On January 11 Love146 formally launched a boycott of craigslist, in commemoration of The U.S. Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The Craigslist “Call to Action” campaign was a response to child sex trafficking that occurs through the “erotic services” section of their website.
In support of this campaign I wrote an email to the powers that be at craigslist expressing my dismay and stating that I would participate in the boycott until they take some concrete action. What I didn’t tell them is that I haven’t used craigslist for over 4 years because I live in Cambodia.
Now that I’ve been accepted to various graduate programs back in the US, I find myself actually needing to use craigslist to find housing, used furniture, etc. As a friend of mine recently wrote in an email, “It [the boycott] certainly creates a major dilemma in trying to find housing though as from what I understand it [craigslist] is really about the only thing people use anymore. I honestly wouldn’t even know where else to go!”
It turns out that there is a cost (albeit a small one) to my joining of the boycott. But, come to think of it, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I don’t want to give to God that which costs me nothing.
p.s.
If anyone knows of quality alternative ways to find real estate postings, please let me know.
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Update … April 14, 2008
Today I received an email from Love146 which called off the boycott. This is what they wrote:
Craigslist finally responds to public pressure…
To all our supporters,
We at Love146 want to thank all of you for your efforts in voicing your concern about the misuse of Craigslist to traffic women and children!
On March 27, a press release from the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office stated that Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today demanded that Craigslist purge apparent, often graphic solicitations for prostitution rampant on certain sections of its website.
Shortly after, Craigslist announced that they have implemented a phone verification system which has drastically lowered the volume of erotic services ads—by 80%! This is specified in their official blog: http://blog.craigslist.org/#phone
Though, we haven’t noticed any dramatic difference in the quantity and presentation of the advertisements in the Erotic Services Section so far, nevertheless we are enthused at Craigslist’s initiative towards reforming it’s (in)famous section.
We applaud Mr. Buckmaster’s gesture towards rectification. Therefore, Love146 will officially call off the boycott that we initiated at the onset of this year. However, we want to encourage you to continue supporting our campaign to eradicate child sex trafficking and exploitation completely on Craigslist site. Visit our Take Action page on more ways you can engage Craigslist.
{ 1 } Comments
Well, hmm, I never used craigslist to find an apartment, and I dont’ think it’s the only option. There are lots of websites out there for apartment searches, just do a google search. You can also access most local newspaper’s classifieds online. Also, some churches (such as Park St and Highrock in Boston) have public postings for things like that. And hey, how about trying prayer.
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