We finally get to the market, and before we go and barter for some great deals, we go to
the ATM. I already had my money out, so I was able to stand back and see the people and the vendors around me. The first thing that I saw was a DVD and CD rack. And an entire side was ALL PORN. Hundreds of videos and soundtracks were there for purchase. It was right in front of me and everyone around me. It was right in front of the movie theater for children to walk by and for everyone to see.
I was so disgusted by this. Are people not looking? Do they care? How do these women feel? What has happened for this to occur? Why can’t they find satisfaction in what they have? Why does it have to involve destroying a woman and her dreams and destiny?
I am currently reading A Voice for the Voiceless. It is a devotional that addresses global issues of gender-based injustices. Here is one of the stories:
“Stop dreaming, girl!” Victoria’s mother barked. “You have to do the laundry, wash the dishes, change your brother’s diapers…” Victoria’s mind drifted off, “I’ve gotta get out of this place!” “Ok, mom”, she responded. Her thoughts drift off again…teenagers in America have nice lives. She had seen it on cable TV. Maybe one day she could be a receptionist, a graphic designer or even a flight attendant. She had always loved the thought of travel. “I’ve gotta get out of Moldova,” she resolved.
“You look like you’re dreaming.” Victoria looked up from her park bench, “My name is Tanja.” “Hi”, Victoria extended her hand to a well-dressed woman, “Yeah, I’m always dreaming about getting out of this hole. I want to go to America. I want to travel, I hate this place!” “Well today is your lucky day. I work for an American company in Turkey; we have an opening for a young woman. If you work hard enough, maybe you could get transferred to America! Corporate is always looking for new talent.”
What a dream! As the fields sped by, Victoria dreamed of her new flat in Istanbul, even a new boyfriend.”Get out of the car!” Her dream was rudely interrupted. “Why?” “Get out now and follow me”. “But where are we?” “Now!” Victoria followed Tanja into a forested area. Men were waiting. A passport was thrust into her hands. The photo was familiar but the name was not hers. “You are coming with us now.” After walking across the border into Serbia, Victoria was thrown to the ground. If you resist we will kill you, and nobody will know! Victoria was raped once, twice, by the third day she had lost count, lost her dignity and her will.
The dream was now a nightmare. Her captors sold her from brothel to brothel to satisfy the lust of desperate men. In two years she had been sold ten times, each time around $1,500 USD. Eventually she was sold into Albania. A client beats her in a urine smelling hotel. The neighbors complain. The police arrest Victoria for disturbing the peace. In her cell they rape her until they are finished. Then sell her on.
The nightmare now becomes a destiny. A child grows in her womb. Victoria clings to the dream that maybe her daughter will have a destiny in America…
