sudara is a brand that empower women in India who have been rescued from sex trafficking. Sudara not only provides employment and skills for these women, but they also have a non-profit arm that supplies housing and education for the women and their children. Sudara hopes to break the cycle of sex trafficking in these communities. They do great work in the lives of many families. Plus, these pants are super cute! Most of the products Sudara offers are pajamas (but no shame in wearing them as regular pants!), but they also have a line of tee-shirts and tank tops. They also have cropped pajama pants and pajama shorts and jewelry. Plus, they always have discounts if you look for them!

Sudara goods are made from hope, and made for comfort.

http://www.sudara.org/products/karuna-full








Wakami Set of 3 Bracelets ~ $22.00
Available in Peach, Gray, and Mint
Single Wrap Bracelet in Mint and Copper ~ $11.50

These super cute bracelets are really wonderful for gifts. The brand, Wakami, helps villages become self-sustaining by providing mentorship, education, and lifestyle improvement services. They even help these villages have and sustain nutritional food and educational services to children. They help villages create sustainable energy and water filters to overall improve the well-being of people who live in poverty.

• Wakami is of Mayan origin and means “it already is”. The people at Wakami believe their mission for a better world already exists, they just have to find a gate into it. Today, Wakami is a lifestyle brand that serves as a platform for village artisans to make a positive impact in their communities. These bracelets are handcrafted by village women in Guatemala that participate in this program. The sole mission of Wakami is to break the poverty cycle and create opportunities for these women by teaching them the skills needed to become self-sustaining and independent and providing them necessary resources to accomplish these goals.

http://www.daisiesanddoodles.com/collections/jewelry/products/set-of-three-bracelet-peach
http://www.daisiesanddoodles.com/collections/jewelry/products/single-wrap-bracelet-mint-copper




Sambal Indosole ~ $45.00

I actually love these!! These completely organic shoes are made in Indonesia. These are actually repurposed tires. Indosole's goal to help the environment by repurposing things that would normally go to a landfill. They are vegan friendly too! Plus they use ethical labor--they even post pictures of their good practices on social media. It's really a win win win with these shoes.

http://www.beadandreel.com/collections/under-50/products/sambal-indosole



PACT Organic Cotton Fair Trade Print Long Legging ~ $34.00

PACT is a company that basically has every fair-trade ethical certification thing ever--seriously:
PACT's manufacturing process is designed to be good from seed to shelf, with GOTS, Fair Trade, SA-8000, and OEKO-TEX 100 certifications so you can feel good about every step taken to create your favorite basics.

They make basic clothes for everyday wear. If you need plain t-shirts, warm patterned socks, underwear, camisoles, leggings--PACT is the place to shop. They have reasonable prices and a great selection across many ethical boutiques across the web.

Bead and Reel is one of those boutiques. They have an amazing selection of ethical clothing that does a lot of good in the world. Check them out!

http://www.beadandreel.com/products/print-long-legging-pact






Redemption For All Tee ~ $32.00
Available in Heather Gray and Slate

Garment Collective works with a manufacturer in Nepal that brings in the poorest, the most marginalized, and those that are at-risk for sex trafficking or who have experienced sex trafficking, and teaches them how to make a living. They teach them how to sew, they pay them well and fair, and they give them opportunities for counseling and a new life.  The manufacturer is committed to creating a work environment free of discrimination and full of safety and dignity.The designer has a heart of gold and uses the profits to further her designs so even more jobs are available to help these women.

http://garmentcollective.com/product/redemption-for-all-tee/




Block Print Scarf- Pink ~ $24.95

When you make a purchase from Daisies and Doodles, part of the profit goes to Free the Children, which is an organization that provides education and necessities to children in poverty-stricken communities and encourages children to be philanthropic. They support a fair marketplace and are committed to helping the world in big and small ways. Plus this scarf is just super cute!

We are inspired by a passion for discovering handmade pieces from around the world that are unparalleled in beauty, quality, creativity, and social responsibility. Our collections offer contemporary pieces crafted using traditional, locally sourced materials and age old methods. We are dedicated to environmentally conscious  production processes and fair wages to the artisans that create these one-of-a kind pieces. By providing a responsible commerce platform for our artisan partners, we bring you an exclusive, boutique of pretty little things that are making a big difference.

http://www.daisiesanddoodles.com/collections/scarves/products/block-print-scarf-pink


Joan Skirt ~ $51.99

This skirt is perfect! It's great for summer weather, winter weather, and everything in between. I love it! Plus, Arrowroot is committed to using ethical production every step of the way. They provide fair-wage safe jobs to women who need it in Honduras. They have a wonderful selection of dresses as well.

http://www.shoparrowroot.com/currentreleases/joan-skirt-in-copper


Kira Lee Bracelet ~ $32.95

This piece is elegant and whimsical. This is one of my absolute favorite pieces of jewelry. The jewelry from Vi Bella Jewelry is an ethical and empowering source much like the others listed on this blog. This particular bracelet was made in Haiti.

The Vi Bella story has grown to provide employment, education, and opportunity to more than 30 artisans in Haiti, Mexico, and right here in the United States.  We also partner with organizations that provide employment in India and Ecuador. 

https://www.vibellajewelry.com/shopnow/Collections%20-%20Noir/Kira%20Lee%20Bracelet





Cobalt Crossbody/Clutch $189.00
I'm not going to pretend that this is super affordable... BUT, if you're into purses like this and you're willing to spend the money, why not buy a purse that helps people and doesn't exploit people?

 Our business provides financial empowerment through dignified employment. We chose worker-owned women's weaving cooperatives and small family businesses to be our producers because they share our commitment to ethical, sustainable production practices and high-quality results. We know that empowered women are the key to transforming their communities and ending the generational cycle of poverty. Additionally, we have partnered with local Guatemalan non-profits to increase access to healthcare in rural communities and support education and mentorship for Mayan girls. 

http://estrellademaronline.com/crossbodyclutches/cobalt



Thank you so much for reading this blog! I really appreciate the support I've received about making this. I hope to continue to grow the resources and products available as time goes on. Currently, I'm on Christmas break so I should have a lot of time to do research and make more information and product highlights available. So thank you!

Let me know your opinions on the blog--should I include higher end items, or should I try to seek out the least expensive options? Should I include kids clothes? Mens clothes? Whatever opinions and suggestions I receive will shape the content of the blog. So I would love your feedback!

Thanks again.
Karla

Dressember Partner Highlights Part 1

Hi friends! I wanted to highlight some of my favorite brands and products that are partners with Dressember. These brands are committed to using ethical labor and to making a positive influence on our world. Consider checking out their websites next time you go on an online shopping spree! A lot of them also have sales and discount codes if you follow them on Instagram. Let me know what you think!


Fiona ~ $64.00

This item is Fiona by Elegantees. Elegantees are "Designed with purpose to provide meaningful employment for women rescued from sex trafficking. It was made in Nepal, one of the least developed countries in the world, which ranks high for trafficking. This design creates a bright future for the survivor who made it" I just love this because I know this would look awesome with some fun leggings.
When you shop here, you can know you're empowering women! How cool is that?!

http://elegantees.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/fiona-in-black



Voyager Cuff ~ $28.99

This bracelet is made in India and is sold by Noonday Collection. Read their Mission "We partner with an artisan business in India that creates dignified jobs in a vulnerable community, empowering both men and women to provide for their families. Artisans create jewelry by hand, earning fair wages and enjoying a safe work environment." 
Noonday is all about providing opportunities for people who simply don't have many. Plus they make beautiful jewelry!

http://www.noondaycollection.com/Pws/homeoffice/store/AMUS/product/Voyager-Cuff,2362,345.aspx#impact




Gold Shimmer Ribbons ~ $12.99 (Straps range in price from $8.99-$19.99)
Chroma Chiffon Sandals ~ $44.99
Ivory Lace Sandals ~ $59.99
Ribbon Accessories ~ $10.00-$19.99

These are like my absolute favorite! They are from Sseko Designs, a fashion brand based in Uganda that These sandals come with interchangeable chiffon ribbon. The ribbon can be tied in a multitude of ways (the possibilities are actually endless--just see their website!), and you can even purchase multiple ribbons to switch out. The bases come in multiple colors too! And you can buy accessories for the ribbons! And they even carry women's sizes 5-12. Yay!

Sseko Designs uses fashion to provide employment and scholarship opportunities to women pursuing their dreams and overcoming poverty. To date, we've enabled 60 to continue on to University. We provide employment (along with access to a comprehensive social impact program) to our team of 50 women in Uganda. And we do it all through a financially self-sustaining model.

Seriously--say no more--empowering women + great shoes = no brainer. I'm ordering like now.

http://ssekodesigns.com/shop/gold-shimmer-ribbons.html
http://ssekodesigns.com/shop/chroma-chiffon-sandals.html
http://ssekodesigns.com/shop/sandals/ivory-lace-sandals-571.html
http://ssekodesigns.com/shop/sandal-accessories.html


Silver Spear Earrings ~7.99

These earrings are among the many cute pieces of fair trade jewelry over at Mata Traders. There are so so so many earrings for every style, Would recommend! Absolutely perfect Christmas gifts!

https://www.matatraders.com/shop/jewelry/earrings/spear-earrings-silver.html



Giving Keys Classic Necklace ~ $39.00

You may have heard about the Giving Keys before--keys are repurposed into necklaces with words of hope and encouragement such as "Hope" "Believe" "Courage". Wearers are supposed to embrace the word on their key and pay it forward by giving it to someone they feel needs the message more than they do. They employ members of the homeless and low-income population and provide a safe, encouraging, supportive, and hopeful environment. They work to help individuals transition out of homelessness. So when you buy a key, you're in some way buying a future for these individuals. Plus, who knows how many lives you'll impact through giving the key away? Also, you can now customize your keys! Giving Keys just keep getting better.

https://www.thegivingkeys.com/collections/best-sellers/products/classic-pendant


Sadie ~ $46.00

This item is Sadie by Elegantees. Again, what a great business!! I just love how simple all their pieces are, because it really allows versatility and gives you opportunity to express yourself with accessories. I love this!

http://elegantees.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/sadie-in-blue-yonder



Enchanted Headband ~ $34.00

I'm actually in love with this headband by Noonday Collection. They're the company that empowers women in India you read about with the Voyager Cuff!

http://www.noondaycollection.com/PWS/homeoffice/store/AMUS/product/Enchanted-Headband,2437,428.aspx



Amazing Lace Dress ~ $92.00

Mata Traders has some seriously cute clothing--all fair trade! These dresses were made at a fair trade women's cooperative in India. The lace is beautiful, and did I mention it has pockets?!

Mata Traders – a design driven, fair trade brand helping to end global poverty and inspire ethical companies and consumers to change the fashion industry. Made by artisans in India and Nepal, our colorfully original designs are now sold in 50 states and 12 countries, and provide a stable source of income for families in some of the world’s poorest communities.

https://www.matatraders.com/amazing-lace-dress-berry.html
https://www.matatraders.com/amazing-lace-dress-teal.html



Amanda Necklace ~ $18.00

This Necklace from Flourish Art and Gifts is made fair-trade by women in India. The different products are made in different parts of the world and empower different people who need opportunities to have a safe and fair living. Some of the products are even made by women rescued from sex trafficking. 100-50% of profit goes back to helping the victims. Read all about them on their website!

https://www.flourishartandgifts.com/Fair-Trade-Gold-Tassel-Necklace-p/fawgtasn.htm


Okay, Phew, thats it for now!!! I hope you enjoyed looking through some of the fashion pieces available from these vendors. I hope you consider purchasing some and supporting their awesome causes! Fair trade fashion is out there, and I hope that this blog is helping you find that. Remember, while fair trade items often cost more than you might pay at the mall, you can have confidence that your purchases are not contributing to unfair labor or human trafficking. Doesn't that make you feel good??

Throughout the month, I hope to highlight some more of my favorite fair trade and ethical fashion items, so stay tuned!!

Ignorance Is Bliss

Today, I went shopping for essentially the first time since making my commitment to no longer purchasing clothing that I feel is likely made through unfair labor practices.

It was seriously one of the hardest things I've done, which sounds petty and stupid but it's true.
I tried on the most perfect pair of dress pants in my perfect size, in the perfect color, with the perfect cut and length and everything. They were only $10 too. And then, I saw the tag: "Made in China". Uh oh.

I didn't jump to conclusions instantly. Just because something is made in China doesn't mean it's made under slave labor or underpaid and dangerous labor. But it's pretty likely. According to the things I've been reading from sources like Free2Work.org, China is a prominent place for unethical labor practices as laborers are highly unaware of their rights, and businesses take advantage of this. While I know of some fair trade businesses who actually make their clothes in China, I can expect that this particular store was not a fair trade business, because when I looked on the stores website about workers rights and factory policies, nothing showed up. Nothing. I googled for a good 10 minutes in that dressing room, and found absolutely nothing about this brand's policies. Yikes.
See, in my experience, good brands that use good labor talk about it. They'll put a little Fair Trade Stamp on their website, or include a small blurb about how "their products are made by people who are paid fair wages and who work in safe conditions" or they make their policies known, or they have some sort of transparency so that consumers can know that the clothes they are buying aren't costing the freedom of people half way around the globe.

But not this brand. I found nothing.

Maybe I didn't look hard enough. But I felt uncomfortable buying from this brand when I honestly had no idea who was making my clothes.

I've never looked so good in a pair of dress pants. But I've also never been so aware of the issues involved in the clothing industry. I couldn't buy them without knowing...

Then I went to a makeup store. Gah! I love makeup. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most beautiful makeup kit I've ever seen in my life. It had a beautiful makeup box and literally contained every kind of makeup I actually use in the colors I actually use. The box would even match my room, like it was made for me.

But then, I checked makeup on Free2Work.org, and I found out that Mica, a common ingredient in makeup, is mined by children as young as 6 all over the world. I read about the conditions they worked in--receiving very little pay, working in terribly dangerous conditions, working long hours, not receiving education, the scorpion stings and snake bites that these little boys get, just terrible stuff that goes on to mine Mica.

So with this knowledge, I scanned the ingredients of the makeup, hoping and praying that this perfect makeup kit wouldn't have Mica.

It did.

I was upset. Why do businesses have to taint their goods by using unethically obtained materials? Like if they could have not used Mica, or have somehow managed to find their own Mica mine where they took safety measures and payed people fairly, I could have purchased that most amazing makeup kit. But I couldn't. Even if I wanted to, I knew that I could never put on that eyeshadow, look at myself in the morning, put on my Dressember dress and advocate against human trafficking, and be OK with myself. I just can't.

Ignorance really is bliss. A year ago, I could buy whatever I wanted. I was advocating against human trafficking, and that was enough. But this year, I learned about the prevalence of unfair labor in the apparel industry and in many more industries, including food, coffee, and cosmetics.
It sucks.

Here's the thing. I know that my lack of purchasing a pair of $10 pants isn't going to change the world. Like it isn't. That brand is not missing my business. That store doesn't care if I skip out on that makeup kit. However, I can no longer align myself with brands that are known to have terrible workers rights policies, or are so non-transparent that I can't know how their employees overseas are treated. I can't. One of the things I've learned at TU is that as consumers, our dollars are our vote. Money talks. Money makes changes. I can't vote for slave labor. I can't vote for dangerous working conditions. I can't vote for child labor. I am simply doing what I can to stop MY contribution to human trafficking by cutting out my money that supports brands that use it.

But that's not all I'm doing. I'm making people aware of these atrocities. My hope is that, upon learning where the that the clothes they're buying and the makeup they're wearing come from, people will feel uncomfortable. Hopefully their discomfort will be an encouragement to also stop shopping at places that are known to have terrible workers rights policies. Hopefully their discomfort will help them be more conscious of the way that their consumerism can possibly be contributing to a global injustice.

And I know what you're thinking. Boycotting isn't the most effective way to end human trafficking. I know. But here's my thinking:

• I can't find peace knowingly wearing clothes that I'm pretty sure are made by slaves (or that I'm 99% sure are made by people who are not given fair pay).
• I can't give my money to businesses that are taking it for themselves and withholding it from their oversea workers who make pennies an hour.
• I can't let myself advocate for human trafficking when it's easy (on social media) but not when it's hard (passing up on cute and cheap clothes).
• The point isn't to boycott, but to hold companies accountable to fair labor and manufacturing transparency. This means that we must write to businesses* and let them know that we can not buy from businesses that use child, slave, or unethical labor.
• Purchasing from Fair Trade** businesses means a vote for freedom! When we buy Fair Trade, we are supporting businesses who pay their workers right. This means that in places of poverty or unfair labor, some people are being treated with dignity. This is awesome, because it means we are allowing people to have good, sustainable jobs in safe places; we are showing laborers that workers rights exist and that they should advocate for them; and we are proving to businesses that profit can be made without using unfair labor.

*I plan on making a post about how we can express to large companies that we can't stand with slave labor, when I find enough information. Research about things like this is scarce... Probably because companies really don't want you to know about this. :-)

**I'm also doing lots of research about cute clothing stores that are Fair Trade in some way, or who have very strong anti-slave anti-child labor policies, or who have good ratings according to Free2Work.org. I'll share resources soon! I've found some majorly cute clothes!

All this being said, sorry for bursting your bubble of ignorance. I hope it moves you to action to make changes in the way you look at clothes when you're purchasing them. Sorry not sorry if you have a hard time buying clothes for dirt cheap from stores who hide their workers policies :-)

It'll take sacrifice on our part, but we can actually change things and stop human trafficking in the apparel industry.

Also, don't stress yourself out about this. You aren't a bad person for having clothes made in sweatshops. You aren't a bad person for wearing makeup. You aren't a bad person for not really caring about human trafficking. But if you DO care about injustices and you want to make a difference, do it. Don't stop because it's hard. We can do it together.
Love Always, Karla

Purpose

Over this last month, I've been advocating for the abolition of modern slavery, for the end of human trafficking. I've worn a dress for the past 10 days as a part of a creative advocacy and fundraising program called Dressember, which raises money for two international organizations who work hards-on to end the injustices of our world. This is my second year as a Dressember advocate.
But this year, something feels a little different. As a "veteran", my message isn't really new and exciting or special among my friends--it's the same as last year after all. While a multitude of people supported me last year, the money is running on the shorter side so far--not that I'm complaining, just being real. This year I've also started college, which means I don't see the same people every day, which means I don't get as many questions or opportunities to speak about human trafficking. I'll admit that this has been discouraging, but last year I felt like I was on the track to change the world, and this year I've battled the feeling that all my work is in vain.
However, I remind myself that this isn't about me. It's about the survivors and victims of human trafficking. It's about what God has called me to do. It's about everything except me.
Last year, it was easy to follow God's call on my life to pursue ending human trafficking. Not only was it super fulfilling and impactful, but I also got some attention from it, some encouragement, something tangible that told me that I was somehow doing the right thing. But this year, it has been difficult, and I'm battling discouragement.
Luckily, this isn't the end of my post, because God is a God who works in encouraging times and in discouraging times. My impact and my passion are not limited by my feelings.
And this is where this blog begins. Over the past few weeks I've been thinking about Dressember, about clothes, and about slaves. I've been learning a lot about the global economy and inequality and trauma, and I've been thinking about my part in slavery. I don't know when it clicked, but I realized that even though it's awesome to advocate for slaves through Dressember, it's kinda hypocritical to do so wearing dresses made by slaves. I was convicted. So I got to thinking, and researching, and praying, and I came to the conclusion that I have to rid my life of products made my slaves. I have to completely take my share of the economy and place it in the hands of businesses that do not use trafficked laborers. My money is my support. I cannot support trafficking. I cannot support slavery. I cannot support injustice. I must purge it all.
But here's the thing--it's hard. And I don't know where to start. And I don't know what to do. And that's why I created this blog. I don't know where it'll go, I don't know who it'll reach. But I do know that through this journey of ridding myself of slave-made products, I'm following the calling that God has placed on my life. I hope that somehow in someway this blog will be a resource for others who share the same conviction.
As I take on this project of un-slaving my wardrobe and possessions, I plan on writing about what I'm doing. I plan on giving tips and advice about how you can do it too. I'll give more explanations about how this matters and what it does as time goes on.
But for now, here's my purpose: to contribute to the end of human trafficking but discontinuing my economic support of companies who use it.
So Help Me God.