Lincoln East High School's home of Spartan news

The Oracle

Lincoln East High School's home of Spartan news

The Oracle

Lincoln East High School's home of Spartan news

The Oracle

SlutWalk: Fighting the Stigma

SlutWalk%3A+Fighting+the+Stigma

The SlutWalk is a global event in which women protest the justification of rape due to a woman’s dress or appearance.  Open mics are used as a platform for women to share their story as a rape survivor.  Two out of three rape or sexual assault cases go unreported because women are afraid and embarrassed of what has happened to them.  This speaks to the importance of the SlutWalk, a space where women can talk about what they’ve gone through without judgement.

As women continuously fight for their rights, they are still unable to avoid the stigma of being a woman.  In society, men are praised for having sex, while women are faced with vulgar comments and a tarnished reputation.  The SlutWalk is helping to put an end to rape culture, and bring attention to victim blaming and slut shaming.

The SlutWalk came about because of comments made by Toronto Police officer, Michael Sanguinetti, who said, “I’ve been told I’m not supposed to say this – however, women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.”

Talk show host Amber Rose is a proud endorser of the SlutWalk.  The Amber Rose SlutWalk expands on the terms of the original SlutWalk, and preaches equality that begins with refraining from the usage of derogatory labels.  Both women and men are encouraged to participate in the SlutWalk.  This event is complete with DJ’s, panelists, vendors, and HIV testing.  Rose uses her platform to help women regain their confidence, and encourages women to take back their bodies.

Although the SlutWalk is widely criticized, promoters, like Rose, will continue to fight for equality, and put an end to stereotyping and slut shaming.