Slut Shaming

Slut Shaming

By: Lydia Boinest

Slut, a word that has varied in meaning over the past 500 years has been more prevalent in todays literacy practices then ever before.  Originally slut meant garbage or trash in the literal sense, however now the small four letter term has taken on a more brutal meaning.   Webster’s Dictionary declares the term slut as a noun, meaning a promiscuous women[1].  Urban Dictionary on the other hand, defines slut as a women with the morals of a man.[2]   With the second dictionary definition the issue of a double standard in gender roles comes into play.  Where should the line be drawn in defining a women as a slut?  Another thought invoking question is can a man be considered slutty as well?

            Those questions are not necessarily the important part of this blog.  What really is the issue is slut shaming.  Do we have the right as a peer or community to judge or shame the decisions of others?  Especially when it comes down to something like intimacy.  Slut shaming is the act of making someone feel guilty or subordinate for their choices including the way someone dresses or even their social actions that do not appeal to be socially acceptable. 

            One celebrity that is being eyed by the media and a constant victim of slut shaming is Miley Cyrus.[3]  She is constantly being critiqued about her scandalous choices of clothing rather then her music.  For example in her latest music video “Wrecking Ball” Cyrus is completely naked.  It seems like think was what got the most attention rather then the song itself.  Her choice to violate what is "socially acceptable" has changed her reputation from being a role model to a so-called "slut."  Her song may be risqué, however when we hear songs such as “Lucky” by daft punk we don’t even think of the sexual content.

            I do not believe that the word slut should be thrown around as easily as it is today.   Slut shaming has become a huge issue for many girls and women in terms of lowering self-esteem and confidence.  Women should be allowed to freely and openly express their sexuality without being labeled.  In the first couple of classes something really stood out to me; When Professor Moore said, “Women get called sluts and men just get called their name.”  Isn’t that what everyone deserves? To be called their name and not a derogatory term?

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[1] Webster Dictionary, "Webster's Dictionary." Accessed January 30, 2014. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slut.

[2] Sally, . "Urban Dictionary." Last modified May 11, 2003. Accessed January 30, 2014. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=slut.

[3] Dianne, Bondy. "Slut Shaming & Double Standards.." Last modified September 23, 2013. Accessed January 30, 2014. http://www.elephantjournal.com/2013/09/slut-shaming-double-standards/.