Human Trafficking and the role of media

Human Trafficking and the role of media. Human trafficking is an issue that has been addressed in film and this is in line with the fact that the interest by the film industry is usually on daily issues that the public faces. With human trafficking being a common issue, some of the films focusing on this human rights issue are such as Taken, Human Trafficking, and The Whistleblower. In all of these movies, human trafficking is portrayed as violent and coercive while there is an emphasis on sexual exploitation since all of the victims are women and girls. A further portrayal is that trafficking victims are usually white and that rescue is the ultimate end. Such a popularization often captures audiences and takes root in the public since mass media is believed to portray exactly what is happening despite the existence of some misguided portrayals.

Human Trafficking and the role of media

How are trafficking narratives popularized in the media?Why do we believe “Taken” or movies, more than whats actually happening?”
Does the media representation of the issue empower or disempower the women they portray and those who are defending it? 
What aspects of culture, (who is watching it, who is creating the media, who are the heros and the victims) and what are the power dynamics that come into play in this discussion of trafficking? 
Is the narrative true to some parts of trafficking stories, or does it play on trafficking myths?
What did the media get right? What did they totally mis in the trafficking narrative? 
How would you do it differently? 
Is there a call to action? Is it an effective call to action? 
How would you tell the story to make it more real/ or get more reactions from the public and politicians 
What are the biggest myths that have been debunked for you in this class. 
This must include a works cited, as well as sourcing from your books or readings.