Interview Write Up Prepared by Joshua Rabang

The interview my partner, Andrew Madlambayan, and I conducted took place at St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco on March 31, 2010. Our interviewee, Zack Batstone, is the son of the author of the book I read regarding human trafficking, Not For Sale: The Return of Global Slave Trade—and Howe We Can Fight It. We chose Zack not only because of his affiliation with the cause of fighting human trafficking, but also because he is our age (a senior in high school). Zack and his father David are well known advocates of the fight against modern day slave trade and make frequent trips to impacted places to make a difference. Zack’s father has been involved in this type of business for many years and is internationally known for his firsthand experience in fighting several trafficking rings. The benefit of interviewing Zack instead of his father, however, was very significant because for one reason he was our age. Speaking to high school seniors rather than accomplished adults would take a huge amount of pressure off of anyone and would allow for a more casual, personable interview which could lead to a new friendship forming. Zack was very willing and enthusiastic to inform me and Andrew about what he knew and what he was seen around the world regarding this evil practice. He simply did not only inform us about the basic, fundamental facts about human trafficking (he already could tell we were knowledgeable in the subject due to our initial conversations/questions), rather he told a few inspiring stories about the places he has been to. Zack told Andrew and me about his trips to Cambodia (especially about his recent trip over spring break) and how he actually helped trafficked children recuperate. He spoke of how full of joy each child was and how sad how they were cold-heartedly taken advantage of. Later on he compared life here in America to life in such 3^rd world countries and stated that “if we lived over there (Cambodia, India, etc.), half or over half of the people you see in front of you would not even be here. They would be either toiling their lives away in sweatshops or being abused in sex brothels.” Such a powerful statement touched Andrew and I to the point where we needed to speak more and ask more questions. Sadly Zack needed to leave, so we agreed to send more questions through email and he promised to answer them as soon as he could.

Zack, from the start, was very friendly. His being a friend of a friend already acquainted us with each other. He held eye-contact at all time and was very respectful throughout the interview. His willingness and enthusiasm was evident through his friendly voice, constant smiles, and our side conversations about sports. I can definitely say that he had the best attitude someone can have during an interview (enthusiastic, open, and friendly) and that we were treated as if we have been friends for a long time. Although Andrew and I were in “enemy-territory” (S.I.), everyone around us was very friendly as well.

Andrew and I did not expect to learn much regarding information, rather we expected to learn about what it really is like in places where trafficking is clearly evident. His recounting of the times he has been oversees for the sole reason of combating these evil forces provided this and much more. We definitely were given a good image of what it is like to live in a place such as India or Cambodia.

However, what surprised us is how incorporated into his father’s duties Zack was. Being only 18 years old, he was as involved or more involved as the professors at several colleges we have done our research at. Over spring break Zack went with his father to Cambodia to help the saved trafficked children recuperate from their abuse. What was also surprising was how Zack attached emotions to his stories. He made it real to Andrew and I by comparing life here in the United States to life in third world countries—this is definitely not what a book can ever do.

Overall, I think that the interview went very well and very smoothly. From beginning to end there was nothing else but good feelings. He answered every question we asked and even added more. The interview could not have gone any better. And I am happy that an informant as well as a friend was gained through this experience.