Hey guys,
On January 24, 2011 a Toronto police officer gave a speech to hundreds of university students. One of the topics of the speech was on how females could better protect themselves against assaults.
The advice given by this member of the city’s police force was as follows and I quote, “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.”
These comments have lead to an international movement; one which pledges to stop the myth that when a woman is the victim of a sexual assault it is somehow her fault.
Being assaulted is not about what you wear, or how you speak… placing the blame on the victim is irresponsible and dangerous! It gives the impression that under certain circumstances it is somehow acceptable to force a woman into actions or acts against her will…
In response to the comments made by the Toronto police department, several “SlutWalks” have been organized in Canada and the United States to spread awareness – the message… it is NEVER the victim’s fault.
This past Saturday, Boston held its first “SlutWalk”. Events are planned for all across the country including New York, Chicago, Reno, Philadelphia, and Austin.
When asked why they chose the name “SlutWalk”, organizers said they want to take the power away from the word… if the word has no power, it becomes just another word…
What do you think?
(For information on how to better protect yourself from sexual assault, clink the link below)(If you or anyone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, click the link below for the national sexual assault hotline)
This is STUPID!!!!!! I cant believe that some people really believe that. The worst part about this is the fact that a police officer said it. Even if the women is dressing inappropriately it doesn't mean in any way shape or form that a person can force a women to something she doesn't want to.
ReplyDeleteRape is never the victims fault. It does not matter how provocative someone is dressed or how they act, it is just unacceptable. People who can actually find a way to believe this are ignorant and should be ashamed of themselves. These are the types of situations that make me want to lose faith in humanity. How can someone be so stupid and on top of that, announce it in public? Give me a break!
ReplyDelete-Brandon Maxwell
I read this in the paper, and I wish I had known about the Boston walk before that day, otherwise I would have done my best to be in it. It's callous people like that policeman that women have been fighting against for decades. ANYONE can be assaulted, ANYONE can be raped. My friend was raped about a year ago, and I can assure you that she never "dresses like a slut". To this day, she still can't look at a Lowe's, because she remembers. The comment that that...$%!*&$^ said is so grossly offensive that it quite literally makes me nauseous.
ReplyDeleteOne issue that people are failing to address is the fact that most of the women that were sexually assaulted were probably not dressed "like sluts" as the Canadian speaker stated. Women whom are assaulted and consider it assault were not "asking for it" if it affected them in such a negative way. Calling the moment the"SlutWalk" makes the moment more controversial and catches the attention of many and in the long run the word will not be used or effective.If the movement were close to Rhode Island I would most likely join it to show people that feminism will never die and that women are strong creatures with the unfortunate characteristics of being irresistibly attractive to some crazy men.
ReplyDeleteI really cannot believe that people would blame the victim for being sexually assaulted! The way I see it is that if a person is sick enough to rape someone they are going to do it the first chance they get what the person is wearing is not a big deal. Clearly the person is not interested in their clothing to begin with. The choosing of the "SlutWalk" as a name for this organization is a great idea, but I am not really sure if it is really going to take away the meaning of the word. So many people through around the word slut as if its nothing, and I feel as though anyone who is called a slut will still become offended by it.
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely appalling that some people out there believe that it is the victim's fault for being sexually assaulted. Under no circumstance is it ever the victim's fault. The disgusting creeps who commit these crimes are not going to be stopped from committing these crimes no matter what the victim is wearing. I think it's a great idea to have this walk, because not only does it give awareness to the conflict, but it also helps everyone who has ever been a victim of sexual assault that it is never their fault.
ReplyDelete