In Renting Lacy: A Story of America’s Prostituted Children, former U.S. Representative and founder of Shared Hope International, Linda Smith, exposes the truth of child trafficking and forced prostitution in the United States. Using a novel-style approach, the author presents the lives and experiences of prostituted children whose stories are based upon true events. The reader is submersed within the confines of the system of prostituted children that is encompassed by sexual, physical and psychological violence. The narrative accounts are followed by commentary intended to educate the reader on various factors of sex trafficking within the U.S., including statistical reports of incidence and analysis of legislative efforts. The book also addresses misconceptions and questions that many commonly hold on this issue. Overall, this book presents a unique and necessary view of prostitution and trafficking of children that emphasizes demand as the primary contributing factor and highlights the need for the U.S. to promote and advocate for change.
By Jacqueline R. Barco
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010 CONDUCIVE
We often distance ourselves from these issues by intellectualizing on the experiences of those who are prostituted, imposing dehumanizing labels on them, or using victim-blaming to justify their abuse. But what Smith frequently reminds us through narrative form, is that behind the mask of those we have labeled “immoral,” “runaways” and “prostitutes,” are children. As readers, we can hear the voices of children whose dreams of becoming like “Mylie Cyrus,” or hopes of simply loving and being loved in return, have been preyed upon and exploited through manipulation, coercion and violence for the purpose of gratifying an American subculture of sexual fantasies. We are given a new appreciation for the true meaning of language, as Smith candidly reveals the horrific process of “seasoning,” which victims are subjected to in order to fulfill the demand’s fantasy of “innocent and slut.” Our sense of empathy for the victim is thus, engaged, an emotion that is arguably a necessary precursor to viewing the “prostitute” as human, recognizing that these violations of human rights are wrong, and fostering the desire to address these issues – a point that Smith hopes to accomplish through her book.
Through empathetic engagement, we cannot help but experience and feel a connection with the characters of the book who express fear, pain and helplessness. This is when Smith strategically presents commentary that act as a moment of distancing and reflection for the reader. Our existing viewpoints and preconceptions are challenged and we can begin to understand how such a serious issue thrives within the borders of our own country. This provides an educational foundation that supplements the stories and quotes of prostituted children and acts as a form of written and thought dialogue between author and reader to develop further understanding of the issue, propelling readers into the next chapter of prostituted children.
Although, Smith is effective in revealing the problem of child sex trafficking, many questions remain unanswered. How long has this been an issue within the U.S. and how has it progressed into what is manifested today? How is it possible that children “disappear” into the system of prostitution? What is the issue of alcohol and drug use disorders among those who are prostituted? And finally, who are those who represent demand, who purchases, or “rents,” children?
Although most of us are not directly involved in the exploitation of these children, we must still hold ourselves collectively accountable as a society. Through our own pathology of denial, avoidance and victim-blaming, we only perpetuate the issue of U.S. child sex trafficking. We must embrace the stories of those who have survived and those who courageously speak out and fight against the system of prostitution. We must be on their side and advocate for change.
Jacqueline Barco, M.S., is a researcher and advocate in the field of mental health and gender studies, particularly as they relate to the social etiology of gender-based violence and its effects on women. She received a M.S. in Health Promotion and Education from the University of Utah in 2010 and a B.A. in Psychology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2006. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
