The Harmful Exploitation of POC Children for Profit: Why It Must End
It's a familiar scene in fundraising ads: a white-led organization asking for donations, or a white influencer posing with children in a global south country, highlighting their "charity" work. What we're seeing is the instrumentalization of children of color to evoke sympathy, often under the guise of "helping." But this kind of exploitation is incredibly harmful to both the children involved and the communities being represented.
Here's something not everyone knows: in Europe, there are strict laws protecting kids from this kind of exploitation. Organizations and influencers can't use children's images without consent from their parents or guardians, and if they do use them, they have to pay for it. In contrast, this is often ignored when it comes to POC children in global south countries, where this protection should be equally respected.
Why This Narrative is So Damaging
For centuries, the idea that Black people "need" saving has been repeated over and over, particularly in Europe. These ads send the harmful message that Black communities are incapable of taking care of themselves, reinforcing a stereotype that creates dependency and disempowers these communities. This paternalistic view isn't just damaging when it's believed by others - it's even more harmful when it's internalized within communities of color. When people start to believe that they are dependent on "saviors" for support, it fosters an unhealthy dynamic and limits their own agency.
Organizations Fighting for Change
Thankfully, there are groups dedicated to combating this exploitation and shifting the narrative:
- Color Of Change works to challenge harmful portrayals of POC in media, including campaigns against using children's images or stories for profit without respect or compensation.
- The Child Labor Coalition advocates for stronger protections for child workers worldwide, including laws to protect child actors and models.
- The Campaign for Commercial-Free Childhood fights against the commercial exploitation of children, pushing for respectful and child-centered media.
While these organizations are based in the United States, they often have a global reach, addressing issues that affect POC children around the world. Supporting these and other organizations working to end this instrumentalization is a step toward a fairer and more respectful society for all children.
Let's continue to challenge these harmful portrayals, respect the rights of children everywhere, and support organizations working toward equity and justice.