Here’s another problem…
Posted on October 25, 2013 | posted by:I came across this photo-quote on tumblr
I smirked at it a bit with realization that in all the readings assigned so far, one point has been sticking to me – you cannot simply make a new thing.
“Change comes first by stepping outside the limited information that can be seen from any single place in the system and getting an overview. From a wider perspective, information flows, goals, incentives, and disincentives can be reconstructed so that separate, bounded, rational actions do add up to results that everyone desires…
…What makes a difference is redesigning the system to improve information, incentives, disincentives, goals, stresses, and constraints that have an effect on specific actors.”
– Meadows, Thinking in Systems
In my senior year in college, I realized that the issue behind sex trafficking is more complex and close to home than I could ever image. Toronto hosts one of the largest sex trade industry in the world, and I lived two blocks away from the most active area downtown. I used to think human trafficking was an international problem, but this was happening in my backyard. The issue is so largely involving multiple “inflow” and “outflow” clouds and unfortunately, not many people know about it. There are organizations existing that make programs to help those who escaped from the sex trade to redevelop a life again. They are successful, but the numbers are not going down… Raising awareness to the issue is one thing, but what are the necessary changes that need to be done to keep young children, girls and boys, from being exploited for sex?!
The readings so far hasn’t given me an answer, instead, it made me more pessimistic about solving anything at all… but on the up side, I’ve learned that I need to be thinking in a wider perspective. Can I point my finger at the pimps, or should I point them at the men buying sex? The whole system is a problem. The desire for sex and its connection to money…and more.