The topic in question is an event that dates April 3rd of this year as its debut, in Toronto. Quick background: some time in January, Constable Michael Sanguinetti at a crime prevention forum said, "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order to not be victimised". He later apologised for his distasteful remark.
Ponder on the amount of vast ignorance cited in that statement and the damage it carries, the hurt it lashes out relived in many sexually harassed victims upon reading or hearing those words.
Moving along, Heather Jarvis and Sonya Barnett are the co-founders of the what's been said to be a controversial movement, called the Slutwalk, based on Mr Sanguinetti's sentiments. In a recent post (Aug 25th) by Heather, on their site she writes that she's not urging anybody to call themself a slut but rather that it,
"can be seen as less about you when you're called a "slut" and more about them."
Furthermore, I read stories by contributors about their personal experiences with regard to being violated and stripped (excuse the pun) of their integrity and the freedom of womanhood, on the very same site. Heartrending stories. I did all this to gain some perspective on the Slutwalk that has come to South Africa, first Cape Town this August and will be held in Joburg this coming September. Tweets, comments on media forums, blogs, etc. all commenting with ferocious yays or nays about it. In retrospect, I find that many were unwarranted and that the authors of some of what was said based their opinions on little background as to the why, what, and who.
Reading the ordeals posted by participants or those for this movement makes you understand why. The term "slut" perceived as utterly rude and offensive, hence, the 'I refuse to attend a campaign that labels me as such' backlashes. Those participating feel that they have been reduced to that term and all it connotes. They were rendered powerless, and the march paints a symbolism in that it gives them back some power. It removes the shame. The guilt. The victimisation.
"the intent behind the word is always to wound, so we're taking it back. "Slut" is being re-appropriated."-- One of the "whys" posted on the site.
Umeshree Govender, writes in an article, "SlutWalk Cape Town, perhaps surprisingly, was not organised by an anti-rape organisation or a feminist group, but rather by three unwitting masters students: Umeshree Govender, Stuart MacDonald and Michael Clark...". She points out the many facts that proved to be a common thread describing the march, that it is about divorcing yourself from misconceptions, that 'asking to be raped' is an oxymoron. It's unbelievable the number of people who think women or men ask for it. She writes too, about a woman who wore to the march exactly what she did the day she was raped, now that's bravery personified. Read more of the article here: From the 'Chief Slut' Herself .
Not too long ago, I read a novel, Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan, where more than one of the young ladies characterised are subjected to different accounts of sexual abuse and rape and younger girls prostituted. In an underlying tone, the perpetrators saw no harm in their deeds.
It's upsetting, when you're out on leisurely strolls, errand running, not in the least bit looking or dressed for any attention to receive catcalls, wolf-whistling, or the odd grope, etc. by random strangers; men who still see you as just an aesthetic object for their pleasure.
Just the other day, I tweeted about an incident, where I was asked to pose for a picture that this nobody on the streets would use as a screensaver on his cellular phone. Appalling. And disturbing, not to mention how uncomfortable you're made to feel. I responded, with words unkind and continued on my way, albeit, questioning how I was dressed, did my walk insinuate anything, you know. No one asks to be assaulted, not sexually nor criminally, so from that standpoint I see the message loud and clear conveyed in the Slutwalk campaign. The term used, unfortunately, does dilute a worthy cause - there are always victim-blaming tales cited in these assaults, many people are just missing the point because they are rather consumed by the semantics of the title.
That being said, the event generated media attention, the name and movement caught on globally and is still spreading. An education, especially in Africa, is muchly required more so now, after reading about Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Public Enterprises, having tweeted that he'd like to attend the Slutwalk because he might get lucky. There is definitely some schooling needed. You being the victim, should not even be mentioned in the same breath as incitement or justification for an assault of any kind.
Rape is about the violence, the act of domination not a short skirt, a top with a low-neckline, a dress that fits too tight, boots too high on thighs, a lipstick or a hairstyle that appears too bedroomy. And maybe, our officers and society as a whole need to be taught how to receive rape survivors with support rather than judgement. Allowing us to move one step forward in this fight for those reduced to powerlessness.
