The anti-modern slavery sector relies on strong stories and eye-catching images when writing about modern slavery. Raising awareness of the issues and the prevalence of modern slavery is essential, but so often, as survivors of modern slavery tell us, the images and language used to tell these stories do not reflect them accurately or in a dignified way.
All too often, disempowering language and images are used to drive the narratives around modern slavery and extreme exploitation, sensationalizing the experience of modern slavery today. Sensationalist images and language can unintentionally create or reinforce stereotypes or negative prejudices.
You can help change this by adopting the My Story, My Dignity Pledge as an individual or on behalf of an organization, company or institution that publicly shares human trafficking and modern slavery information and cases. By adhering to the pledge, you can help ensure accurate and respectful representations, so that we are all better informed on the realities of modern slavery and better equipped to end it. The anti-modern slavery movement must create the space for leadership from lived experience, helping identify lasting solutions.
The My Story, My Dignity Pledge principles:
- Choose respectful images that are representative of the issue. Choose stock images carefully.
- Select text that accurately represents the story. Be careful to avoid sensationalist language.
- Respect survivors’ right to privacy and dignity.
- Obtain prior consent to using a personal story, be transparent and accurate about the process and how it will be used.
Read Freedom United’s content guidelines to see how we live by the pledge.
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Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.
Just like the devil doesn’t always show up red and wearing horns and infsct can come in a beautiful image ! ! Well Not all slaves have chains and shackles . Slavery has been live and present in our world for centuries , sure its portrayed to have been abolished blah blah blah , what happens is its just dressed up in other ways, and just like the bourgeoisie have always done they’re protected by their own laws. Slavery has now gone global, like the pandemic its spread let’s stamp it out !
Slavery has still not been eradicated, but the majority of people do not realise this. They still think that slavery was abolished with the American Civil War, and have no concept of modern slavery.
They have no idea that it happens in this country, with people smugglers and gang bosses, bringing mainly East Europeans, to work on farms or as domestics. More could be done by the media, to bring this problem to the publics attention.
Help innocent people.