Just that one word in this title seems to hold more power than it should. It can cause anger, shame, or even laughter. Merriam-Webster defines the word slut as "a promiscuous woman; especially: prostitute". A very recent discussion of this word came up in Toronto, Canada when Constable Michael Sanguinetti stated that "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized". In order to challenge this stereotype, a group of women decided to utilize their freedom of assembly and freedom of expression by holding a "Slut Walk" on April 3, 2011. This act of defiance against the norm associated with the word slut included a public walk of the protestors as well as a panel of speakers. All genders were encouraged to come out and express their rights while wearing whatever they felt comfortbale in, whether that be a short skirt and belly shirt or old, baggy pajamas.
Why is this important for our campus of Frostburg State University? First of all, it is because these stereotypes focus on college-aged women just as much as the problem of sexual assault seems to focus on this demographic as well. Also, the act of hosting a Slut Walk has swept our nation, including our home of FSU. This past Thursday, the Women's Studies Department at FSU hosted their very own Slut Walk. Although I myself was unable to attend, it was reported that the event had a very good turn-out. Gathering at the clock tower, FSU students and activists came together in order to break the stereotype dealing with how "promiscuous" a person dresses and what constitutes the definition of the word slut. All in all, the message is that the short skirt or tight shirt on a person is not an open invitation.
It is my hope that events such as the Slut Walks will continue on our campus and also across the nation. If you would like to learn more about the FSU Women's Studies Departments or are interested in further information on the Slut Walks, please check out the links below!
FSU Women's Studies: http://tinyurl.com/7l6sm2a
Slut Walk Toronto: http://tinyurl.com/7s533ku
Why is this important for our campus of Frostburg State University? First of all, it is because these stereotypes focus on college-aged women just as much as the problem of sexual assault seems to focus on this demographic as well. Also, the act of hosting a Slut Walk has swept our nation, including our home of FSU. This past Thursday, the Women's Studies Department at FSU hosted their very own Slut Walk. Although I myself was unable to attend, it was reported that the event had a very good turn-out. Gathering at the clock tower, FSU students and activists came together in order to break the stereotype dealing with how "promiscuous" a person dresses and what constitutes the definition of the word slut. All in all, the message is that the short skirt or tight shirt on a person is not an open invitation.
It is my hope that events such as the Slut Walks will continue on our campus and also across the nation. If you would like to learn more about the FSU Women's Studies Departments or are interested in further information on the Slut Walks, please check out the links below!
FSU Women's Studies: http://tinyurl.com/7l6sm2a
Slut Walk Toronto: http://tinyurl.com/7s533ku
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