First, the major reason that the trade continues is for monetary gain. Because the madams and pimps, those they bribe, and even the Indian government benefit from the cash that is generated by the crime, it has become nearly as unstoppable as mob activity or other kinds of organized crime. Of course, the trade could not continue if there was no one to provide the money. Thus, the other cultural motivation of the trade is the attitude of oppression toward sex that may be the psychological fuel behind the sex trade, in addition to the assumption that such practices are accepted in their proper milieu. Because of this, those who want to combat and prevent this issue must take into account the cultural background of the problem. Just as Kumar argued that "the approach…in tacking the social scourge is two fold," the focus must be on both the individuals victimized by the sex industry and the greater evil of the industry itself in order for change to take place, and a tertiary focus must be on society. Thus, in order to solve this problem, two major wars must take place. In the first, organizations must focus on rescuing the women that are being tortured and abused in brothels daily. They must help the women to understand that they can be free of their awful blight and go to a safe house provided by non-profit organizations. This group must also undertake prevention by keeping a vigilant eye in...
On the other end of the spectrum, law enforcement officials must get to the root of the organizers in this organized crime, understanding the routes they use to transport girls and putting a stop to this transport. Finally, a third rung of this tripod includes a call for action regarding social issues in India. Sexual education, especially about the availability of birth control, along with economic reforms can help change the conservative and unknowing climate to one of intellectual awareness. While Lakshmi's ending was happy -- she was rescued -- many young prostitutes' endings are horrific. Through understanding the problem of sex trafficking and solving it through this three-pronged approach, those who wish to can make a difference.
Works Cited
Buncombe, Andrew. "India's sex trade exposed." The UK Independent. 29 November
2008. 21 May 2009.
Donnelly, John. "For youngest girls enslaved in sex trade, more woe." The Boston Globe.
1 Aug. 2007. 21 May 2009.
"Human trafficking a serious organized chief: CBI chief." The Times of India. 12 May
2009. 21 May 2009.
"India Facts on Prostitution." Paralumun New Age Village. n.d. 21 May 2009.
McCormick, Patricia. Sold. New York: Hyperion, 2006.
