Rhetorical Essay 

Albert Hitchcock, renowned for his exploration of suspense, psychological horror, and human vulnerability, would bring a unique perspective to the issue of child trafficking. His deep sense of disturbance and urgency towards this grave violation of human rights, which preys on society's most vulnerable, aligns chillingly with his fascination with the darker aspects of human nature. Hitchcock's view of child trafficking as a horrifying manifestation of manipulation and terror, with the added tragedy of innocence lost, would likely emphasize not only the psychological trauma inflicted upon victims but also the unsettling way society often overlooks these hidden atrocities.  

            He has shown interest in exploring the complexities of good and evil in many of Hitchcock's stories and films. "Hitchcock loves to mystify the audience's perception of who is "good" and who is "evil" in his films." (The complex male relationship in strangers on a train (2017, May 19). Hitchcock often depicts morally corrupt characters as antagonists and highlights the suffering caused by their actions. In the film Psycho, Hitchcock examines the devastating impact of unchecked immorality. Similarly, child trafficking represents the ultimate moral failing, exploiting the most innocent and vulnerable for personal gain. (Child trafficking: What you need to know. Save the Children (n.d.) In the context of child trafficking, Hitchcock would view children as the epitome of vulnerability, requiring protection from systematic evils. In Hitchcock's film Shadow of a Doubt, he reveals evil lurking within trusted figures. "Arguably the earliest masterpiece among Hitchcock's Hollywood films, Shadow of a Doubt engagingly states one of the great themes of his oeuvre: the idea that evil is not something foreign and distant, but close and familiar." (Harvard Film Archive (n.d) If Hitchcock were to write a story or film a movie about child trafficking, he would not support child trafficking; instead, he would show the true evils in the dark world of trafficking.  

Hitchcock's films often center around individuals powerless against larger forces, such as the falsely accused in The Wrong Man (Roger Ebert. (2016, February 16) or the manipulated in Vertigo. Similarly, child trafficking preys on the most vulnerable- children who cannot defend themselves against exploitation. (Child modern slavery, Trafficking and Health (2020, June 1) Just as in Hitchcock's film Rear Window, a crime is hidden in a seemingly mundane apartment building. Just like in this movie, child trafficking also often operates in plain sight. Hitchcock would explore this hidden danger and make audiences question the safety of familiar places. Many of Hitchcock's villains in his films, such as Bruno in Strangers on a Train, are skilled manipulators. "Bruno is the spoiled, amoral scion of a wealthy, dysfunctional family and manipulates his dotty mother into giving him whatever he wants." (Charles Anthony Bruno. (n.d.) Just like Hitchcock's character Bruno, most child traffickers share the same perspective as him. "Traffickers constantly tell victims that they're worthless, insignificant and forgotten." (Child trafficking: What you need to know (n.d.) Hitchcock's thematic focus on vulnerability, manipulation, and hidden dangers aligns seamlessly with the realities of child trafficking. 

He used various cinematic techniques in his films, giving his audience a sense of urgency and suspense. These techniques align perfectly with the complex and horrifying reality of child trafficking. Hitchcock employed lighting and camera techniques to evoke fear and unease. Shadows, low lighting, and confined spaces could symbolize fear and isolation experienced by trafficking victims. Through Hitchcock's cinematic techniques, he would not only convey the hidden and pervasive nature of child trafficking but also evoke empathy and urgency in his audience. Hitchcock was very skilled when it came to diving into the psychological state of his characters. In a child trafficking narrative, he might explore the emotional downfall of victims, the guilt and frustration of rescuers, or the calculated coldness of traffickers. Hitchcock rarely depicted graphic violence; instead, he used suggestions to create a sense of dread. In portraying child trafficking, he might avoid explicit scenes but imply the horrors through sounds, reactions, or aftermaths. "Hitchcock was an incredible visual storyteller, preferring to use images rather than dialogue to convey emotions and create moods in his work." (Renée, V. (2017, July 1)  This approach would engage the audience's imagination, further pushing the fact that he enjoyed inducing psychological horror in his films. Through Hitchcock's cinematic techniques, he would not only convey the hidden and pervasive nature of child trafficking but also evoke empathy and urgency in his audience. By blending suspense, symbolism, and psychological depth, he could create a disturbing and thought-provoking story, urging his viewers to confront the reality of this global issue.  

     Hitchcock's unique ability to portray vulnerability, expose evil, and delve into the psychological struggles of his characters would make him an ideal storyteller for a subject as dark as child trafficking. His exploration of power dynamics, moral ambiguity, and the pursuit of justice reflects the multifaceted nature of this crime, shedding light on the hidden dangers and the emotional toll on both victims and those fighting for their rescue. In the hands of Alfred Hitchcock, the story of child trafficking would not only disturb and engage but also inspire a deeper understanding of our collective responsibility to protect the vulnerable.