Sluts on the March
by Jen Lexmond
Originally set up in response to a local policeman touting the familiar claim that women who dress like sluts are asking for rape, Toronto’s SlutMarch comes to London on Saturday June 11, in Trafalgar Square.
Fittingly, London has its own local inspiration for their march, thanks to the recent controversy involving Ken Clarke and ‘serious’ vs ‘unserious’ rape. For Clarke, the key issue was not so much dressing or not dressing like a slut, but whether the rape occurs with someone that you know, or with a stranger. What’s a bit of rape between friends, right?
The question with post-feminist, ironic campaigns such as the SlutMarch is whether they are truly subversive or just miscalculations that are really reinforcing damaging ideas about women. The feminist community, unsurprisingly, is split on the issue. And there are plenty of bad taste attempts at 'cleverer than you' responses.
The way I see it, whether dressing in revealing clothing and high heels is the true embodiment of feminist sexual expression, or a disservice to the sisterhood or just a bit of fun, isn’t really the issue. The way that women look, act, and dress is their prerogative. Rape is a choice and an act committed by the assaulter, not the assaulted.
Barbara Court
Just viewed Hurd on TV and would like to say to Elizabeth 'I support you 100%'. Why? because I can speak from personal experience. I am a graduate in Health and Social care specializing in Human Behaviour my choice of profession 'massage therapist' has lead to accusations and investigations. It doesnt matter where I advertise I always get the same old question. Do you do extras?. Off course I don't because I am a therapist not a prostitute. Being accused of prostitution,now ....is that my fault? Certainly not. But it certainly gets to you when you've had a long day. Should I expect this exploitation and discrimination because one could call me naive?. If other professions where not doing their job as it legally should be then the system would soon put a stop to it. I refuse to give up my work although I continue to face direct and indirect discrimination everyday.