Slut-Shaming
After searching multiple feminist sites and articles for a definition of Slut-shaming, I found Wikipedia (unfortunately) gave the best definition. Here slut-shaming is defined as the act of making someone, usually a woman, feel guilty or inferior, for engaging in certain sexual behaviors that violate traditional gender expectations.
These include, depending on culture, having a large number of sex partners, having sexual relations outside marriage, having casual sexual relations,
or acting or dressing in a way that is deemed excessively sexual. This is often done by name calling (often using the word "slut" itself) as well as covert shaming. Although the exact origin of the term is unclear, it has gained popularity in recent years, especially as a result of SlutWalk, which started in Toronto in response to an incident where a Toronto Police officer told a group of students that they could avoid sexual assault by not dressing like "sluts".
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So, who am I and why did I choose to look at slut-shaming? My name is Kristi, I am a student, an educator, a sister, a wife and a mother. Earlier this year I spoke to a friend who was participating in Vancouver's SlutWalk...until that moment I had been completely unaware that such an event existed. Intrigued by the name I pressed for further information; this is when the term slut-shaming entered the conversation...something else I hadn't heard of! I felt totally ignorant!
Like any female who has experienced High school, I had witnessed (and been subject to) slut-shaming. At that time I didn't recognize the behaviour as bullying and instead misplaced accountability onto the victim. Besides, how many times had I heard my own mother make comments like "Inappropriate clothing sends a message" or "If she's not careful she's going to develop a reputation" and of course "who would want the cow when he can have the milk for free?". Having three boys of my own, I found I had stumbled onto a topic which I could/should inform myself in order to educate my children about sexual double standards and the motives behind them. This information is intended for peers and really anyone interested gaining insight to the world our students/children are currently navigating.The purpose of this site is to share articles and ideas that will encourage discussion and provoke critical thinking. |