Slut Shaming. Heard of it? Maybe not, but it’s a movement that is becoming increasingly prevalent among young women. Let’s talk about what it is. You know the whole teenage pregnancy craze? I believe this to be a ideological “solution” to that. I use the term “solution” loosely because, in my opinion, this is by no means a solution. Slut shaming is making women feel bad about having sex. It's making women feel bad about making their own decisions, because, apparently we can't be trusted to decide what to do with our own bodies at any age. However, I’m not saying to go out and be unsafe with your choices... Educate yourself on the risks and explore how you can go about your business in the safest way possible. However, I will reiterate that regardless of what you choose, no one ever has the right to call you a slut. And when this word used to criticize and judge only applies to women, you know something is wrong.
Is there a man’s equivalent to the word “slut?” I don't think there is... At least, there isn't one that holds the same significance. That speaks for itself (Do I sense a sprinkle of patriarchy?).
Whether a woman is raped or made the decision to have sex, she never deserves to be degraded and verbally harassed because of it. She deserves respect and understanding, as all people do, regardless the decisions they've made.
The video below tells a primary account of the consequences of slut shaming. If you're interested in the topic and the recent discussions surrounding it this is a good place to start.
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Alexis Ajluni