See the first two posts in this series about the Slut Walk:

Are We (Slut) Walking in the Right Direction?

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about some things that I love about the Slut Walk phenomenon. I mentioned that I admire the chutzpah of those who wish to “take back” the term slut. I am afraid that there are also things that turn me off about that effort. Maybe it’s the part of me that has bought into the patriarchal way of viewing women. Or, maybe it’s that I’ve seen women called sluts for no good reason too many times to connect with the humor and irony. But I definitely feel reluctant to embrace the term slut, and to apply it to myself or other women whom I respect. It seems counterproductive.

My opinion is that the Slut Walk participants would be better off abandoning the notion of reclaiming the word slut. Not that I think they should stop using the term (see What I Love About Slut Walks). But can’t we call these events Slut Walks, simply as a way to get attention to tell our message against sexual violence, and in reference to the misguided statement that started the whole movement? Do we have to invite people to call all women, or even just women who like sex, or even just the women who like sex and walk in a Slut Walk, “sluts”? Aren’t there some words that we should just abandon altogether?

Photo from Slut Walk in New York, Saturday, October 1, 2011 by David Shankbone

I am most worried about this when I read statements against Slut Walks like those of Kristine Holmgren:

“This "march" will not change a single rapist's mind. It will, however, please and tease the men (and women) who think all women's issues are a joke.”

Now, I don’t think Slut Walks are intending to change the minds of individual rapists. I think they are more about increasing attention and clarity regarding the messages our society gives about rape. If we can do that, it could lead to changes in how we view women and sex and violence. If we can do that, then maybe eventually it will contribute to there being less rape in our world. I’m totally on board with that logic.

And yet, if we get attention for this important issue by talking about and dressing like sluts, maybe we’ll feel really empowered and have a lot of fun. But will the people who most need to hear the message take us seriously? Is could it be that presenting the issue in this way makes it less likely that we’ll manage to create the change we hope for?

Do you find challenges in supporting the Slut Walk movement?

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Peg Shippert is a psychotherapist in private practice in Boulder, Colorado. She has a deep passion for working with survivors of sexual violence.