Independent Lens Season 9 Episode 10 Today's Man

In season 9 episode 10 of Independent Lens, titled "Today's Man," viewers are introduced to the life of Shamere McKenzie, a survivor of sex trafficking turned advocate for victims of human trafficking. The episode follows her journey from her initial experience with sex trafficking to her successful career as an activist, advocate, and public speaker.

Describing herself as an "accidental advocate," McKenzie shares her story of being coerced into sex trafficking as a teenager, and later finding her way to freedom with the help of a police officer. She credits her own experience with giving her the motivation and courage to help other survivors of trafficking.

The documentary delves into the complexities of sex trafficking and the ways in which it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as young girls and women of color. Through interviews with experts in the field and other survivors of trafficking, the episode sheds light on the many challenges faced by those seeking to exit the industry and how society can work to combat this issue.

One powerful scene shows McKenzie returning to the streets where she was first lured into the trafficking world, and speaking directly to the young women she encounters there. "You can be anything you want to be," she tells them. "You don't have to sell your body to make a living." Through McKenzie's own journey, viewers witness the transformative power of education and advocacy, both in her own life and for the countless victims of trafficking she has helped.

The documentary also explores the difficulties faced by organizations working to combat trafficking, including lack of funding and the need for a more comprehensive approach to the issue. McKenzie and other advocates discuss the importance of not only helping survivors of trafficking, but also addressing the root causes of the problem, such as poverty and gender inequality.

Overall, "Today's Man" is a powerful and inspiring episode that sheds light on an urgent and often misunderstood issue. Through McKenzie's story and the stories of other survivors and advocates, viewers are challenged to confront the realities of sex trafficking in our society and to consider the ways in which we can all work towards a world free from exploitation and violence.