Leaving Slut Shaming Behind
In a world that professes its march toward equality and self-expression yet remains riddled with persistent contradictions, we women have engaged in numerous struggles and emerged victorious in many.
We claimed the right to vote in 1920, the right to equal pay in 1963, and the autonomy to open our own bank accounts and secure mortgages without a man’s endorsement in 1974. Yet, the shadow of patriarchal structures continues to loom, compelling us women to curtail our sexual expression.
Our "In My Slut Era" tee gives a middle finger to these oppressive structures, reclaims the word "slut," and asserts our sexual power—the same power that, it seems, renders men incapable of self-restraint. These same structures have gone so far as to force women to temper/hide/cover up our sexuality.
The Historical Context of Slut Shaming
Slut shaming is deeply entrenched in patriarchal structures that have sought to control women’s bodies and behavior. Historically, women were harshly judged for their sexual choices, often labeled as “sluts” if they deviated from societal norms of modesty and chastity. These labels served to suppress women’s autonomy and reinforce male dominance.
Control of Female Sexuality
Throughout history, the control of women's sexuality has been a means to maintain social order and patriarchal power. By stigmatizing women who engage in sex outside socially sanctioned boundaries, such as marriage, societies enforce norms that restrict women's freedom and autonomy.
Ensuring Paternity Certainty
In patrilineal societies, where inheritance and lineage are traced through the male line, ensuring paternity certainty has been crucial. By stigmatizing women who have multiple sexual partners, societies aim to reduce the risk of uncertain paternity, ensuring men can be confident in the biological parentage of their children. Stigmatizing women who engage in premarital or extramarital sex helps protect the family's reputation, social standing and lineage.
If we look to the Mosuo people, a matrilineal society, practice the 'walking marriage' system where inheritance and family lineage is traced through the mother's side. Romantic and sexual relationships are often temporary withe men visiting the homes of their partners at night and returning to their own families in the morning. Seems like a win-win for both males and females to me!
Reinforcing Gender Roles
Slut shaming reinforces traditional gender roles, confining women to the private sphere and upholding the notion that women's primary value lies in their sexual purity and reproductive roles. This stigmatization limits women's participation in public life and their ability to assert independence.
Social and Moral Control
Sexual behavior is often tightly linked to moral judgments. By stigmatizing certain behaviors, societies exercise social control and impose moral standards that reflect the interests of those in power, typically men in patriarchal societies. For example, one of the only ways for women to gain financial independence was through prostitution and stripping, but both of these ways of earning money were either made illegal and/or ostracized.
Economic and Social Dependency
By controlling women's sexuality and shaming those who deviate from accepted norms, societies reinforce women's economic and social dependency on men. This dependency is perpetuated through marriage and family structures that economically and socially tie women to male providers.
Reducing Female Competition
Stigmatizing women's sexual freedom also reduces competition among women for social status and advantageous marriages. By shaming sexually active women, societies create a hierarchy where 'virtuous' women are valued more highly, limiting women's social mobility and competition.
It's All About Control
Slut shaming is deeply embedded in broader systems of gender inequality and social control. While contemporary societies increasingly challenge these norms, the legacy of these practices continues to influence attitudes toward women's sexuality even in first-world countries where women are considered equal to men.
By understanding these historical and social contexts, we can clarify how stigmatizing women's sexual behavior serves to reinforce patriarchal structures and maintain control over women's bodies and lives. We can move toward a society that might elect the first female President (Viva Mexico!) and where women can use their sexual powers to their fullest extent without being shamed.
Scary Feminists
The feminist movements of the 20th and 21st centuries have been crucial in challenging and dismantling these oppressive norms. Feminists have tirelessly fought for women’s rights to bodily autonomy, sexual freedom, and equality. This has paved the way for a new era where women are encouraged to experience their sexuality without fear of judgment or shame.
Reclaiming “Slut”
A strategy in combating slut shaming has been the reclamation of the word “slut.” By using this term, women strip it of its negative connotations. Referring to each other as sluts and celebrating, rather than denigrating, we can reclaim our feminine power. The phrase “In My Slut Era” epitomizes this reclamation and gives the big banana to a society that has long tried to suppress female sexual expression.
The Role of Social Media and Pop Culture
Social media and pop culture have been instrumental in shifting societal perceptions of female sexuality. Influencers, celebrities, and everyday women use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and promote body positivity. Movements such as #SlutWalk, initiated by Amber Rose, have brought global attention to the fight against slut shaming, encouraging women to take pride in their sexuality.
Keep Moving Forward
As we push forward, it’s crucial to continue challenging slut shaming in society. Women should feel free to express their sexuality in whatever way they choose, without fear of judgment or repercussion. Women have the right to define their identities and live authentically. Whether Slut Or Prude, we should be judged for neither.
Supporting Liv Osthus for Mayor
In our story as women, Liv Osthus, known by her stage name Viva Las Vegas, emerges as a beacon of courage and vision. Her decision to pursue a career as a stripper, activist, and musician, after her education at Williams College, speaks volumes about her authenticity and moral fortitude. Liv represents a powerful figure who does not cater to those in power but takes ownership of her power, including her sexual power.
As a mother and breast cancer survivor, Liv Osthus embodies strength, resilience, and empowerment. While she may lack the political experience of other candidates, her vision, moral fortitude, and refusal to conform to business as usual patriarchal dictates make her a compelling choice. Liv is a symbol of true courage, and in a city grappling for direction, her leadership could bring the inspiration and transformation we desperately need.
Banner Image taken from Liv Osthus website.
