Friday, October 17, 2008

Crazy Male Foreigners

I am amazed and saddened at how many single old white men are in the city of Saigon. I don't want to generalize and say that they are all bad, but we have seen our fair share of them acting in manner that makes me frown in disgust. Most of them will hang out by themselves in front of a bar or restaurant drinking beer, waiting till a woman or a child approach. We have seen many occasions where a man will be sitting with a cocktail and three or four children surround him, while playing weird and inappropriate games. UNICEF estimates that there are close to 1 million child prostitutes in Southeast Asia alone... and that is just an estimate. Every night we see the same situation and I really try to restrain myself from approaching them and asking questions, or just taking the children and giving them money for the night; however, that really doesn't solve the problem because they will be back in the streets the next night. It is difficult to wrap my head around the concept of people taken advantage of a poor child in such a demeaning way. There is no excuse for this horrible situation...what do we do????

6 comments:

Janet said...

There is a good website that tells what countries are doing about this situation.
www.humantrafficking.org

Advocacy means doing something ... and that could mean something simple like writing a letter to your senator reminding him/her of the injustices against children throughout the world ... you can give money to NGOs ... you could do more complicated things like raise awareness in your community. Being informed is the first step.

Laura said...

Wow, that is a crazy situation to wrap your mind around. So insane that it is so prevalent and obvious... That's got to be really tough and frustrating to see every day. I'm thinking of you every day, and so happy knowing that you are getting a chance to see some of the good and bad in different places. What an opportunity. I'm also so excited about your weekend away! It sounds like it was wonderful, and I'm so excited that you and Molly are getting to have these experiences! It feels just like you went on a challenge of the Amazing Race to hear about that floating market! Love you and am thinking of you every day!!!

Anonymous said...

I continue to think about you and pray for you every day. I cannot imagine all that you are witnessing...both good and bad. We are oblivious to so much of the world outside of our comfort zone; and it takes individuals like yourself to bring awareness of these situations to people like us. Us "Cooks" continue to pray for you and Molly...and these children that know no other life.
Missing you and sending you many blessings!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Mary.....I miss you and pray for you and Molly daily. I cannot imagine the things you have seen and are yet to see. I pray for your continued health and safety. Looks like you both had a fabulous weekend. Look forward to your next update. Love you
Lizzie

mikefrom said...

Mary, keep advocating for and loving those children, the poor and oppressed! And keep writing; I'll be reading.

Anonymous said...

Hey Mary,
Glad to hear and see you are doing well.
I have been reading all your blog, but have been unable to comment back. Your mom is standing behind me and showing me the way. Ha Ha!!
I have been touched by your experiences and wish you well.
Love you, Lynn