Slut Walk NYC

If you have a vagina then chances are you have been called a "slut" at least once in your life. But what is worse than being called a "slut" is being told that you ask for certain violent and unwanted sexual behavior.
"Asking for it" is not a new concept, not for women. But when men who are educated with women, living with them, in addition to having sisters, mothers, and daughters, are making comments that victims of rape and sexual assault are dressing or acting like "sluts" and therefore, bringing on themselves this violent behavior,then we, as a society, have a huge problem on our hands.
When someone is mugged in the street do we blame the robber or do we blame the victim? Well if they did not have a purse or a wallet then it would not have happened. Ridiculous concept no? Then why is it ok to blame rape victims?
It's not.
The activity of blaming women for their sexual attraction is also no new concept. Men have always blamed women for their own lack of control of their own bodies. As if it is somone else's fault that they can't keep it in their pants.
That is where the SlutWalk comes in. It is a feminist movement that wants to rectify the connotation of the word "slut." And although some feminists are calling the Slutwalk ridiculous and a joke, well at least these women are standing up and doing something about feminism which is moving backwards again. The Slutwalk has been in many U.S. and Canadian cities and is making its way to NYC on October 1st.
And it is definately needed in this city, especially under the wake of several rapes and assaults that are being dismissed. Remember the 2 NYC police officers who were recently acquitted of raping a drunken woman they were supposed to be helping get home safely? The newspapers mentioned quite often that she was under the influence, insinuating that she brought this type of treatment on herself. And what kind of message are we sending to police officers, that it is ok to rape, especially when the girl is a "slut?" And what message are we sending to young women, that no where is safe?
Recently, another NYC police officer Michael Pena was accused of raping a school teacher at gun point, using the same gun he is supposed to be protecting citizens with. And why shouldnt he? The last two of "New York's Finest" rapists got away with it!
Not to mention, Dominique Strauss Kahn who was just today released of criminal charges for sexual assault. More and more we are sending men the message that it is ok to rape and assault women because well they are "sluts" and "sluts" deserve that type of behavior.
As bizarre and useless as the Slutwalk may seem to other women and feminists, I think its great that someone is going to do something to remind MEN and WOMEN that another wave of feminism needs to begin, that young girls and boys are getting the wrong impression about proper bahavior.
For more info check out the Slutwalk NYC facebook page!