The Message is Being Muddled
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’. […] 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.
- SlutWalk Toronto
Alright, I've got a problem with the GD sign. I'm not a slut because of what I wear, who I sleep with or how many people I happen to share a gratifying encounter with. I don't think the sign is projecting what I want to be representing a person's rights no matter how it plays off of what's been said/directed at women in general.
Yes, I want shamming to be put to rest, to become a non-issue, and equality for all, but if I have to consider myself a slut, even for the sake of this message, I think the message is getting muddled.
Keep the message, lose the sign.