I questioned the purchase of a line of products when the clerk told me part of my purchase would go toward abolishing human trafficking. Because I wasn't sure whether or not it fought sex for sale as a whole, or mainly to stop the selling of humans into slavery, (laborers, sweat shops, children sold into sex slavery, etc.)

If it focuses on the negative aspects of industries, such as slavery or minors, I'm all for it. But abolishing escorts (of age) who want to sell their 'time and companionship' would be something I wouldn't want to support.

I feel the purchase I would have made, (way over priced purchase at that,) was kind of tricking me into giving extra money toward something that supports something I may not agree with.

When I want to donate to charity, I like to fully understand the overall goal and strategy for getting to that goal. So I've been looking into this since I do buy some hefty music equipment, tools, and software. Over time it can be a hefty donation to something that may be against this line of work as a whole.

After reading up on this, the overall cause seems very positive. I thought I would put this link out there for those who may be concerned by such a thing, or even possibly have some insight aside from a google search. (Never know.)

So... "Your thoughts, if any?" Lol

-- Modified on 12/11/2014 2:11:36 PM

If I want to donate to a charity, that's exactly what I will do, without any "postage and handling" taken out by a middleman.

The ones that really irk me are the religious pukes who proudly advertise that they are "good Christians" and thus more deserving of my business. Invariably the moment I hear this crap, I stop patronizing said merchant and I usually make it a point to tell them EXACTLY why they are no longer going to get my business.

I don't like being manipulated, or feeling like a sucker. It robs me of the joy of giving, which is all I ask for when giving to the needy or deserving. I like the feeling of having done a good thing. When I have been manipulated into doing something, I don't feel good about myself, I simply feel like a sucker.

I had this conversation with a check out clerk just a couple of days ago. At my neighborhood grocery store, right at the check out line is a bunch of "gift bags" full of food that you can purchase on behalf of the needy and the supermarket handles it all. Nobody comes out and asks you if you want to donate, the bags are simply "there". I fucking love it, and more often than not I buy a bag or two because, number one I know it goes to a good cause, What could be more important than feeding the hungry? Number two, nobody hassles me to do it, they make it convenient, but no pressure like they do when they ask pointedly "would you like to donate?" in which case I almost always say no. Go figure. lol

...what was the clerk's reaction when you backed out of the purchase after being informed about the charity?

Nothing. I just asked what it was and said "damn. It's more than double the price of all of the other ones. Is that why?" then asked to look at some other ones. The thing I was going to buy was way over priced. I bought that product many times before and never paid that much. I feel like it was more a marketing gimmick to get people to pay more than twice as much because its going to a good cause. Which to me seems like a scam.

-- Modified on 12/11/2014 4:45:43 PM

that's how I felt too, especially at that price. Again, I felt like they jacked up the price to get people to feel like they are doing a good deed, which seemed a little bit was a fundraiser that brings in more money for the company rather than the fund.

a company who asked for donations for a reputable charity and he received 40% of how much he was able to get out of people. The company received 50% of the profits and the people who really needed it only received 10% of the profits.  He worked for them around the holidays because that is when people are the most giving and they generally do not ask. This is also why you should ask about where the money goes and how much is "actually" going to that specific charity.

Love
Zana

A lot of charities that combat trafficking only focus on sex trafficking, but that particular org seems to be looking at all trafficking, i.e. those forced into working domestic, restaurant, factory or a whole host of other jobs. Charities like that tend to be less about criminalizing sex workers and more about addressing immigration reform and labor laws, to eliminate trafficking no matter what the workers are forced into.

There was a major charity that one of my employers used to twist our arms into donating a percentage of our paychecks. I donated like a good boy for many years until it was made public that most of the money was going to operating overhead and not to those in need. The scandal that erupted stopped my and many others donations and I never donated again. I heard that some heads rolled and the organization was restructured but I never trusted them again.

Even if you ask how much money actually gets to those in need, how can you be sure they're telling you the truth? The organization we donated to had major corporations fooled.

Additionally, the clerk mentioned it, but knew nothing about it lol. He knew nothing about me either, because another thing the product was for was beginners. When I chose the less expensive one, he asked how long I've been playing. Going on 23 years now, buddy lol.

He was a nice kid, but knew nothing about disbursement of the proceeds. I don't expect him to, of course. I just didn't buy the thing.

Through reading online, the products are guaranteed to be made by people who are not 'trafficked' as well, hence the higher price. Looking into this now, I believe it's more of an 'approved by traffick stop' as opposed to just donating extra money. Kind of like 'authenticated photos', which we all know may not mean shit lol.

Oops, did it say that? Lol!


-- Modified on 12/11/2014 5:57:56 PM

Run it by a certain provider on this board. She's very knowledgeable regarding organizations that portend to be against human trafficking but are really trying to stop all adult offers.

You're right... That's what it looks like now that I read the whole site again, which is a good thing. Just told P_P that I think it's more an emblem that the company doesn't use sweat shops or slaves, children, etc... Which would be their justification for charging double.  

The kid was adamant about making it about prostitutes, though lol. Kind of odd IMO, but glad he did, because it was an interesting read.

 -- Modified on 12/11/2014 5:53:25 PM

Not sure who. I'm sure she will PM?

One quote that the site says is, "until everybody is somebody, and nobody is for sale." I'm for rent, not Sale. Lol!

Sure they would, there probably are a lot more rank beginners coming through their doors than someone like you. Easy sell to those who don't know any better.

You bring up a good point - if they don't know anything about the charitable organization, they shouldn't be asking for donations. The store was obviously not educating their employees about the organization. It sounds like the owner had their own agenda and were preying on newbies who didn't know any better.

I don't know about the woman behind this organization or what she represents but I think Josephine summed it up pretty well below. It does sound much more broad-based than sex trafficking.

-- Modified on 12/11/2014 6:00:44 PM

I'm withholding her name, lol. Email me if you want her handle

If it's a cause I support, like autism, heart, diabetes, Ronald McDonald house, or epilepsy foundation, I just ignore the clerk and do it. Because I already know I would - and I already know from personal experience of family & friends what those charities can do when push comes to shove.

I feel bad for the employees who are pressured to do it, though. I've gotten pretty assertive with a lady trying to get me to get a store credit card. I said "No thanks" probably five times, then looked up, stepped back, and said, "Please stop asking me. I said no thank you." She like melted in front of me and explained she has to reach a certain quota. I felt bad, but didn't apologize. I was pretty nice to the guy behind the counter, but charity or no charity, no way at that price.

I DID want to say, "well, I'm an upper middle class hooker, so I'll just take this middle class one, not the super high end." But alas, I didn't. Would have been great though lol!
 

The term charity is thrown around for emotional reasons.  To be sure, there are some wonderful charities.  All too many devote excessive funds to administrative costs.  A lot of these organizations exist to carry out ulterior motives.  The rich (hedge fund managers, pro athletes, etc) set up "charities" for public relation purposes and tax reasons.  Many hire family members at large salaries for little or no work.  The net effect is that they transfer cash to family members who pay taxes at a lesser rate (the QB who hires his mother to run his foundation at $200,000).  The QB gets a tax deduction and his mother is in a lesser tax bracket.  And, little or no money is distributed to needy.  But life goes on.

I actually worked for a non-profit organization as an Executive Assistant for a while. There are some out there that are for the better good. What we did was really good for people who really needed it and we worked with the Department of Education to help them  (not saying exactly what we did but it was good !!!!) ....  

 Now, not to say that ALL charities are bad... There are good and great ones...and some really bad ones with people who just want to scam others.....  I know that I posted about my family member who actually worked for a charity who pretty much scammed people and that was very wrong but there really are good charities and organizations out there that are good and these people are making it very difficult for those who are really in need.  

 If you really want to give to others and feel the need to give then do not do it once a year. Do it all year long and find a solid charity or organization. The Salvation Army is an awesome organization who actually hires people off of the street, feeds them, clothes them and we help. Think of women's shelters.... How many of those women who have been battered by men that have children need our help. I know of a few actually. Toys for Tots.... by the way it is not just once a year!!! You can do more if you really want to help.  

I know that we all sometimes get carried away with what we are doing in our own lives and yes some of these charities are scams and that sucks for the them... because they deserve the best.  

Thank you all reading my views (Pouring out my mind so to say)....  
I hope that everyone really enjoys not only these holidays but every day of their lives!!!! Sharing is  Caring... Not only in our business but in others!!  

I know.... Yes, me ranting and raving... but this is something that is important and not only during the holiday season.... It just came up during this post... Thank you Courtney ... Great Post... This is important and not only now at this time of year.... Oh, by the way.... miss you honey!!!

 
Love
Zan

Take it to the bank.
I would like to see all sorts of exploitation abolished.  But then I would have to go back to paying $3,000 for a personal computer and throw away my iPhone.  I would like to see jobs stay in this country but I don't want to pay more for things I use every day.  Unfortunately, too many people say they are against slavery and abuse but don't give a second thought about what it really means.
Anyway, if the word "traffic" or "traffick" is in the name, they're anti-sex for sale, period.  They don't see the difference between what we do and kidnapping a 12 year orld.

I never donate via purchases or promotions...

I want to be sure I know the group I am giving my money too.   Unfortunately, these days it takes a bit of homework to be sure the group really supports what/who you want it to support.    

Never trust the 'name'... these days names seem to hide the true activities of an organization.   They hope if it 'sounds good' you will give....