An Overworked Expression
By William Henry Smith
We refer to the term "white slavery." It is to be deprecated that this has become the stock euphemism for prostitution; for while such an expression is useful, in this case it is partly misleading, as the evil is by no means confined to the whites. It is just as deadly and vile among Negroes and the Mongolians. Jealousy for the honor of the white race is well, but it should not lead to a light valuation of the honor and rights of other races. There is a disposition in some quarters to treat leniently the violation of the virtue of those of the subordinate races. As a whole, their standards may not equal those of the traditions of this country; but individuals are entitled to the same protection in endeavoring to conform to the ideal standard, which is the same for all. A less euphonious but more exact term is "vice slavery." The social evil does not depend entirely upon slaving methods, and these expressions should not be applied to the traffic as a whole. The use of the first mentioned has spread, and a glamour has been imparted to that aspect of the evil, through its exploitation in fiction, theatricals, and the "movies." It has a fascination for a certain class of weak minds. Other terms are less liable to this objection. And why insist on being always euphemistic? The occasional use of some of the many "shorter and uglier" words which the English supplies in this connection, might serve well to put the matter in its native setting of sordidness and misery for every mind.
W. H. S.