Wear BE VISIBLE glasses. Join the movement.
Promote goodwill, charity, and human rights through your next pair of sunglasses. |
In 2016, I spent five weeks in Barcelona, Spain. The tourism, architecture, beaches, food, and sangria kept me busy day in and day out, but in between excursions and meals I noticed the people who occupied the streets I was walking each day. Not everyone was looking for the nearest gelato stand or Irish pub to watch a soccer match. Some were desperately trying to sell a can of beer for just 1 Euro, a pair of fake name brand tennis shoes, or even their body for the night. A few Google searches and conversations with locals later, I learned that most of these individuals are trapped into this life. Most were brought here with the promise of a steady job, bright future, and better life. What they endure instead is the never-ending process of paying back their ticket to this new life. As modern day slaves, these individuals have been forced into human trafficking, an industry that is worth over $32 billion.
What astounded me the most was that everyone I talked to knew about human trafficking. We walked by these individuals each day but were only concerned with not being late to work or where we would have lunch that day. It's not just an issue in Barcelona, either. Basic research proves that each country struggles with this human rights issue. I didn't understand why, along with everyone else, I wasn't doing something to help these people.
Human trafficking is an invisible industry. Some are forced to work all day under the scorching sun in a field or factory, but some could be chefs at a local restaurant, construction workers you drive by every day, or custodians at the hotel you stay at on vacation. You would never know. Those trapped and being trafficked don't wear signs around their neck stating their condition. But as a supporter, I realized that I could visibly show that I was for the cause. Thus came the idea: Be Visible Sunglasses. Wearing these is the easiest way to show that you want to help. Spark others to ask the story behind your glasses. Start this conversation and encourage others to follow in your footsteps. Those who we trust the most are our friends, and I believe that we can make this problem more visible. Bring the issue of human trafficking to light so we can do something about it, once and for all.
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