Stop selling yourself! — Slaves selling themselves. | by Vigneshvaran | Apr, 2023

The act of selling, or the exchange of goods for currency or other items of value, has been an important part of human civilization for thousands of years. It is difficult to pinpoint an exact date when humans first began selling, as trade and commerce have been documented in various forms in many ancient cultures.

However, one of the earliest known forms of trade dates back to around 3000 BCE in ancient Sumer, where people exchanged goods such as textiles, food, and precious metals. The ancient Phoenicians were also known for their maritime trade and commerce, which began around 1500 BCE.

In many ancient civilizations, markets and bazaars were established as central places for trade and commerce. For example, the Agora in Athens, Greece was a bustling market that served as a center of trade and political discussion in ancient times.

The Indus Valley civilization, which spanned across present-day Pakistan and northwest India from 2600 to 1900 BCE, was known for its sophisticated urban planning, agriculture, and trade networks. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of long-distance trade in goods such as precious stones, copper, and ivory.

So while it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact date, it’s clear that humans have been engaged in the act of selling for thousands of years, and it has played an important role in the development of human civilization.

However the product of Sale used to be gems, stones, textiles and metals but has never been humans themselves except for regrettable slave trades that are found in history. The history of slave trade is a dark chapter in human history, involving the exploitation and forced labor of millions of people. It is estimated that between the 16th and 19th centuries, around 12 million people were forcibly transported from Africa to the Americas as part of the transatlantic slave trade.

Slave trade has also been documented in various forms throughout history, including in ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and Egypt, as well as in medieval Europe and the Arab world.

Why am I talking about slave trade now?

Is it a call for revolution? Yes.

Is it a call for revolution against slave trade? No

I am talking about slave trade because I find something very similar, though not similarly cruel, but fearsome enough in the societies of today in almost all the cultures across the globe. The only difference is individuals are sold not by the rulers, powerful groups or anarchists but by themselves.

This accusation may directly point towards social media influencers and media professionals. But it doesn’t end there. Each one of us has this urge to sell ourselves to the world. Instead of selling our qualities, we started selling ourselves. Look at all the social media profiles. It might look like an expression of lifestyle from the surface, but when we dig deeper, the sense of selling themselves is obvious.

In recent years, the rise of social media has given people a platform to sell not just products or services, but themselves as well. From influencers and content creators to models and even ordinary people, many individuals are using social media to monetize their personal brand and sell their image to potential buyers.

The trend of people selling themselves on social media is not new, but it has gained momentum in recent years as social media platforms have become more popular and accessible. Influencers, for example, have built large followings on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and are able to use their popularity to promote products and earn money through sponsored posts.

Similarly, models and aspiring models can use social media to showcase their portfolios and attract potential clients. By posting photos and videos of themselves, they can attract the attention of brands and agencies looking for models to feature in their advertisements or campaigns.

While selling oneself on social media can be lucrative, it can also be risky. In order to attract buyers, people may feel pressured to present a certain image or persona online that may not reflect their true selves. Additionally, the pressure to constantly produce and post content can take a toll on one’s mental health and well-being.

Furthermore, there is also the issue of online safety and privacy. Selling oneself on social media means putting oneself out there for the world to see, which can attract unwanted attention or even harassment. It’s important for individuals to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves and their personal information online. It makes me question, “Are we the slaves selling ourselves?”

But is it only about the safety and cultural degradation as boomers rant? No! Today is the society that talks about taking pride over oneself. It is spoken in various shapes and forms such as body shaming, pride rights, racial discrimination etc. But it is sadly the same generation that sells themselves. Isn’t it a bit contradictory? To understand this further, I tried to read people around me and people on social media. Everything points towards one thing.

(Wait for more…)