Standing against women’s violence, SLUT Walk Sacramento, 2012

Kevin Knauss

12 years ago

SLUT WALK SAC

“Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized”, Toronto Police representative

Do you?

Strong agree
Agree
Not Sure
Disagree
Strongly Disagree

with this statement?

Folks at SLUTWALK Sacramento 2012 would check the box Strongly Disagree.

From the sentiment that women invite sexual violence based on how they are dressed, a fledgling movement was born. Slut Walks started in Toronto to combat stereotypes that clothing is an invitation to be assaulted. Slut Walk Sacramento was organized by three women inspired and outraged by the promoted myth that appearance can be a green light for sexual violence.

SLUTWALK Sacramento Website

Inspired by our friends and allies in Toronto, we Sacramentans are working to combat rape culture and to promote sexual empowerment.

Institutionalized sexism, cultural myths and stereotypes, and poor education perpetuate… the age old belief that “SLUTS ASK FOR IT.” That as a victim of a violent crime you should somehow be held responsible, accountable, for another persons actions, which you had NO control over.

Dress for you, not old myths

Participants were encouraged to wear clothing that had stereo-typically been associated with sexually permissive attitudes. This was to reinforce that regardless of how a man or a woman dress’, they are never inviting a sexual assault.

Vendors and information booths support the rally

There were several non-profit organizations at the rally supporting Slut Walk Sacramento. Sister Mary Magdalaid The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence was floating through the crowd with wonderful homemade apricot cupcakes. After the organizers over came some technical difficulties they had a variety of poets, singers, and testimonial speakers.

She found her voice

One speaker, Tanya, gave a powerful testimony of her challenges to overcome the stigma of being labeled a slut from family and friends. She wrapped up her very eloquent speech by turning slut into an acronym for Strength, Leadership, United, Together. That message resonated loud and clear with everyone on the west steps of the California state Capitol in Sacramento.

It was a nice event to underscore the need that we must continually fight the stereotypes that many people still hold about the clothing men and women wear.

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