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28 – Slut Shaming Epidemic
March 8th 2015 marked International Women's Day. It is celebrated every year on the same date. So what is the purpose of International Women's Day? Generally speaking, it is a celebration and an appreciation for women's economic, political, and social achievements.
Women's History Month is celebrated throughout the month of March. It highlights the contributions of women throughout history. In honor of Women's History Month, we are going to be discussing many issues that still face women today in a miniseries. Sara wrote an article giving 5 reasons why feminists can't stop fighting for equality. We will cover each point.
Slut Shaming
In part 1 of our Women's miniseries, let's discuss slut shaming. Slut shaming is a big problem that occurs today. So what is slut shaming? Slut shaming is the act of making women feel guilty or inferior for their perceived sexual behaviors. One example would be if a woman is dressed provocatively, she might be slut shamed. Other examples of slut shaming could be based on a woman's sexual activity. Whether she engages in casual sex or even if she was raped, a woman could be a victim of slut shaming.
In regards to sex, women are held to a different standard than men. While men are free to engage in sex with multiple partners, women who engage in the same behavior are looked down upon. It's not only men that are guilty of slut shaming. Both men and women engage in slut shaming. Unfortunately, it's a lose-lose situation. If a woman projects a sexy image, she's viewed as a slut. If a woman projects a conservative or professional image, she's perceived as either being an irrelevant prude or a lesbian.
Slut Shaming in the Media
Who can be blamed for the slut shaming that goes on to this day? You can look towards the internet and the media. With an abundance of pornography freely available on the internet, it desensitizes its viewers into considering women to be objects instead of people. Viewers might generalize all women as being "sluts" based upon how women are depicted in porn. Now the blame can't solely fall on pornography. What about the media's role in slut shaming?
The media likes to engage in slut shaming. One example would include Kim Kardashian and how the media portrays her in a negative light because of her perceived sexuality. Another example would be Miley Cyrus' performance at the 2013 VMA Awards. In her performance, Miley Cyrus twerked up against Robin Thicke. This caused a slut shaming uproar in the media. Miley Cyrus was criticized for her clothing and twerking while nothing was really said at all about Robin Thicke's involvement.
The entertainment industry needs to step up their game to end slut shaming. More powerful and important women characters need to portrayed on the big and small screen. The stereotypical weak, pathetic, or slutty character needs to become the minority instead of the majority.
The Toll Slut Shaming Takes
Many might think that slut shaming is a victimless crime. That it's not really affecting anyone. Well, many women, especially teens, have committed suicide due to slut shaming.
15 year old teen, Felicia Garcia, committed suicide because of slut shaming. She had sex with four football players and became the target of slut shaming. Felicia was teased, harassed, and constantly called a slut. She ended her life by jumping in front of a subway train. Two days before killing herself, Felicia Garcia tweeted, "I can't, I'm done, I give up."
The sexual double standard needs to end. The practice of slut shaming needs to stop in order for women to truly achieve equality.
Also In Episode 28
Two tourists from California deface the Roman Colosseum. The two American women decided to carve their initials in the historic landmark and got caught. Defacing the walls of the colosseum is strictly prohibited and the two women will most likely face a penalty.
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By Ed and Sara, Trash Talking EnthusiastsMarch 8th 2015 marked International Women's Day. It is celebrated every year on the same date. So what is the purpose of International Women's Day? Generally speaking, it is a celebration and an appreciation for women's economic, political, and social achievements.
Women's History Month is celebrated throughout the month of March. It highlights the contributions of women throughout history. In honor of Women's History Month, we are going to be discussing many issues that still face women today in a miniseries. Sara wrote an article giving 5 reasons why feminists can't stop fighting for equality. We will cover each point.
Slut Shaming
In part 1 of our Women's miniseries, let's discuss slut shaming. Slut shaming is a big problem that occurs today. So what is slut shaming? Slut shaming is the act of making women feel guilty or inferior for their perceived sexual behaviors. One example would be if a woman is dressed provocatively, she might be slut shamed. Other examples of slut shaming could be based on a woman's sexual activity. Whether she engages in casual sex or even if she was raped, a woman could be a victim of slut shaming.
In regards to sex, women are held to a different standard than men. While men are free to engage in sex with multiple partners, women who engage in the same behavior are looked down upon. It's not only men that are guilty of slut shaming. Both men and women engage in slut shaming. Unfortunately, it's a lose-lose situation. If a woman projects a sexy image, she's viewed as a slut. If a woman projects a conservative or professional image, she's perceived as either being an irrelevant prude or a lesbian.
Slut Shaming in the Media
Who can be blamed for the slut shaming that goes on to this day? You can look towards the internet and the media. With an abundance of pornography freely available on the internet, it desensitizes its viewers into considering women to be objects instead of people. Viewers might generalize all women as being "sluts" based upon how women are depicted in porn. Now the blame can't solely fall on pornography. What about the media's role in slut shaming?
The media likes to engage in slut shaming. One example would include Kim Kardashian and how the media portrays her in a negative light because of her perceived sexuality. Another example would be Miley Cyrus' performance at the 2013 VMA Awards. In her performance, Miley Cyrus twerked up against Robin Thicke. This caused a slut shaming uproar in the media. Miley Cyrus was criticized for her clothing and twerking while nothing was really said at all about Robin Thicke's involvement.
The entertainment industry needs to step up their game to end slut shaming. More powerful and important women characters need to portrayed on the big and small screen. The stereotypical weak, pathetic, or slutty character needs to become the minority instead of the majority.
The Toll Slut Shaming Takes
Many might think that slut shaming is a victimless crime. That it's not really affecting anyone. Well, many women, especially teens, have committed suicide due to slut shaming.
15 year old teen, Felicia Garcia, committed suicide because of slut shaming. She had sex with four football players and became the target of slut shaming. Felicia was teased, harassed, and constantly called a slut. She ended her life by jumping in front of a subway train. Two days before killing herself, Felicia Garcia tweeted, "I can't, I'm done, I give up."
The sexual double standard needs to end. The practice of slut shaming needs to stop in order for women to truly achieve equality.
Also In Episode 28
Two tourists from California deface the Roman Colosseum. The two American women decided to carve their initials in the historic landmark and got caught. Defacing the walls of the colosseum is strictly prohibited and the two women will most likely face a penalty.