When I listen to a rap song on the radio, most of the words are bleeped out— radio edits. But the words that are still audible are usually about three important topics: Pimping, Hoes, and Money. Occasionally there will be commentary on life in the hood. This seems to be common in all rap music, therefore one may deduce that this is indeed a prerequisite for being technically considered rap music.
Therefore, when I hear of a rapper in his personal life endorsing pimping, hoes and money, I am not surprised. There is no disconnect.
However, when I hear about the comments John Mayer makes in his personal life, I struggle with tremendous disillusionment. John Mayer sings about love, and relationships and how my body is a wonderland. Look no further than his recent and shocking interviews with Playboy and Rolling Stone to see that this is ALL a facade, an act.
I felt a similar inward confusion when I learned about the underground sex trade in Houston, Texas.
When you see evidence of the sex trade in Thailand, there is nothing shocking about it. The streets are lined with massage parlors with hot pink signs, openly advertising scandalous services. Therefore, when you ride an elevator up to your apartment with a businessman and three prostitutes, you remain unphased. You expect it.
HOWEVER, learning about the sex trade in Houston is a different story. Houston is a place for families and churches. Houston is full of friendly Texans, philanthropic ventures and reasonably-priced real estate. But that is only the song—in reality, there is a much darker side.
Houston is the second largest port in the United States for human sex trafficking. The FBI is watching Houston like teenie boppers watch Justin Bieber’s Twitter. On the last major raid of sex-related industries in Houston, including adult DVD stores and lingerie shops, a shocking percentage were involved in the underground sex trade.
Girls are brought into Houston from all over the world and then transported in 18-wheelers to destinations all over the US. Many of these girls are sold into slavery by their parents from southeast Asia, some for as little as $25. The average age of the girls rescued by the FBI in Houston was 10-15 years old, turning an average of 15 tricks a day. The biggest question is what to do with these girls who have been horribly abused when they are rescued.10 years old. Can’t speak English. Can’t go home because their parents sold them.
Hopefully this disillusionment, a million times worse than John Mayer, will someday see its end.
