Our weeklong comment contest that garnered more wind and ghosts than comments has come to a close for our Dandy Warhols giveaway and we are very pleased to announce a winner! Congrats to @carolynewilson for your love of the movie Almost Famous. It has paid off in spades. Stay tuned for next week’s giveaway!

It’s your friendly, neighborhood, self-appointed Bishop here again with another B-More issue to discuss.

On May 10^th I was shocked to read an article in the Baltimore Sun about a Baltimore Police Officer charged with sex-trafficking.  Realizing I know very little about the problem of sex-trafficking in Baltimore, I contacted my friend Mark and asked him if I could interview him.

Mark Stephenson is one of the pastors at Horizon Church in Towson.  He is also the Director of Programs for Araminta Freedom Initiative (aramintafreedom.org), a group working to end child sex-trafficking in Baltimore.  I sat down with Mark to chat with him about the problem.  Below is a summary of our conversation:

Bishop: Define sex-trafficking for me.  What is it and what areas of it does Araminta focus on?

Mark: Let’s start broadly and then work the definition down.  Human trafficking is the commercial exploitation of human beings for fiscal gain.  It can be broken into two forms: Labor Trafficking or Sex Trafficking.

Sex Trafficking is forcing someone to perform sexual acts through violence, fraud, manipulation, or fear for profit.  Most sex trafficking is child trafficking, meaning the victims are under the age of 18.  The average age of a sex-trafficking victim is around twelve years old.  The legal definition of domestic minor sex trafficking is the “recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act” where the person is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident under the age of 18 years.

While Araminta wants all human trafficking to end, we currently are focusing on stopping the trafficking of domestic minor sex trafficking victims.  And while victims are both boys and girls, we are starting our focus on girls who are trapped in this.

Bishop: What does sex-trafficking look like in Baltimore?

Mark: It takes one of two forms.  It is either Familial Trafficking or Boyfriend/Pimp controlled trafficking.  Familial Trafficking is when a young girl is trafficked by her family.  The girl’s mother, father, uncle, another family member trades sex with the child for money, rent, drugs, or something else.  Boyfriend/Pimp trafficking is when the trafficker pretends to be the victim’s friend or boyfriend, lures the victim into a dependent relationship, and then flips the situation to sell the girl into sexual slavery.

Sometimes sex trafficking involves kidnapping.  When this happens a child is taken from a mall or a school, or a child is offered a car ride by a stranger, or a child gets tricked into signing up for a fake modeling class.   But these incidents of kidnapping make up the smaller percentage of sex-trafficking.  Most child sex-trafficking is familial or boyfriend/pimp trafficking.

The major pre-cursors of sex trafficking are poverty, sexual abuse in the home, absentee parents, or abusive foster care.

Sex trafficking is a transient crime.  Trafficking spikes whenever tourists come into an area.  For example, occurrences increase during professional sports events or large business conferences.  Traffickers follow the surges of people.  More people means more buyers.  Baltimore is an ideal place for trafficking because of our strategic location as a connector city on the 95 corridor and our large airport.

It also benefits traffickers to keep the girls moving.  Victims will be in a city for a few days and then moved to somewhere else.  This keeps the girls dependent on the traffickers.  Girls are moved away from their homes so they become completely dependent on the trafficker for basic needs like housing and food.

Bishop: Already you are beginning to push back on some of the stereo-types I have in my mind when it comes to sex-trafficking.  What I picture is the movie Taken where international girls are tricked to coming to a foreign country and then forced into sexual slavery?  What you are describing sounds very different?

Mark: There are a lot of misconceptions out there.

For example, most kids caught in sexual slavery in the United States are from the United States.  While there are some foreign nationals being trafficked in the U.S., the vast majority of sex trafficking victims are domestic.  Only a small fraction are foreign born.

There are also huge misconceptions in our culture regarding prostitution.  For example, there is no such thing as a “teen prostitute.”  The term “prostitute” frees us from guilt and makes the situation more palatable.  When we hear in the media that someone in power like an athlete or a politician was caught with an under-age prostitute, the word “prostitute” makes us think the girl had some choice in the matter.  It is a myth.   An under-age prostitute is a sex slave.

We also completely misunderstand the word “pimp”.  For many, when they hear the word “pimp” the image in our mind is of an African-American male, dressed loudly, with lots of bling.  A pimp is a sex-trafficker.  Sex traffickers come in all shapes and sizes.  They are all races.  They are male and female.  There have been sex traffickers as old as seventy arrested in Baltimore.  In a recent bust a police officer in his thirties was selling his nineteen-year-old wife.  We have begun using the word “pimp” to mean “to beautify something”.  For example, we want MTV to come and “pimp” our ride.  Pimps are sex-traffickers.  To use the word in such a way glorifies modern slavery.  Traffickers love this by the way.  They love being glorified in music and media.  The change in language makes their jobs much easier.  For example, if a twelve-year-old boy will consume porn, by the time he turns eighteen he is much more likely to buy a person to use for sex.  We’ve got to stop glorifying this part of our culture and instead start calling it what it is – human trafficking.

Finally, people assume that it is not happening near them, that sex-trafficking is something that happens only on Baltimore Street.  That’s a lie.  It’s happening in your neighborhood.  It’s happening on your block.  It’s happening in the shady motels you pass every day on the way to work, and in the expensive hotels downtown.  Traffickers have even been known to buy houses in the suburbs.  They call it “a stable,” which is a grotesque name for where they house three to five girls for trafficking.  It’s going on all around you.

Bishop: How do girls get trapped in sex-trafficking?  Why don’t they just run away?

Mark: Many girls would escape if they believed escape was possible.  They don’t believe they can get away.  They don’t believe there’s anyone who can help them.  They believe there’s no way out.  The traffickers work hard to encourage their dependency and isolation.  In addition to making the girls dependent on them for shelter and food, traffickers will also build psychological chains and shackle the children with drug addiction.

It’s also common for kids trapped in sex trafficking to experience trauma bonding.  This is when a victim builds strong emotional and psychological ties to their oppressor.  The victims cease believing that any life outside of their current one is possible.  These victims need to mentally detox from their circumstances before they can believe a normal life is possible.

Bishop: What can the normal Baltimore citizen do? What steps can we take to bring an end to sex trafficking?

Mark: At Araminta we recommend three steps: Awake, Equip, and Mobilize.

Being “awake” means becoming aware of the issue.  It means refusing to deny that sex trafficking is a problem in our city.

Once you are awake, you should equip yourself.  Start self-educating.  There are lots of great books you can read on the problem.  We recommend “Girls Like Us” by Rachel Lloyd or “Renting Lacy” by Linda Smith.  Araminta also offers training, which will empower you with a deep understanding of the issue.

Once you are awakened and equipped, you should mobilize. I recommend getting involved with organizations already working on the problem.  For example Shared Hope International and Polaris Project are both doing great work.  Araminta is currently doing work with businesses, public schools, churches, and hotels in Baltimore making them aware of the problem and helping them to recognize the signs of sex-trafficking.  We are also working with survivors of child sex trafficking through our partnership with TurnAround.  Our volunteers are mentors and advocates for these children trying to start a new life.

Finally, if you see signs of sex trafficking call the National Human Trafficking hotline and report it.  Their number is 888-3737-888.

Hi! Would you like to see the Dandy Warhols on the 29th of May as they tour/celebrate the 13th anniversary of their big mainstream hit album Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia? Yes? Well then post the title of your favorite movie from thirteen years ago or anything at all related to the number thirteen for your chance to win! You can also buy tickets here, which we recommend that you do, because commerce is the backbone of our economy. The contest winner will be announced on Twitter and Facebook (and via email to the lucky individual) at the end of the week!

In Baltimore, “just putting that right there” is not simply limited to streets and trash. No, sir. There are times when the phrase “put that wherever” can make a truly grand statement. I was purusing the international map section in B&N, and not seeing anything that would help for (surprise) Nicaragua I began to turn away. Then, there it was, blended in with maps of Mexico and Mexico City: New Mexico. I whispered a, “no way…” as I pulled back the map in front to find several more crisp New Mexico maps behind it. So, Barnes and Noble employee, have at it. Create the People’s Republic of New Mexico and just put those maps wherever in that international section. Hell, mix it up even, give those Quebec maps something to worry about.

Wrong. I don’t feel guilty about watching soap operas. Not one bit. Soap Operas are just another medium for story telling, and a rather unique one at that. Soaps, like comic books are unique in that the story lines can go on for decades. I’m talking real time here. The actors, directors, and writers may change, but it is one continuous story, just like how the art style and writers change in comics. It really hit me a couple years ago when Sonny and Brenda were going to get married (again). She said something to him about how he left her at the altar 20 years ago. It literally happened 20 years ago! With those two characters, in the early 90s.

Anyway, my post today is not about soap operas. It’s about just liking what you like and not feeling guilty about it. Soaps are cheesy, soaps have some less than stellar acting, but I don’t watch for those reasons. Soaps can unfold a story like almost no other medium. It’s daily, which means they can tell A LOT of story. I just find value in different places.

I love Ke$ha. Is it because I think she’s hot? Nope. Is it because I think that she is the best singer? No. Is her music cutting edge and innovative and meaningful? Nope. I enjoy Ke$ha because she is skilled at capturing a feeling. I listen to her music, I can’t help but be pulled into that world. FUCK YES! Let’s go to that underground club with punch spiked with god knows what and throw glitter and get dirty and play strip games and be debaucherous until the sun comes up!

The other day I found someone on Reddit was talking about Magic. Someone thought they were talking about Magic the Gathering, and were disappointed to find out that they weren’t. The guy said he was sad because he couldn’t find anyone to play with. I said that I was surprised that he didn’t have ANY friends that either played or were willing to learn. Turns out he hadn’t even told any of his friends. He was so embarrassed about his guilty pleasure that he just resigned himself to being sad that no one would play with him, and never even bothered to ask. Why?

We aren’t in high school anymore. Do you really think some one is not going to be your friend anymore because they find out you like Soaps, or Ke$ha, or Magic the Gathering? Hell no! Stop feeling guilty. Think about why you like those things, and if someone challenges you, simply tell them what you like about it. My fiance and I watch My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Yeah, I’m saying it out loud, and posting it on the internet. I won’t feel guilty about it. That show has a lore, and some serial plot. I honestly can’t wait for season 4. And to be honest, I think the world would be a better place if more people valued friendship a little more.

So, join me, friends!

Stand up, admit your pleasures and eschew guilt!

Stop ignoring things just because they’re mainstream. People who don’t WATCH television aren’t impressing anyone. You’re ignoring a medium of story telling. Yes, there’s some irredeemable garbage out there, but there’s also Mad Men and Downton Abbey.

SHOUT YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE TO THE ROOFTOP! (or in the comments)

Part two of our INCREDIBLY EXCLUSIVE chat with Baltimore Sun crime reporter Justin Fenton concludes with Shout Outs, Shut Ups, and a thorough discussion of the wonderful world of Baltimore Fiduciary Irresponsibility.

Thanks for listening and spread the word far and wide.

In an INCREDIBLE EXCLUSIVELY AMAZING EPISODE, ace crime reporter for the Baltimore Sun Justin Fenton joins the Podgang to discuss the trials and tribulations of (what else) crime in Baltimore, the ever changing landscape of journalism and audience engagement in the New Media era. With sexy results! Other topics of convo include the Grand Prix, what it was like to work right next to House of Cards being filmed and Fenton’s attempt at an acting career.

Your friendly, neighborhood, self-appointed Bishop here.  Today I would like to tackle a sensitive issue with a simple request.  It’s one I’ve been thinking a lot about since Jason Collins came out of the closet. At first I wasn’t going to touch it because this is a humor blog, and the topic isn’t funny.  But today a conversation with a friend pushed me over the edge.  So here we go.  Here is my request…

To all my fellow Baltimore Christians, please stop saying “the Bible says homosexuality is a sin.”   When you do so you reveal:

• A misunderstanding of sin,
• A misunderstanding of Jesus,
• And a misunderstanding of your job as one of his followers.

Let me break down these misunderstandings for you one at a time.

MISUNDERSTANDING SIN

If you, like me, grew up going to a church every week, you were probably taught that God is a jerk-face judge who delights in pointing out all the wrong things we do.  By well meaning adults who didn’t know better, I was led to believe God had ordained before time began magical rules and mystical rituals I needed to follow to make God happy.  I was told that when I broke God’s special rules or failed to follow God’s divine rituals I was “sinning”  and that sinning made God angry.  Good little Christians, I was raised to believe, followed all the rituals and obeyed all the rules.  When I didn’t I was a dirty, sinful failure who made Jesus cry.

This misunderstanding of sin saddled me with years of guilt, regret, and shame.

“But Bishop, if sin is not breaking God’s rules and failing to follow God’s rituals, then what is it?” you ask.

Great question!  To get a correct understanding of sin, let’s look at a passage from Romans, a passage Christians love to throw at homosexuals – Romans chapter one.

Now most Christians, when denouncing homosexuality, like to stick with verses 26 and 27:

“This is why God delivered them over to degrading passions. For even their females exchanged natural sexual intercourse for what is unnatural.  The males in the same way also left natural sexual intercourse with females and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Males committed shameless acts with males and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty for their perversion.”

Christians love waving these verses at others they say, “See!  Looky!  Looky!  God said homosexuality is a sin!”

But when we back up a few verses, and look at the whole passage, we see something much different going on here.  Let’s rewind to verse 24:

“Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles.  Therefore God delivered them over in the cravings of their hearts to sexual impurity, so that their bodies were degraded among themselves.  They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is blessed forever.  This is why God delivered them over to degrading passions. For even their females exchanged natural sexual intercourse for what is unnatural.  The males in the same way also left natural sexual intercourse with females and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Males committed shameless acts with males and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty for their perversion.” 

According to Romans what is the cause and what is the effect?

The sin, the cause, is the denial of God’s existence.  This is the fundamental plot of the Bible.  God created humanity to love him, to be loved by him, to take care of one another, and to take care of the rest of creation.  Tragically humanity screwed it up by denying God existed.  Sin therefore is not breaking magic rules.  Sin is not failing to go to church.  Sin is replacing God with other stuff.  The fancy theology word for this is “idolatry.”  Sin is treating other things like God.

The book of Romans does not say homosexuality is a sin.  It says homosexuality can be a byproduct of sin.

This distinction is extremely important, so let’s chase it for a minute.

• Fat people eat ice cream…but eating ice cream doesn’t necessarily make you fat.
• Alcoholics drink beer…but drinking beer doesn’t make you an alcoholic.
• People with a cold sneeze a lot…but sneezing doesn’t mean you have a cold.

Like I said, the distinction of cause and effect is important.  Can you be a homosexual and have a deep, meaningful, fulfilling life following Jesus?  Absolutely.

Now that we’ve rebuilt sin and understand that sin is denying the existence of God, not breaking super special rules.  Let’s look at Jesus, the guy this whole Christianity deal is suppose to be based on.

MISUNDERSTANDING JESUS

You know what Jesus talked a lot about?

Loving God.   Jesus talked a lot about his followers surrendering their personal agendas and selfish ambitions in pursuit of knowing God.

You know how Jesus said his followers should pursue God?

By loving other people.  Jesus said if you want to “abide” in him, if you want to know God, if you want to connect in an intimate way to the divine, then you should give your life in service to your neighbor.

You know what Jesus didn’t talk a lot about?

Following rules and rituals.

You know what Jesus never mentioned?

Homosexuality.

You know who Jesus spent a large amount of time yelling at?

Religious people who demanded everyone around them follow rituals and rules to have a relationship with God.

Now having looked at Romans and Jesus, let’s move onto you, Christian-who-likes-to-say-homosexuality-is-a-sin. What is your role in the world as a Jesus follower.

MISUNDERSTANDING YOUR ROLE

We try to complicate Jesus’ teachings.  We do our best to unnecessarily seek out imaginary nuance in between his words.

Unfortunately for us, he was clear and simple.

Want to call yourself a Jesus follower?  Then sacrifice your life for other people.   Be a peace-maker.  Give generously, even at great personal cost.  Consider others to be better than yourselves.  Bring healing whenever possible.  Seek opportunities to serve.  Stand up for those being harmed and abused.  Fight injustice.  Free slaves.  Defend the helpless and those who are alone.

Know what Jesus followers should not do?

Jesus followers should not go around telling people who aren’t oppressing anybody that they suck.  In fact, Jesus was painfully clear that he didn’t want his followers acting like judgmental assholes.  If someone is being abused, if injustice is going on, if people are being harmed – by all means Jesus people, step in and man up.  But if you simply don’ t like how someone lives, keep it to yourself and don’t claim Jesus on your side.

IN CONCLUSION

So my fellow Jesus followers, please stop saying the Bible says homosexuality is a sin.

• Because when you do, you misunderstand sin.  Sin is not breaking rules.  It’s denying God.
• Because when you do, you misunderstand Jesus.  He didn’t talk about rules.  He talked about connecting with God through loving others.
• Because when you do, you misunderstand your role.  Your job is to sacrifice yourself for your neighbor, not to voice your opinion about their choices.

Sincerely,

The Bishop of CTB

Tuesday, 12:30pm: Mt. Royal Avenue

Nothing says Bmore like a can of Natty Boh….on a fence. Hey man, just stick that can upside down right there.

Last Friday, 4pm: The Guilford Bridge

This is a special post that some of you are lucky enough to already be familiar with. Last week, Seth and I were walking along the Guilford bridge after a lovely afternoon spent in the Greenmount Cemetery. We were lucky enough to stumble upon this pile of treasure. I did my civic duty and called 311. The woman on the call said dutifully, “this issue will be resolved in 3-7 days” (to be fair, she did seem surprised when I explained that there was a pile of medical waste on Guilford Ave.). I am pleased to report that it took more than three but less than 7 days to clean it up. So go on crazy runaway medical patient, just put that used catheter bag wherever. Baltimore will be sure to get to it in 3-7 business days.

Wednesday, 5:57pm: Halethorpe MARC Station Parking Lot

I’d like to first give a shout out to my dearest, Emma Connor, for sharing this lovely bit with me today. It’s a classic, the ole’ underwear on the street trick. Baltimore, I am eternally amazed at the amount of clothing on your streets, sidewalks, alleys, and yes, children’s museum floors. Some events leading up to these lost goods are obvious but others, well, they confound. Usually, I could guess how a pair a men’s panties found their way onto an ill-lit parking lot, but the MARC station during rush hour? Nice. Stay classy B-more and hey, if you find yourself uncomfortable in those undies you chose to wear to work, just take them off and put them wherever. Yeah, right there. Next to my friends car.