Organized by the Amazon Collective and V-Day Western
Taken from the Toronto site:
On January 24th, 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight into the Force’s view of sexual assault by stating: “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized”.
...
As the city’s major protective service, the Toronto Police have perpetuated the myth and stereotype of ‘the slut’, and in doing so have failed us. With sexual assault already a significantly under-reported crime, survivors have now been given even less of a reason to go to the Police, for fear that they could be blamed. Being assaulted isn’t about what you wear; it’s not even about sex; but using a pejorative term to rationalize inexcusable behaviour creates an environment in which it’s okay to blame the victim.
Historically, the term ‘slut’ has carried a predominantly negative connotation. Aimed at those who are sexually promiscuous, be it for work or pleasure, it has primarily been women who have suffered under the burden of this label. And whether dished out as a serious indictment of one’s character or merely as a flippant insult, the intent behind the word is always to wound, so we’re taking it back. “Slut” is being re-appropriated.
We are tired of being oppressed by slut-shaming; of being judged by our sexuality and feeling unsafe as a result. Being in charge of our sexual lives should not mean that we are opening ourselves to an expectation of violence, regardless if we participate in sex for pleasure or work. No one should equate enjoying sex with attracting sexual assault.
We are a movement demanding that our voices be heard. We are here to call foul on our Police Force and demand change. We want Toronto Police Services to take serious steps to regain our trust. We want to feel that we will be respected and protected should we ever need them, but more importantly be certain that those charged with our safety have a true understanding of what it is to be a survivor of sexual assault — slut or otherwise.
We are tired of speeches filled with lip service and the apologies that accompany them. What we want is meaningful dialogue and we are doing something about it: WE ARE COMING TOGETHER. Not only as women, but as people from all gender expressions and orientations, all walks of life, levels of employment and education, all races, ages, abilities, and backgrounds, from all points of this city and elsewhere.
Join us in our mission to spread the word that those those who experience sexual assault are not the ones at fault, without exception.
This is a PEACEFUL demonstration. We are uniting to make our voices heard, and asking the Toronto Police Force to be part of an ongoing conversation about training/retraining those in charge of our protective care about why sexual assault takes place, and how we can work toward a better plan in changing prevailing attitudes.
We are NOT walking to vilify the Police Force. We understand that it is through working together that change can be affected.
We are not asking to 'vamp up' the streets of Toronto, as that would be falling into the traditional stereotype that we are working hard to break. SlutWalk Toronto is asking you to COME AS YOU ARE. If you want to wear fishnets, great. If you want to wear parkas, that's just as great. No matter how you visually identify, come walk with us. And we're welcoming ALL those who feel that prevailing attitudes as to why sexual assault happens need to change: WHETHER YOU'RE A SLUT OR AN ALLY, come walk, roll, holler or stomp with us.
*********MEETING LOCATION IS VICTORIA PARK AT NOON*****************
Comments
Good cause. Females aren't assaulted because they were dressed slutty or were too drunk. They are assaulted because some piece of garbage thought it was ok. Those are the people that need to be called out by the police, not women for dressing like 'sluts.'
London's Solidarity Slut Walk Promo
Im sorry
but you can't really deny that dressing like a slut isn't going to increase your chances of being raped.
I'm sure rape happens to anyone, wearing anything, but seriously.
As a man, i can say that, when i see a women half naked, it's a turn on. I can easily see how it would attract a rapist.
Nothing wrong with what the police man said. Dressing like a slut is definitely going to invite rapists. How can you even try to refute that?
Monkwan, first of all how do you define "dressing like a slut"?
Secondly, it's refutable because the evidence just isn't there. The majority of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, i.e. an acquaintance/relative/friend; what the victim is wearing when the act is committed doesn't matter.
Rape is largely a crime of opportunity, not irresistible lust. If we're focusing on women who get raped, women are raped and assaulted around the world regardless of their manner of dress.
It was stated that the cop said 'women should avoid dressing like sluts if they didn’t want to be victimized.'
Taken out of context - we don't know what else he said - we have to form opinions based on scant information. it may have been a harmless remark, stating the obvious, that women who dress as though they are 'asking for it' may be more likely to be harassed or attacked. On the other hand, the cop may have sincerely believed that only only women who dress in that manner (whatever that is) will be at risk. I'm sure most cops know that infants can be raped, as can old women of 80. If he is speaking to students - a lecture? - then he most know this bit of information. It sounds more likely that someone has quoted him out of context and used his words against him, and publicized them for whatever reason. More on this at http://suemcpherson.blogspot.com/2011/04/s-word-not-slut-sex.html
I fully agree with Monkwan. Also, having this slut walk is not the answer. To me it's an immature way reacting to what was taken out of context.
I had a great time surveying the crowd and taking photos of the Slut Walk. I'd estimate there was at least four hundred very energetic people, of all walks of life, who took part. Check out my photos of the Slut Walk here.
Thanks for the link. I looked at photos posted online here and there, and the signs.
Sluts strike back for a rape-free culture
I shake my ass, not to make you salivate.
My clothes don't speak for me. My mouth does.
Stop rape culture.
Sex ladies unite together
Love sex hate rape.
The cop obviously shouldn't have used the word slut, a term that has often been used against women. If he had used the term 'in a sexually provocative way', it might not have gotten the same reaction. But it still all goes back to the idea of choice - for women. If they say No, then they are supposed to be heard, and it seems as though women won't let go of this until all men conform to their rules.
On the other hand, women are obviously saying Yes to some men, ones they choose to - generally, men with power - looks, money, access to resources. Maybe that one walker doesn't shake her ass to make the man across the street salivate, but, as suggested by posts here, he might be (though that's more about behaviour than clothing). I'm sure her intentions are good, but shouldn't she also consider possible consequences of her actions? That's all the cop was suggesting, wasn't it?
One last thing - Feminists say we live in a 'rape culture' but if this is so, and I don't agree that we do, they would have to say that they themselves have contributed towards it. When women act as though they like sex and want it, and when they imply that they like sex as much as men, they give men the impression they will have sex just for the sake of it, with any man available, whereas, in reality, for women, sex still takes place with someone they know, or for gain of some sort. Men desire sex differently than women do, and any woman who tries to present the idea that women want sex just as much as men do, are passing out misinformation that could be dangerous to some women and men who take it to heart.
Sue's Views on the News http://suemcpherson.blogspot.com
I really dont understand your point at all. So what if most rapes are committed by someone known to victim? How does that prove that dressing slutty doesn't add to the provocation?
Whether the rapist is a friend, relative, neighbour, or stranger, is irrelevant. Dressing slutty is still going to increase the odds of being raped.
The policeman could have said, "when you are walking through a dark parking lot to your car, be sure to have your keys ready, so you aren't fumbling for them".
Same thing. He was just giving a tip to increase your safety.
No one is stating that ONLY WOMEN who dress slutty are raped.
No one is stating that if you dress slutty then it is all your fault.
NOT AT ALL. Of course, women wearing big baggy robes can be raped as well. But dressing slutty can provoke the rapist; whether it be a friend, acquitance, stranger, neigbour, whatever.
"these pretzels are making me thirsty"
Not to forget that it's the word 'slut' or 'slutty' that gets women going. It's as much as a means of provocation as the topic of this thread - women dressing provocatively (sexually), and acting that way. The word slut implies that the woman is promiscuous, and most women probably don't want to be seen that way, although they do want to be seen as sexual beings.
!
You can "see how it would easily attract a rapist"? That's disgusting. Rape is not being attracted to a woman, it's violating a woman.
Did you know that the majority of women that get raped are in regular clothes and not in skimpy outfits? If anything, a skimpy outfit would draw attention to the girl, and she would be far more recognisable. It's people like you that make women feel bad for dressing the way they want to. This event isn't called 'slutwalk' because these women dress like 'sluts', it's because they're called sluts if they get raped and are wearing a dress rather than tracksuit bottoms. You should be ashamed of yourself for writing that, rape is a crime, and it is NEVER the woman's fault, no matter how she is dressed.
Agreeing with him makes you just as revolting as he is. Rape is NEVER the woman's fault, no matter how she is dressed. No one deserves to be violated, and people are free to wear whatever they want, man or woman. They can be raped wearing a skimpy outfit, or tracksuit bottoms - the rapist doesn't stop being a rapist due to a change of clothing.
It is completely irrelevant how a woman feels about sex. Rape is a violation. It is not sex, it is abuse. No one deserves that kind of abuse, whether they are strong and independent, or shy and quiet. Plenty of women like sex, and aren't afraid to admit it. So what? Do they deserve to be raped because of that? Um..NO!
To the girl (Soph): You just left 3 posts. I can see the first one is addressed to Monkwan, from checking back, but I have no idea to whom the other two are addressed. Nevertheless, I shall try to figure out what you are saying, despite your poor use of the English language.
You have managed to distort the meaning of the word 'attract' as used by Monkwan, and the term "being attracted to" (yours). They are not equivalent. Pay attention to your use of such terms.
2nd post - no one is saying rape is the woman's fault. That is your faulty interpretation of what's being said. But if women want to avoid trouble, they might want to do so.
3rd. Plenty of women might like sex, but unlike men, they are often more particular about who they have it with, unless they are sex workers. Men can be misled by a feminism that suggests women like sex as much as men. that is simply not the case.Instead of talking about 'rapist', we could talk about the problem, rape. Whatever you hear, it is not a certain segment of males who commit all the rapes. It is probably more of a truth that once one has been convicted, he will get the blame for others. This, of course, leaves the way for other more powerful men in the world to steal women's panties, abuse their power in whatever way, and rarely get caught because they are looked at as decent citizens.
When I was younger and didn't know very much, I didn't offer my opinions. As a Iearned more, at university and out in the world, I did. Due to feminism, we now have a new generation of young women who believe they have the right to speak out, no matter what nonsense comes out of their mouths. Isn't that a tragedy!
If you could understand how to use this comment page, then you would see that all my comments are replies, therefore not every one of them is addressed to you.
Frankly I think it's shocking you can come on here to be rude about something that is against women being told they will be raped depending on how they dress, and then tell me about my "poor English" as you call it? You seem to be seriously confused.
Maybe YOU need to pay attention to what Monkwan said, which was that, he can "see how it would attract a rapist". That is an appalling thing to write, and really shocking that he can empathise with a rapist. I am allowed to state my opinion, and I don't need moronic messages in reply to it just because you can't quite grasp what I'm saying.
Your comment about women being particular about who they have sex with is so idiotic, it's beyond belief. That is a very subjective view, and I'm sure many women are particular, but it's not remotely close to accurate to generalise that all women are.
You should be ashamed of yourself for saying women shouldn't be allowed to speak out - because that IS what you're saying. You haven't said it's a tragedy when young men or women speak out, you have said specifically women, as if they're the only ones that do. Personally, I think slutwalk is a great example of a man speaking out without thinking, suggesting rape will occur if a woman dresses like a 'slut'. Where do you draw the line? There's no such thing as 'slut clothing', it's personal opinion.
The main point, is that it is wrong to suggest any part of rape is a woman's fault. It's not. Rape is a crime, and a violation, and it is not caused by the way someone dresses.
So do you think you know more about men's sexuality than men, Soph? And how or where did you learn it? Monkwalk's not the first man on these comments sections about the walk suggesting that he is drawn to women who dress sluttily. In general, men are. In fact, that's the foundation of the media's focus on the sale of clothing for women, makeup, and so on. It's to make women look sexy. It also happens to be the foundation of the idea of a 'rape culture' which feminists refer to, drop when it sounds useful to do so, and otherwise do not discuss. 'Rape culture' is another one of those sayings that feminist activists use to get a rise out of young women like you, Soph.
The thing is, women involved in this movement are intent on trying to make men NOT react to women dressed in such a manner - unless they are invited. You want the world to be as you would like it - Soph and others - and not as it is. You can't change the fact that, dressed in such a manner, you may run into a rapist, or run into man out there who has just lost his girfriend, or his job, or someone you have previously rejected, and he may decide this is your time because in his view, you look like you're asking it (according to what he's leaned from the media, movies, tv, etc). There is a difference between 'should' and 'is.' Our world is not perfect.
No one is blaming women who get raped after being caught looking hot. Well, some will. But they're idiots. Blaming is not the same as cautioning someone. The cop wasn't saying, If you wear sexy clothing it's your fault if you get raped. He was just warning women that there are some creatures out there who don't know that not all women dressed that way are 'asking for it.'
Police Constable Michael Sanguinetti has been lambasted of late for his completely just comment “You know, I think we're beating around the bush here, I've been told I'm not supposed to say this - however, women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimised.". In my opinion, he is absolutely right. To organise a SLUT WALK to illustrate indignation against a reasonable and in my eyes justified observation by a member of the constabulary is pointless and futile. The views of women towards overt displays of sexuality must must change as the mental imbalance of sexual predators and criminals will not.
Women have been using sexuality for aeon's to gain what they desire from men in general. Dressing provocatively has become common place, yet women seem to forget that the word provocative comes from the word provoke. If one chooses to provoke a response, one had better be willing to accept the result of their provocation.
I am a gay man who has been working in the fashion industry for 30 years. In my very knowledgeable experience, women dress inappropriately in a large range of circumstances. If a woman is going to attend a night club or a cocktail party, there may be a justification the wear an article of clothing that may assist in the procurement of a mate. But all women need to be fully aware that neither the police force nor the male population at large should be held responsible for the acts of an attacker. Some men have no control over their behaviour due to very severe flaws in their genetic make-up. This flaw has supplied them with a mental switch that just doesn't work. It could be that the sight of a scantily clad woman in a certain circumstance provokes too much from a male with a psychological disorder and would cause them to attack the said victim. It could be the factor of pheromones or scent that wafts from the almost naked, would be victim. It could be a thousand different factors. It is therefore the woman's responsibility to have the foresight to dress in a manner that will help to diminish the possibility of attack.
I have been the victim of provocation from women myself. I remember a few years back (thank heavens I have a room full of witnesses to verify my claim) when at a an after hours chill-out I was attending with str8 friends, I was introduced to a woman I had never met before. I am a professional fashion designer, and I can tell you unreservedly that her dress was a bra with some chiffon attached to it to form a skirt that barely covered her knickers, which could clearly be seen through the translucent fabric anyway. Her breasts were enormous and I remarked “WOW!!! YOUR BREASTS ARE AMAZING!!!”. I was promptly slapped across the face and reprimanded for daring to look at her in that manner. Very fortunately, she was pounced upon by the party for daring to hit me as I was a gay man who was of no threat and certainly did not deserve to be assaulted in such a manner. She apologised to me profusely stating that she had no way of knowing my sexual orientation and was just defending herself. I pointed out to her that dressed in the way that she was, she should either be happy her ensemble provoked the exact response that she had wanted or she should be ashamed that she was dressed in a manner that would cause her to be spoken to in a manner that she felt was unacceptable. I explained that if the attention that she received was unwanted, then she should not be displaying herself in the manner that she was. We did become great friends (after she put a jumper on) and this experience still sticks with us today.
It is absolutely ridiculous the way women dress these days. I can fully understand and even to a point appreciate the ingenious ways that women will use a handkerchief to make a complete outfit that they are actually able to store in a cigarette pack along with lippy, ciggies, lighter and money. But, for the sake of our lord, if it's 4 degrees Celsius in February, wear a bloody coat!!! Instead of putting on more layers to keep warm, they seem to put on more weight!!! No wonder the national average for dress size is 16!!! Strappy high heeled shoes that leave the calves flexed into a sexually suggestive stance, acres of flesh... and the latest trend for skimpy tight cut-off denims with the waistband removed and zipper left undone to show off the lacy underwear beneath... what?!? Isn't the G-string thing above the trousers cutting into the muffin-top extreme enough any more!!!! Is it really necessary to have your nether regions on display in such a fashion. It's no wonder that Vajazzeling has become the latest mainstream rage!!!
If a man is seen in a Speedo swimsuit with the slightest but of excess, the female tabloid jumps on the issue as if the poor gentleman has personally affronted the entire female gender. Yet we are constantly shown a barrage of out of shape women wearing bikini sets that are truly obscene with the cellulite/orange peeling proudly on display. An S&M enthusiast couldn't even make a blindfold and gag out of what most women consider to be an entire outfit!!!
I feel it is time that women accept responsibility for the images they present to men. Wearing artfully applied make-up that make them appear to be bloodied and bruised, clothes that are full of holes and shreds that make them appear to be attack victims. These are all tricks and illusions that make women appear to be weak and vulnerable to males that they want to attract.
Like all sexual signals, there are times when these signals are taken the wrong way. I will never condone a sexual attack on a woman for it is deplorable in its violence and ferocity. But it is time that women take responsibility for these acts and to prepare and protect themselves from such incidents. Its not enough to carry a mace spray and a rape whistle for a woman to protect herself. Females need to cover up for their own safety.
I think that women should take a strong lesson from The Gays. If a gay man is wearing a cut off vest with pink hot pants alone in a strange neighbourhood and gets attacked, why was he putting himself in that situation in the first place. That is why most gay men who go out to extreme venues will now naturally take a spare set of civilian clothing to change into. If women would have the same foresight, I could only imagine that errant sex attacks would diminish in number. Call me old fashioned, but if you don't desire the unwanted attention, then cover up and you wont get it!!
i like this article, http://www.thefword.org.uk/features/2011/06/the_politics_of_slutwalk
What do you like about that article, Lavender? Is it something the author Sophie Jones wrote or because for you she is a role model? One thing I like is this: sophie says, "I have been called a slut while wearing long sleeves and thick black tights". and to me this exemplifies what this business is all really about. Slut is a word used against women, to undermine their self-esteem and sense of sexual self, regardless of whether they have dressed 'sluttishly'. Sophie doesn't say whether a man or a woman called her a slut, though I imagine she was referring to a man.
One thing S J said didn't make sense - 'Calling yourself a feminist because you are sick of women dressing 'sluttishly' and pandering to the man is like calling yourself a vegetarian because you hate animals too much to eat them.' The connection between some self-identifying as feminists and sick of women dressing like sluts isn't clear. The problem is women who think that dressing like sluts is their right, and that if any man sexually assaulted them they must be wrong. In fact, some women are claiming that if a man assaulted them when they were dressed 'sluttishly', it couldn't have anything to do with the way they are dressed.
One other thing: I doubt very much that women in respectable positions in their long fought-for career were actively walking at the Slutwalk. Once women have more power over their lives (however fragile) they aren't about to put that at risk by offending men's sensibilities.
While writing a response today (submitted, not yet posted) to the article mentioned by Lavender I was reminded of Paul's comment, which I think missed the mark to some extent. And some that has to do with the way men are raised, to not fully comprehend how hurtful the word 'slut' is, and how it is used against women. Paul specified that "It could be that the sight of a scantily clad woman in a certain circumstance provokes too much from a male with a psychological disorder and would cause them to attack the said victim." But I would suggest that it isn't simply men with a psychological disorder that might react negatively. It might be the woman's rejected boyfriend, or a man who confuses her for a woman who rejected him, and so on. So, not to make this an issue of psychology but adding in societal factors too.
Paul's last paragraph explains how women can take lessons from gays. Except women are not a minority, and I do believe many want equal power with men and the choice to dress as they want without consequence, and lastly, women are in a double bind, unlike gay men. Dressing provocatively gets them attention, and it's this attention that gets them what they want out of life, or sometimes, gets them sexually asssaulted. The slut walk encourages them to display their sexuality without calling it that. Instead of calling it sexuality, they call it 'rights'. I had thought that heterosexual men and women could march with gay men and lesbians in the Pride march if they wanted to express their sexuality. Instead, they insist on drawing attention to the slut word. Why? Maybe it's because heterosexual women are so much into the pretence of female sexuality and do not have much understanding of their own desires.