Reading the articles for this week made me angry. "Slutwalk: To march or not to march" by Walia, was the first article I read. I am appalled that an officer of the law made such a statement. Then I became disappointed in this writer for even questioning the word "slut." I am sure this movement, outrage, march, or whatever you want to name it, did not sit down and discuss a name for their march. This was not a casual decision. The word "slut" was chosen by the officer who first used it. It is in opposition to what the officer said that the word was chosen. I think the name "slutwalk" is very appropriate.
Then I read, "We're sluts, not feminists. Wherein my relationship with Slutwalk gets rocky" by Murphy.
I too remember the bad rap radical feminist received, they expressed themselves in a radical way ... but, would women be where we are today without their radicalness as part of a solution? Sometimes I wonder if I just see things differently, I mean yea, it's called "slutwalk" and some people are really getting into the word, but they are seriously pissed! When an officer of the law, someone who provides protection, stands in front of a group people and casting blame on rape victims; even going so far as to say they are "sluts," it is time to be radical!
Women continue to work for change; being radical, being logical, writing papers, marching, public speaking, working in the courts or at home; we all do our part and all parts are necessary!
On a side note: I went to the theatre before I wrote this and while there I was telling my sister about the articles, another women overheard. I apologized for the vulgarness of our topic. The lady said "no problem" and then proceeded with "what happened?" I explained the articles. Her jaw dropped! Then she very simply said (I wrote it down right after) "I don't care if someone is walking around naked, that does not give anybody the right to rape them" she then pursed her lips, nodded her head and walked away. Yea Lady! I hope I did not ruin the show for her but most of all, I hope she tells two people who tell two people!
It amazes me how many people believe rape myths, but the worst part is how many women believe them and take them to heart after being assaulted. How many women refuse to report because they believe they some how deserved it because of what they were wearing or how they behaved. Going through their behaviour and convincing themselves that they must have done something wrong to have caused this.
ReplyDeleteI hope one day we change things so that people understand that it's never their fault if they're assaulted.