Grand Rapids holds first Slutwalk in Michigan
Video from WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids.
SlutWalk hits Grand Rapids streets, crowd marches to stop victim blaming
By Kyla King | The Grand Rapids Press
Some wore backside hugging teeny tiny boy shorts and skin tight skimpy halter tops. Others sported colorful ripped fishnet stockings a corset or bra. And a good many wore ordinary shorts and T-shirts.
Regardless of what they wore, all in the large crowd that marched through the streets of downtown Saturday for "SlutWalk Grand Rapids" had one clear message: Stop blaming victims of sexual assault no matter how they dress.
"It's not you personally that causes whatever happens," said Clara Rouse, 22, of Rockford who came dressed in fishnets, fur covered boots, a tank top and colorful beaded jewelry.
"If someone's going to rape you, they're going to rape you regardless if you're dressed like this or if you're in a baggy T-shirt and shorts," Rouse said.
The event was organized by the National Organization for Women of Greater Grand Rapids and modeled after similar walks that have taken place around the globe in recent weeks.
The first "SlutWalk" was held in Toronto earlier this year and prompted by outrage over a highly publicized report of a Toronto police officer saying during a speech to college students that "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized."
On Saturday, the large crowd that marched through downtown Grand Rapids made their point by chanting "However we dress, where ever we go, yes means yes, and no means, no!"
Many carried homemade signs that said things like "My dress is not an invitation for rape" and others blew rape whistles.
Organizers also passed out information for abuse victims and fliers listing statistics such as 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of rape or attempted rape, and that every 45 seconds someone is sexually assaulted in the U.S.
Corinn Fuller, 22, of Ionia, came dressed in typical summer fare because she generally does not dress provocatively. But Fuller said she believes women and men should have the right to dress however they please.
"Men can walk around in their shorts with no shirt on and no one thinks a thing about it," said Fuller, while holding a homemade sign that said "I (heart) sluts."
"Women, if they wear a sports bra to go jogging they're victimized," she said. "I've been in groups of people and they see people walking by and say 'oh they're dressed like a slut, they must be asking for it or trying to find someone to hook up with.'"
The article also includes photo gallery, which does an even better job of showing the signs and protesters than the video. As for the comments, well, you take your chances.
In addition to the coverage above, WOOD-TV has a preview video on YouTube and a follow-up story.
I have more commentary in More on Slutwalk in Grand Rapids.