Reclaiming the word 'Slut' has some feminists shouting NO
Today many young women and girls have appropriated the term, to refer to their friends and themselves... albeit with an ironic tinge.
More earnestly, organizers of events like SlutWalk are harnessing the power of the word "Slut" in an empowering, subversive way.As a word, "Slut" has always packed a powerful punch... most often a hurtful, derogatory, misogynist one. But it seems that's been changing lately.
SlutWalks got their start after a Toronto Police officer told young women they should — quote — "avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized." That was in 2011, and SlutWalks have been organized across North America, and around the world since.
You all have got to stop calling each other sluts and whores. It just makes it okay for guys to call you sluts and whores- Tina Fey in the movie 'Mean Girls'
But not everyone's on board with this new embrace of controversial word, "Slut." And that includes writer Leora Tanenbaum. She's just published a new book titled, "I am Not a Slut: Slut-Shaming in the Age of the Internet".
Diondra Hall is organizer of SlutWalk Victoria.
Jaclyn Friedman is an activist and the author of "What You Really, Really Want: The Smart Girl's Shame-Free Guide to Sex and Safety."
So what side are you on? Should the word "Slut" be reclaimed or retired?
Let us know what you think on Twitter or on Facebook. Or as always, send an email through our website.
This segment was produced by The Current's Kristin Nelson.
Related Links
Should ‘Slut’ Be Retired? - The New York Times
To Reclaim or Not To Reclaim Slut: Is that the Question? - Ms. Magazine