Re: SlutWalk
I don't understand the line of reasoning behind Slutwalk, a pro-slut demonstration held in April in Toronto to protest a policeman's comment that "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized."
Syllogism:
1. Dressing like a slut does not give others permission to rape you (true)
2. Women have the right to dress like sluts (true)
3. Ergo, being a slut is awesome (???)
—–
It does not follow that because you have the right to do something, you should do it.
Premise 1 is true for the rational, moral man (including most policeman), but it probably doesn't apply to crazed rapists. For these people, (I conjecture that) a nearly-naked slut is the kind of cue that could make rape more probable.
As another commenter wrote, walking through a poor slum wearing a gold Rolex and a diamond tiara WILL get you robbed. This does not imply that the robber has the right to rob you. BUT it does imply that you are naive and/or have shit for brains.
Slutwalks Spread Across America
Slutmarch Hits Dallas
(Grody.)
It could be argued that I'm misrepresenting their argument. Some placards merely pronounced that women have the right to dress as they wish. Few people would disagree with that (Premise 2). (Well, unless your muslim wearing a full niqab, then, you can't dress how you want). The pro-(garment)choice argument here is valid.
But to have the right to do something does not mean you SHOULD do it, let alone promote it. There are plenty of stupid things people have the right to do. It's this pro-slut argument that goes too far.
Toronto
Reclaiming "Slut"
There could be an argument for the reclamation of the word 'slut'. There's of course the contradiction that people look up to men for being sluts but look down on women for the same behavior. And also, sex itself is one of the most passionate, stimulating, and life-affirming acts we can experience. Therefore, sex should be encouraged.
I'm down with promoting consensual, bona fide sexual experiences. And I agree that the way we use "slut" is unfair and sexist. But before we conclude "Men and women, let's all dress like sluts", we need to admit that the situation re: sex crime, isn't equal. For a man, dressing like a slut does not, generally, present a risk to his personal safety. Women, on the other hand, need to consider the possibility that in some situations, dressing like a slut can make them less safe.
That may not be how it should be, normatively. But I believe there is, practically, more risk for the female in slut attire.
Slutwalk in Boston
Ok, this is just a picture of a slut:
I guess my final thought is that looking like a slut does not mean "Yes, bone/rape me". But it certainly doesn't scream "No!" or hide the fact that your slutty body might be a suitable playground for such an activity. While moral men require consent to engage in sex, it's the immoral/irrational nutcases out there that should be taken into consideration before you roll down the street vaj-out in a leather corset or with red stars on your nipples.
It seems to come down to a decision, by the slut, to either exercise her rights or exercise caution. The police officer's intention was probably just to give some sound advice about safety.