From this statement SlutWalk was born. I have been talking and posting about SlutWalk for a while now. I live within the county of Los Angeles, California and I was delighted when came to West Hollywood on the 4th of June, 2011.
On October 1st, 2011 SlutWalk hit the streets of New York City.Slutwalk NYC 2011 from Trixie Films on Vimeo.
This video has resulted in conflicted feedback. SlutWalk in general has been a debated topic within the feminist community. The discussions seem to pit liberal feminists and radical feminist against each other. Although, this was never the intent it is how things ended up. I land more so on the radical feminist side but that doesn’t mean I stay there. Lines are permitted to blur or overlap. Finite lines and sometimes finite labels bind us.
Complaints about the above video and of SlutWalk in general are many. Admittedly I get a little funny in the tummy when I see women at the SlutWalk march, gyrating along a strip pole. It bothers me a bit but then I remind myself that there is a larger picture to focus on.
Complaints about the above video and of SlutWalk in general are many. Admittedly I get a little funny in the tummy when I see women at the SlutWalk march, gyrating along a strip pole. It bothers me a bit but then I remind myself that there is a larger picture to focus on.
Many of the the female attendees, who dressed in slinky garb, do not usually dress in that manner. The point being made is that no ALWAYS means no. A woman who dresses in barely-there clothing is not inviting sexual assault.
A few people in my life have made the comment that they find it bizarre that I would encourage SlutWalk, being that I am an anti-porn feminist. That is neither here nor there. But being that I believe that, no means no, apparently isn’t enough for naysayers.
The criticism is not unnoticed as there has been an outcry from feminists and non-feminists who believe that SlutWalk has promoted a reclaiming of the word “Slut”. The belief is that it has endorsed promiscuity by allowing scantily clad women to march in open public.
The criticism is not unnoticed as there has been an outcry from feminists and non-feminists who believe that SlutWalk has promoted a reclaiming of the word “Slut”. The belief is that it has endorsed promiscuity by allowing scantily clad women to march in open public.
Three are some who embrace Slut and that is okay. I do not embrace the word, I have no desire to reclaim it, and I do not advocate promiscuity. But when it comes to SlutWalk none of this matters. Self proclaimed Sluts are not deserving of rape. That’s it, that’s all.
The original basis of SlutWalk was to rebel against the idea that women are deserving of sexual assault based on what they wear. We SlutWalkers rebel against the myth of male weakness which suggests that men simply cannot help themselves and therefore must pursue women even if women whom they pursue deny them.
SlutWalk’s main focus eventually blended into another important issue. Many SlutWalk goers have embraced the word Slut. This begs the question, “Shall we reclaim Slut?” I think reclaiming language is tricky terrain. It has been done in the past but it can be dangerous. Even so, if one actually wants to call themselves a Slut they can. If they embrace the word, if they relish the word, so be it. I find the term Slut to be damaging but that is beside the point. I appreciate that SlutWalk welcomes anyone and everyone as long as they understand that sexual assault is never warranted.
If someone actually wants to attract men in “Slutty” clothes they can. Women can walk naked down the street if they choose to. Neither of these actions invite sexual assault. If a woman says no, then no means no. Pretty simple. Unfortunately such a simple concept is overlooked or strangely misunderstood in a patriarchal society. Therefore events like SlutWalk are called for.
The original basis of SlutWalk was to rebel against the idea that women are deserving of sexual assault based on what they wear. We SlutWalkers rebel against the myth of male weakness which suggests that men simply cannot help themselves and therefore must pursue women even if women whom they pursue deny them.
SlutWalk’s main focus eventually blended into another important issue. Many SlutWalk goers have embraced the word Slut. This begs the question, “Shall we reclaim Slut?” I think reclaiming language is tricky terrain. It has been done in the past but it can be dangerous. Even so, if one actually wants to call themselves a Slut they can. If they embrace the word, if they relish the word, so be it. I find the term Slut to be damaging but that is beside the point. I appreciate that SlutWalk welcomes anyone and everyone as long as they understand that sexual assault is never warranted.
If someone actually wants to attract men in “Slutty” clothes they can. Women can walk naked down the street if they choose to. Neither of these actions invite sexual assault. If a woman says no, then no means no. Pretty simple. Unfortunately such a simple concept is overlooked or strangely misunderstood in a patriarchal society. Therefore events like SlutWalk are called for.
Some naysayers are outraged as they believe that SlutWalk is sending out a harming message to girls and young women in particular. That SlutWalk is reinforcing the sexist notions that are put forth by mainstream media.
Certainly I am aware of the harms of mainstream media. Pornography in its various forms, cosmetic ads, sex tips on the cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine, thongs sold to tweens, 12 year olds thinking that “skinny” is a compliment. I get it. SlutWalk does not ignore these matters but rather provides adults with an opportunity to explain just what SlutWalk is about.
Another group that has included itself in SlutWalk is Sex Workers. This has a lot of people up in a tizzy but I find that odd.
Yes, I am an anti-porn feminist and yes, I believe pornography and prostitution is harmful and promotes patriarchy. I want to make it clear however, that I do not shame those who involve themselves in these professions. Whether they are women and men who feel that porn is there only way to survive economically or whether they are women and men who insist that they enjoy what they do. It is not the people I abhor but rather the system of patriarchy.
I also believe that Sex Workers of all kinds deserve fair treatment. Sex Workers are often victims of rape and they are often told that it is impossible for rape to occur being that they willingly provide sex for pay. This is another area where the myth of male weakness rears its ugly head. There is no reason to believe that a Sex Worker should accept any sexual advance that comes his or her way simply because their chosen profession is to engage in sex acts. No one ASKS for it unless they are ASKING for it.
SlutWalk is an event where I would feel comfortable walking side by side and hand in hand with Sex Workers of all kinds. And after the parade I would not drop my hand and turn on my heel. Sex Workers are people too. Unfortunately their profession tells them and us that they are not. That is one of the reasons I disapprove of Sex Work. Even so, Sex Workers are not lepers.
I do not ignore the harms of pornography and prostitution and just as the debate about reclaiming Slut grew from SlutWalk, I imagine the issue of pornography and prostitution acceptance will as well. These are good discussions to be had and I imagine debates have already sprouted at the actual SlutWalk events themselves. I just hope that the main objective remains true. No means no.
For more information visit the official SlutWalk page.
Certainly I am aware of the harms of mainstream media. Pornography in its various forms, cosmetic ads, sex tips on the cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine, thongs sold to tweens, 12 year olds thinking that “skinny” is a compliment. I get it. SlutWalk does not ignore these matters but rather provides adults with an opportunity to explain just what SlutWalk is about.
As for the adults who disapprove of SlutWalk I hear you. I can see where you are coming from. It is important however to look at a much broader picture. SlutWalk intends to send a message and its message is not meant to preach merely to the choir. SlutWalk is a response to a line of thinking that is very popular within our sexist culture.
SlutWalk has grown exponentially and there is good reason for it. It has touched the hearts of so many and from various walks of life. There is a feeling of camaraderie amongst the Slut Walkers and that is powerful. I am also delighted to see men peppered into the crowd at these events.
Yes, I am an anti-porn feminist and yes, I believe pornography and prostitution is harmful and promotes patriarchy. I want to make it clear however, that I do not shame those who involve themselves in these professions. Whether they are women and men who feel that porn is there only way to survive economically or whether they are women and men who insist that they enjoy what they do. It is not the people I abhor but rather the system of patriarchy.
I also believe that Sex Workers of all kinds deserve fair treatment. Sex Workers are often victims of rape and they are often told that it is impossible for rape to occur being that they willingly provide sex for pay. This is another area where the myth of male weakness rears its ugly head. There is no reason to believe that a Sex Worker should accept any sexual advance that comes his or her way simply because their chosen profession is to engage in sex acts. No one ASKS for it unless they are ASKING for it.
SlutWalk is an event where I would feel comfortable walking side by side and hand in hand with Sex Workers of all kinds. And after the parade I would not drop my hand and turn on my heel. Sex Workers are people too. Unfortunately their profession tells them and us that they are not. That is one of the reasons I disapprove of Sex Work. Even so, Sex Workers are not lepers.
I do not ignore the harms of pornography and prostitution and just as the debate about reclaiming Slut grew from SlutWalk, I imagine the issue of pornography and prostitution acceptance will as well. These are good discussions to be had and I imagine debates have already sprouted at the actual SlutWalk events themselves. I just hope that the main objective remains true. No means no.
For more information visit the official SlutWalk page.
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