Why I will be attending SlutWalk Minneapolis on October 1st.
Well, it’s not so I can run around and call myself a slut – I really have no desire to refer to myself as mud.
What is that you say? What does mud have to do with anything?
Well – this is what slut actually means – it’s origin come from Middle English in the late 13th century – and it means mud or you might prefer the Norwegian origin of slutr: , which means impure liquid. Oh, and let’s not forget about Slut, Sweden– an actual place!
The more common etymology just has to do with a woman who is dirty or unkempt and often times it was referring to a maid. Interestingly, in none of these scenarios does it have a negative sexual connotation. It isn’t until we get into the 14th century do we see this negative meaning start to arise.
Just a little history to keep things in perspective. So, for me – I have no desire to run around and call myself mud.
But, this doesn’t get to the heart of SlutWalks and why I support this action. While I have been most fortunate to not have this word hurled at me and used against me - and I absolutely acknowledge how lucky I am – I know this word is used as a weapon. A word that started out from a very insignificant place – has turned into a weapon against women. THIS. MUST. STOP!
I often think of that old childhood rhyme –‘sticks and stones may break bones, but names will never hurt me’– well, I don’t think whoever wrote this has ever been sexually assaulted and then told it was their fault because they were a slut.
Words hurt and its time we acknowledge that.
I will be proudly marching in SlutWalk Minneapolis this Saturday because I want to see this word eradicated – to never again be used as a weapon towards another human being (yes, men are called sluts too) again. I, especially never, ever want to see it used as a reason to blame a victim of sexual violence.
I will march on Saturday because I want to support my sisters and brothers who have had this awful experience and let them know they are amazing human beings. And they are not alone.
I will march on Saturday because I want to see an end to blaming the victim.
I will march on Saturday because I want our society to finally say – rape will not be tolerated and it is the rapist who is to blame. To finally say that rape is not Ok.
I will march on Saturday because I want to support taking action.
This movement came out of a moment of passion. A group of women and men in Slutwalk Toronto finally said ENOUGH! And took to the streets. This should be applauded and encouraged.
It may not have been the most perfect action and it is certainly not for everyone – but we, as feminist, must always encourage taking action against injustice.
For too long now, we have forgotten our roots – the suffragists and the 2nd wavers in the 60’s and 70’s – all of whom took to the streets and took action. We have to start standing together and supporting each other and in a loud and singular voice – start to say ENOUGH!
Enough objectifying us.
Enough blaming the victim.
Enough using shameful and hurtful words to tear at our beings.
Most importantly - Enough with being silent.
We at the DFL Feminist Caucus will no longer be silent and we stand up, loud and proud and in unity with all our sisters and brothers and say ENOUGH!
In Solidarity,
Laura M. Nevitt
President
DFL Feminist Caucus