Because We've Had Enough

What is being called this generation’s feminism movement- the Slutwalk: A March to End Rape Culture commenced Saturday, September 28, 2013. Hundreds of people arrive at Love Park to make the walk around Center City, Philadelphia to bring awareness to rape culture.

Present in cities across the world, Slutwalk began in 2011 in Toronto. After a police officer said, “Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized,” co-founder, Heather Jarvis, wanted to reclaim the word slut and stop victim shaming.

            This harsh reality does not allow women to be sexual beings without some sort of stigma. Clothing and self- expression become an excuse for rape. Instead of blaming the rapist, society blames those who are raped. It is the victim’s fault because he or she was either intoxicated, wearing revealing clothing, being a tease, or generally just asking for it.

Protesters are encouraged to wear whatever they want. Many choose to march in lingerie to prove clothing does not matter.

            If you talk to those who support the cause, they will tell you it is all about raising awareness. This is not just a woman’s issue, but also a human right’s issue. RAINN – Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, reports that one out of every six women is a victim of sexual violence. But if nine out of ten victims are women- one out of ten victims is male.

For Michael Genery that was the case. He was raped as a child in a boys’ home. He says, “ I struggled, but I turned from a victim to a victor.” Often men are only seen as the perpetrators and we forget they can also be the victims.

            As a society hyper aggressive sexualities in males is tolerated and sometimes promoted. Will Rome said her reason for attending the walk was, “to end internalized misogyny.” To her finding feminism saved her life. The movement is so important because as Rome said, “slut shame is so relevant,” to our culture.

            Many women, including Angela Rose who started Pave – Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment – speak of police blaming victims when they report rape. After being raped, Rose took on the police force and won after they said she caused her kidnap and rape. Most women do not report their rape because they are afraid to be blamed. Women suffer in silence, often blaming themselves.

            Rape is an act of power not of desire.

Creator of Stop Telling Women to Smile, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh attributes street harassment and the control over women’s bodies as major factors. She believes a safe place needs to be made for an open dialogue about sexual assault. Sexologist, Dr. Jill McDevitt teaches, “No has to be the standard and yes is the active choice,” when consenting to sex.

            As protesters marched around center city, sounds of joyous approval and looks of disgust came from those on the sidewalks. But the disapproving looks did not phase those involved as they continued to chant, “wherever we go however we dress no means no and yes means yes; one two three for we won’t take it anymore, five six seven eight no more violence no more hate!”

While the Slutwalk is a relatively new protest, the signs show the importance. One of many read, “Men get raped. Children get raped. Were they showing their tits too?” Silence is the same as doing nothing but there will be no more silence.

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life. Define yourself." - Harvey Feirstein