Toronto's 'Slut Walk' Protest--Or, Why Feminism is Doomed

As Middle Eastern activists take to the streets to protest the corrupt regimes under which they live, young feminists in Toronto are using their democratic rights to protest a decidedly different cause: the Slut Walk.

Susan B. Anthony is rolling over in her grave.

The Canadian women, as you can see in the CBC news clip below, were marching in the streets of Toronto on Sunday in the city's first Slut Walk--"a demonstration with a difference," the CBC anchor gravely observes.

"I strongly believe in women's sexuality," one young female protester said with conviction at the march.

Another chimed in: "I think that I can dress in a thong and some tights--and maybe not wear any underwear when I'm wearing a skirt, and that not be a consent for me to get raped." Amen, sister?!

In the background, you hear a man shouting "we love sluts! we love sluts!" Chalk that up to....women's empowerment?

The Slut Walk protest was spurred by comments a police officer made when he was visiting Canada's York University. Speaking about safety, he said that "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized."

Welllll. These hot-and-bothered feminists were not going to take that sitting down. So here they are, standing, proclaiming their right to be sluts!

According to the Slut Walk website, these women...

...are tired of being oppressed by slut-shaming; of being judged by our sexuality and feeling unsafe as a result. Being in charge of our sexual lives should not mean that we are opening ourselves to an expectation of violence, regardless if we participate in sex for pleasure or work. No one should equate enjoying sex with attracting sexual assault.

Here is everything you ever wanted to know and more about the Slut Walk:

As the city’s major protective service, the Toronto Police have perpetuated the myth and stereotype of ‘the slut’, and in doing so have failed us. With sexual assault already a significantly under-reported crime, survivors have now been given even less of a reason to go to the Police, for fear that they could be blamed. Being assaulted isn’t about what you wear; it’s not even about sex; but using a pejorative term to rationalize inexcusable behaviour creates an environment in which it’s okay to blame the victim.

Historically, the term ‘slut’ has carried a predominantly negative connotation. Aimed at those who are sexually promiscuous, be it for work or pleasure, it has primarily been women who have suffered under the burden of this label. And whether dished out as a serious indictment of one’s character or merely as a flippant insult, the intent behind the word is always to wound, so we’re taking it back. “Slut” is being re-appropriated.

We are tired of being oppressed by slut-shaming; of being judged by our sexuality and feeling unsafe as a result. Being in charge of our sexual lives should not mean that we are opening ourselves to an expectation of violence, regardless if we participate in sex for pleasure or work. No one should equate enjoying sex with attracting sexual assault.

We are a movement demanding that our voices be heard. We are here to call foul on our Police Force and demand change. We want Toronto Police Services to take serious steps to regain our trust. We want to feel that we will be respected and protected should we ever need them, but more importantly be certain that those charged with our safety have a true understanding of what it is to be a survivor of sexual assault — slut or otherwise.

We are tired of speeches filled with lip service and the apologies that accompany them. What we want is meaningful dialogue and we are doing something about it: WE ARE COMING TOGETHER. As people from all gender expressions and orientations, all walks of life, levels of employment and education, all races, ages, abilities, and backgrounds, from all points of this city and elsewhere.

We are asking you to join us for SlutWalk, to make a unified statement about sexual assault and victims’ rights and to demand respect for all. Whether a fellow slut or simply an ally, you don’t have to wear your sexual proclivities on your sleeve, we just ask that you come. Any gender-identification, any age. Singles, couples, parents, sisters, brothers, children, friends. Come walk or roll or strut or holler or stomp with us.