An article by Deborah Orr in the Guardian yesterday talked about the signals we give out by our choice of “costume”.
She suggests that wee vests and short skirts make people think, sex worker?
An orange fleece may point out the Sainsbury’s assistant, and when one wears overalls the guess is usually…. Plumber?
Apparently wearing “sex-signalling” clothing is to a rapist what leaving your door open is to a burglar. If he happens to pass by he might like to have a little poke around.
Deborah Orr goes on to say that “Men, generally, are not the problem. Considering the flood of fantastical sexual messages they are fed by the media, they show themselves to be notably resilient and sensitive. But that unlocked door? Hundreds of thousands will walk right past. But some bastard might come along who won’t. Door locked, door unlocked, burglary is burglary. And only burglars by definition commit it.”
So ladies lock your “door” and you’ll be fine. I like to lock my “door” with a Chanel two-piece suit. No one dares approach me.
And if they do, I clutch my pearls with fury and proclaim: “How dare you beast? This is Chanel.”
The “burglar” then knows my “door” is locked and scampers off into the darkness. It’s that simple. And now to find my smelling salts…
I don’t think Slut Walk is an effort to cure depraved individuals. For me it’s primarily about how we view female sexuality.
As a society we are offended by women who signal their appetite for sex or worse their promiscuity.
Why? Men want sex. Women want sex.
When in “heat” both sexes parade themselves in front of each other wearing whatever they hope might bring about the symptoms of lust.
As I write this I think of the volleyball-playing boys of “Top Gun” in their little tight jeans and their shiny oiled torsos, frolicking in the sand. (I need a moment)
They wore very little, bless them and yes they were just after for one thing but I never judged those boys. I never called them sluts.
No, I just thought. …That’s gorgeous, I gotta get me some of that and clutched my pearls (once a lady always a lady - Link attached below for your viewing pleasure*)
So can we put all this Slut – Non Slut rubbish behind? I know we can’t but I must keep asking the question.
It’s a thousand year old urge. If you feel like dressing up cause you want to get busy…go ahead.
No one should judge you and you shouldn’t have to keep your “door” locked with fear.
Enjoy!!!!!!
Enjoy!!!!!!
(It's dubbed in Italian ...as it should be)
It's ridiculous what some people (Deborah Orr) are saying.
ReplyDeleteIt really isn't that complex because the truth is NO ONE dresses themselves in 'rape me' clothes. It's easy for some people to judge others based on their appearance but when it comes to rape this isn't about men being resilient or women dressing as sluts.
NOBODY chooses or asks to raped regardless of their attire. All men are not rapists regardless of their sex drive or the media. Rapists should be blamed and held responsible for their actions. The blame should not be on the victim. In my opinion that is what this walk is about.
Lets raise awareness and stop blaming the victims.
Excellent blog Arhon! ;-) xx