> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://thechocolatelife.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # TheChocolateLife::LIVE – Is Modern Slavery Really REAL Slavery? - URL: https://thechocolatelife.com/thechocolatelife-live-is-modern-slavery-really-slavery/ - Published: 2022-09-11T14:58:04.000Z - Updated: 2022-09-13T13:37:06.000Z - Description: Episode 59 streams live starting at 12:00 on Tuesday, Sep 13. Please help me spread awareness of this topic by using the hashtag #DontBuyTheLie. - Author: TheChocolateWire - Tags: Live Stream, The Wire ### **TL;DR –** Yes, why *yes* it *is*. So-called “modern” slavery ***is*** ***really*** slavery. Don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise. In this episode of #TheChocolateLifeLIVE we will explore the origins of the phrase and, I hope, provide evidence that will convince you that the use of the word “modern” is just linguistic sophistry purposely designed to provide cover for deeply disturbing cognitive dissonance. ![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2022/09/claygordon-facelessfarmermontage1280x720.jpeg) The Faceless Farmer. I took this photo in Perú back in 2015 as a metaphor for farmers whose names and faces we never learn. I used this montage as the Featured Image in my post, [**Who Decides What’s Fair**](https://thechocolatelife.com/chocolatewire-oped-who-decides-whats-fair/)**?** Note about the featured image. The image is ... “believed to be from the latter 1800s, at a cocoa bean plantation, location unknown. It’s unknown if \[...\] the people pictured are indeed slaves. --- The first time I heard the phrase “Modern Slavery” I literally asked myself, “*Modern* slavery? As opposed to what, *Biblical* slavery?” Immediately, my hackles were up, aware of the possibility that my feelings were being – deliberately – manipulated by language choices. Just as I have observed about what I call “The Sustainability Industry,” there appears to be an “Anti-Slavery Industry,” replete with what sound like a vocabulary of insider jargon that seems to me to have been designed to other. The jargon enables insiders to use carefully-constructed coded phrases. Outsiders, who are not aware of the coded nuances can be dismissed as not knowing what they are talking about. > Not just illegal child labor, for example, but **the worst forms** of child labor. While one may be more bad than the other, both are bad. Why is the distinction really necessary? So, what about the phrase “Modern Slavery” as it is used by companies like Tony’s Chocolonely? And why are companies like Unilever’s Ben & Jerry ice cream brand so enamored of it (and Tony’s)? [TheChocolateLife::LIVE – Does Ben+Jerry+Tony = Greenwashing?OR: The Good, The Bad, & The Greenwashing! Episode 56 streams live on Friday, Sep 2nd from 12:00 EDT and is a continuation of the discussions about what chocolate is ...![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeTheChocolateWire![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2022/08/anton-oemojNQYYe4-unsplashFeatured1920x1080-1.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/thechocolatelife-live-ben-jerry-tony-greenwashing/) [Gaslighting SlaveryUpdated August 30th. When leadership not only fails to lead, but - IMO – deliberately dissembles, what can we do?![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2021/08/stormseeker-9O7Vf7UUHZo-unsplashGaslighting.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/gaslighting-slavery/) Ultimately, IMO, it doesn’t matter what it is called. Modern, Biblical, chattel, debt bondage, child labor, trafficked or not: What ***matters*** is the day-to-day reality of the enslaved person, not what we – those of us who are not directly involved, though we may be indirectly aiding and abetting it through our support of the companies who directly, and allegedly knowingly benefit from the practice – label it. ***What matters*** is how the people whose rights are being violated feel about their situation. It is an affront to *everyone’s* human dignity, not just those who have been, and are, enslaved. > Says ILO Director-General Guy Ryder, “Nothing can justify the persistence of this fundamental abuse of human rights.” Please help spread awareness of this topic by using the hashtag **#DontBuyTheLie** in social media that mention this post! --- ### **Despite the Re-Branding, the Problem is Getting Worse** [Modern slavery has risen significantly in last five years, new report saysThe COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflicts and climate change have heightened the risks of modern slavery.![](https://www.axios.com/images/favicon-32x32.png)AxiosIvana Saric![](https://images.axios.com/tmsjZDBLKMdUoOXqi4R-nWpbEJc=/0x559:5235x3504/1366x768/2022/09/12/1662986442666.jpg)](https://www.axios.com/2022/09/12/modern-slavery-increase-report?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Link to the ILO report (.PDF) mentioned in the above article – [Global Estimates of Modern Slavery](https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed%5Fnorm/---ipec/documents/publication/wcms%5F854733.pdf?ref=thechocolatelife.com) --- ### **What The Actual F\*\*k *IS* (Modern) Slavery?** [What is forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking (Forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking)![](https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/ilo/global/images/templates/favicons/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png)ILO![](https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_norm/---declaration/documents/image/wcms_508321.jpg)](https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/forced-labour/definition/lang--en/index.htm?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [What is Modern Slavery? - United States Department of State“Trafficking in persons,” “human trafficking,” and “modern slavery” are used as umbrella terms to refer to both sex trafficking and compelled labor. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-386), as amended (TVPA), and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Pe…![](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-dos_seal-270x270.png)United States Department of StateOffice to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons![](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Marketplace.jpg)](https://www.state.gov/what-is-modern-slavery/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [What is modern slavery? - Anti-Slavery InternationalWhat is modern slavery and what forms of slavery exist today? Find out where modern slavery happens, the numbers behind it and who is affected.![](https://www.antislavery.org/favicons/android-icon-192x192.png)Anti-Slavery International![](https://www.antislavery.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PatelKilns0004-2.jpg)](https://www.antislavery.org/slavery-today/modern-slavery/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [What is modern slaveryWe strive for a world where people are protected from modern slavery by effective, evidence-based policies.![](https://modernslaverypec.org/apple-touch-icon.png)Modern Slavery PEC![](https://modernslaverypec.org/assets/images/_1200x630_crop_center-center_82_none/shutterstock_1331744636.jpg?mtime=1602606449)](https://modernslaverypec.org/resources/what-is-modern-slavery?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [What Is Modern Day Slavery? | Examples, Locations, Causes & FactsModern day slavery is the harsh exploitation of people. There are over 45 million people enslaved today, more than any other time in history.![](https://liberatechildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cropped-logo-fav-270x270.png)Child Liberation FoundationName \*![](https://liberatechildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/What-Is-Modern-Day-Slavery.jpg)](https://liberatechildren.org/blog/what-is-modern-day-slavery?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Slavery in the 21st century - Wikipedia![](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png)Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.Contributors to Wikimedia projects![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/IJzeren_voetring_voor_gevangenen_transparent_background.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery%5Fin%5Fthe%5F21st%5Fcentury?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Surprisingly deep and nuanced coverage. [BibleGateway - Keyword Search: slave![](https://www.biblegateway.com/assets/images/ios/touch-icon-ipad-retina.png)BibleGateway![](https://www.biblegateway.com/assets/images/logos/logo_bg-sharing.png?1f4f9cfc)](https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=slave&version=ESV&ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Exodus 21.1 – 21.32](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2021%3A1&version=ESV&ref=thechocolatelife.com) (ESV) – Laws About Slaves. But see also Leviticus and Deuteronomy, *et al. YMMV.* --- ### **What is (Illegal) Child Labor?** [Child labor: Facts, FAQs, and how to help end it | World VisionAbout 160 million children are engaged in child labor, which robs them of their childhood and limits their ability to reach their full potential.![](https://www.worldvision.org/wp-content/themes/slimtastic/assets/favicons/android-chrome-192x192.png)World VisionKathryn Reid![](https://www.worldvision.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/W030-0757-012.jpg)](https://www.worldvision.org/child-protection-news-stories/child-labor-facts?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Child labourNearly 1 in 10 children are subjected to child labour worldwide, with some forced into hazardous work through trafficking![](https://www.unicef.org/themes/custom/unicef_base/assets/images/icons/favicon.ico)UNICEF![](https://www.unicef.org/sites/default/files/styles/hero_desktop/public/UN0263808%20(1).jpg?itok=aswt5r7w)](https://www.unicef.org/protection/child-labour?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Child labour - Wikipedia![](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png)Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.Contributors to Wikimedia projects![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7b/Coaltub.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child%5Flabour?ref=thechocolatelife.com) --- ### **Illegal Child Labor in Cocoa** [Assessing Progress in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana | NORC.orgThe Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) at the U.S. Department of Labor tasked NORC to conduct a survey representative children age 5-17 living in agricultural households in the cocoa growing areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana during the 2018-19 cocoa harvest season. The goal of the survey wa…![](https://www.norc.org/publishingimages/favicon.png)NORC.org![](https://www.norc.org/PublishingImages/share-this-placeholder.jpg)](https://www.norc.org/Research/Projects/Pages/assessing-progress-in-reducing-child-labor-in-cocoa-growing-areas-of-c%C3%B4te-d%E2%80%99ivoire-and-ghana.aspx?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Includes links to download the 301-page final report in English and French. The World Cocoa Foundation’s Response to the NORC study ([link to .PDF](https://www.worldcocoafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WCF-Report%5FNORC%5FFinal-10%5F17.pdf?ref=thechocolatelife.com)). [Increase In Hazardous Child Labor In Cocoa Production Amid An Expansion Of Cocoa Farming In Cote D’ivoire And Ghana | NORC.orgCHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2020 – A new report from NORC at the University of Chicago finds that children engaged in hazardous child labor in cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana cocoa growing regions increased by 13 percentage points over a 10-year period (from 2008-09 to 2018-19). The increase coinc…![](https://www.norc.org/publishingimages/favicon.png)NORC.org![](https://www.norc.org/PublishingImages/share-this-placeholder.jpg)](https://www.norc.org/NewsEventsPublications/PressReleases/Pages/increase-in-hazardous-child-labor-in-cocoa-production-amid-an-expansion-of-cocoa-farming-in-cote-d%E2%80%99ivoire-and-ghana.aspx?ref=thechocolatelife.com) --- ### **See You in Court!** [Issouf Coubaly et. al v. Nestlé, Cargill, Barry Callebaut, Mars, Olam, Mondelēz, and Hershey. — IRAadvocates![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/608276df0e35bd790e38eff3/bf735c6a-b01c-4aeb-b182-8574b1f9a80b/favicon.ico?format=100w)IRAadvocates![](http://static1.squarespace.com/static/608276df0e35bd790e38eff3/608b676602786928b172af54/61252b6ee866fa1aebb5ff5a/1644861872568/Screen+Shot+2021-08-24+at+2.19.55+PM.png?format=1500w)](https://www.internationalrightsadvocates.org/cases/cocoa?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Supreme Court says chocolate companies cannot be sued over child slavery on African cocoa farmsThe justices didn’t say similar lawsuits could not go forward in the future.![](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-stat/assets/favicons/touch-icon-iphone-retina.png)The Washington PostRobert Barnes![](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/VWN5RNEX5YI6PAXE6EDW63LBKI.jpg&w=1440)](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts%5Flaw/supreme-court-cocoa-farms-africa-child-slavery/2021/06/17/295ab51e-beed-11eb-83e3-0ca705a96ba4%5Fstory.html?ref=thechocolatelife.com) --- ### **Other Resources** [Harkin–Engel Protocol - Wikipedia![](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png)Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.Contributors to Wikimedia projects![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Chuao_003.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harkin%E2%80%93Engel%5FProtocol?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Framework of Action to Support Implementation of the Harkin-Engel Protocol (link to .PDF)](https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ILAB/legacy/files/CocoaFrameworkAction.pdf?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [World Cocoa Foundation - Wikipedia![](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png)Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.Contributors to Wikimedia projects![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b4/Ambox_important.svg/40px-Ambox_important.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%5FCocoa%5FFoundation?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Updated: the wicked bad & wicked good listsNew and Improved! Renamed and updated! Now easier to use than ever to follow.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2022/03/composite-matheus-viana-sl5o9vDtDbI-unsplashFeatured1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/wicked-bad-wicked-good-lists/) ## Live Stream Links ### **Watch/Participate on YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedIn.** [Visit TheChocolateWire Channel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIN8M30NdPJ5WAl41g5VWWw?ref=thechocolatelife.com) My [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claygordon%5Fthechocolatelifelive-dontbuythelie-slavery-activity-6974741789702295552-t0xO?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop) profile TheChocolateLife page on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheChocolateLife/posts/pfbid02838XFA7HF2RSynZoc8HUNp8QDN2v1q9iqVryj7Ut7b8pYNCxcdoCKu1r42BZNiYWl) --- 💡 ***Have thoughts to share or questions to ask?*** Leave them in the comments.