It's a dirty word, and let me tell you, I had quite a conumdrum choosing a picture for this post that was appropriate. How do you define what a slut is? Is it just someone who sleeps around, but what is your definition of that even? How many partners does it take to call someone a slut? How must one dress to qualify as dressing slutty? What may seem sexy to you, is overly exposed to another. When I was growing up, my parents wouldn't even let me wear a shirt that showed my belly button, while others received implants as sweet 16 presents. A women's sexuality is saturated with controversy and hidden undertones. When a man sleeps around, he is called a player; when a woman does it, she is derided as a skank. Why is the onus for purity always on the women? Should others have the right to tell you what is acceptable for your sexuality?
On Jan. 24, a Toronto policeman made that definition clear when he told a crowd York University students that “Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” That incendiary and ignorant statement sparked a international outcry, which culminated in Slut Walk Toronto, an event where women (and men) marched in solidarity against abuse against women, and the perception that sexual assault victims were partly to blame for their victimization.
On Mar. 31, another police officer, this time in BC, was quoted as saying “people who have placed themselves in vulnerable situations and are unfortunately victimized as a result.” It was abundantly clear that the message was not heard the first time, and SlutWalk Vancouver was born.
On May. 9, it's time to take a stand. Reclaim the word "slut" and show people what you believe: that those who beat, rape, and otherwise abuse women are are NOT justified, even just a bit, for their actions, because of the way a women has "tempted" them by her behaviour and appearance.
Find out more info here:
SlutWalk Vancouver website
Georgia Straight interview with SlutWalkVancouver co-founders
10 comments:
This is a great post it really made me think about the word slut. I can't believe the cop would say that! It definitely was a very ignorant statement!
The cops should be fired. I must have said a thousand times that a woman SHOULD be able to walk down an alley naked without being harrassed, much less assaulted. I know that's extreme, but I've wanted to make the point that a woman's appearance or choice of clothing is never an excuse for any form of violence.
Are we animals??? In too many cases the answer is yes. I'm afraid I have extreme views about how those aniamls should be punished.
Thanks for promoting this great cause MizzJ.
I can imagine what outroar the police’s comment had. A woman’s dressing should never ever be a justification for her being attacked in any ways. I used to have a friend whose bf thinks that girls who wear tubes and spaghetti straps are whorish. Needless to say, they are no longer together. His views are too extreme and he tends to be a little violent.
great post
regardless of a woman's actions of image....NO ONE solicits violent behavior towards themselves and should not be held responsible for the wrongdoings of others
hahaha.. love the necklace..
Lee x
A great cause. The word 'slut' is a difficult one to pin down and boils down more to behavior than actual appearance. Claiming that women are to blame for abuse by how they dress or conduct themselves is offensive and beyond ignorant. I'm glad people are voicing their disapproval!
stupidity. i got into this with a girl friend recently when she made a similar comment. i was shocked to hear it from a woman.
<333 it's really horrible to think that some people actually think like that. Amazing post. x hivenn
This is really interesting.... I didn't know it was going on. Now I must read. Thx for sharing :)
yeah regardless how a woman wears, men should not assume anything
i dont tolerate any kind of violence..even to animals, plants or objects!
xoxo elle
Post a Comment