Slut-Talks Proceeding Slut-Walks

Slut-Talks Proceeding Slut-Walks

April 12, 2012 · by ascott · in

Slut talks led by Jaclyn Friedman

Last night, straggling students may have noticed the enthusiastic laughter coming from Woodburn 101. Outside the lecture hall were booths set up, selling copies of a book entitled Yes means Yes!

Beyond the lecture doors was a surprisingly full hall with pictures of gratuitous images and quirky powerpoint effects dominating the screen. Leading the discussion was author Jaclyn Friedman, a small woman with a very big message:

SEX

Got your attention, didn’t it? Well, that is the same reaction I had upon first hearing what I can only describe as the most candid discussion I’ve ever had regarding the word, sex. The idea, the taboos, the culture, the expectations of Sex.

Friedman went onto discussing the problems women struggle with regarding sex. This comes in response to a Toronto police officer telling a woman that if she didn’t want to be sexually assaulted, she shouldn’t have dressed provocatively. The statement sparked international outrage: a woman who dresses herself to feel beautiful and confident thereby deserves a man or woman to aggress on her? No, of course not. But it does serve to underscore the “slut-shaming” that is prevalent in today’s society.

Friedman uses this to highlight and breakdown the root of this way of thinking. From the idea of selling sex, to the double standard (guy=stud, girl=whore), Friedman takes it down to the base elements and then reconstructs a parallel creation that is a much more realistic and ultimately more positive view on healthy female sexuality.

While her speech was passionate, some feel it doesn’t go far enough, which is why, this Thursday at 7:30pm in Dunn Meadow there will be a Slut Walk for Sexual Assault Awareness. Participants are encouraged to dress slutty (genitalia must be covered) and March. Signs encouraging an end to Assault and a zero tolerance policy of slut shaming are encouraged.

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