Stepping Out On A Limb Here: Craig’s List Not Responsible For Protection Our Young Girls
I am really going out here ya’ll. You know I am a huge proponent of education and I have a post in draft to post on my education site about that very topic. However, I also want to make sure that people understand the importance of family and who is responsible for educating our children before and after they leave our nest.
With that said, I’ve watched the CNN story several times where the man who is responsible for Craig’s List, his name is..get this, Craig, regarding the safety of young girls who are being abused is slammed. The basis of the story, in case you haven’t seen it, and how you could have missed it is beyond me, but the basis is that Craig is responsible for young girls who post ads offering sexual services at a cheap price.
Let me be as clear as I can be here. We have to be responsible for ourselves. We are responsible for our children (which is another post coming later too, it’s in draft form for the Education Uncensored site). But, as individuals, we can NOT be responsible for every other person in this world. We do what we can do and if you personally feel as if you haven’t done enough, then do more, but don’t expect everyone around you to do more.
Moreover, our responsibility ends when our children leave our nest, our wings, our home to make lives for themselves out and about somewhere else. The fact that Craig of Craig’s List has made an attempt to sensor the ads that are posted should be seen as an accomplishment. He could, by all rights, put every ad up that is submitted. He did say he would check into the matter. He said he would be more diligent about looking for the kinds of ads that are specifically in the adult services section soliciting sex.
The woman being interviewed says she gets $150 for half an hour, $250 for an hour of services with a man. She sleeps with about 3 men a day and she says that her pimp would not let her quit. Indeed, the woman is 21. She has to take responsibility for herself. Not me, not you, not the CNN anchor and not Craig Newmark.
Anti-sex trafficking articles have been written in various places regarding men answering the ads on Craig’s List. One person wrote back to the Washington Post and indicated that she was being sold on Craig’s List and had been since the age of 11.
Age 11!
People, let me see if I get this straight. Age 11? Where is this kid’s parents. Why does anyone think that Craig of Craig’s List is responsible for this girl?
Craig Newmark is his name and he agreed to be interviewed regarding this matter. When asked what he and Craig’s List are doing to help the young girls., he says he is trying to get the ads under control.
The man actually stood up for himself and said, “I haven’t seen this, it hasn’t been brought to my attention” when one ad was brought to his attention of the news reporter. Please make sure you understand that under the Communications Decency Act, he is not liable for what is posted. Newman asked if the ad had been reported to him and the reporter retorted by asking why it was her responsibility to report the ads to him since he was the owner of Craig’s List.
And, I ask you, CNN reporter, if it isn’t your responsibility, then how is it his? He is covered legally so it is equally as important for you, as a responsible adult to call these kinds of ads to the attention of those who can do something about it as it is for those who can do something about it to do so.
It’s easy to blame Newman. It’s easy to blame the entire Internets in general. But the fact of the matter returns to this……..we are responsible for ourselves. We are responsible for our children as long as they are in our home and we are the people who will be punished if we do not assume responsibility for their actions. But, no one, no one anywhere is responsible for the ads on any Internet site unless they take the step and report the abusive ones and make it their responsibility.
Craig’s List CEO gave the following a comment….
"….Craig’s List is vigilant in barring child sex ads…and we will continue to work tirelessly to work with authorities to provide the assistance they deserve.”
So, if you don’t like it, find ads soliciting sex and report them to Craig’s List, or whomever owns the site where you see them. If you have a child, be responsible enough to educate and inform your child so that these measures don’t become necessary to survive.
Outside of that, do what you can do and leave the business people to handle their business.
If you feel it is your life’s journey to become responsible for every child out there, pay for them a college education.
OOPS! You didn’t want to be that responsible for them did you?
I am a mom to two wonderful boys. They are my life. I needed a career where my kids could continue to be my life. We bought a daycare. Now, my boys and I spend all day together. Sometimes I need a mommy break, but mostly, I love it. I am definitely a mom who is focused clearly on her children. That's me, mom~e~centric.