A video from last October’s SlutWalk in LA recently resurfaced and it created a discussion about women and their association with the word “slut.” In it, you’ll see pastor Jesse Lee Peterson asking a young woman named Samirah if she’s a slut. He was quite dumbfounded when she proudly declared “yes” and said that everyone around her, including Jesse and his cameraman, are sluts too.
When asked why Samirah considers herself as one, she said, “I own my body, my body is not a political playground, it’s not a place for legislation, it’s mine, and it’s my future.” Jesse also asked (and assumed) if Samirah had slept with numerous partners for her to say that, to which she responded, “No, actually, I’m a virgin… A slut is a word for anybody owning their sexuality, turning up, not letting Jesse twist their words,” Samirah quipped at the pastor.
The exchange garnered several reactions from netizens. The majority praised Samirah for clapping back at Jesse who questioned why she was proud to be a slut and even nitpicking at her clothes for looking promiscuous. (Don’t get us started on his remark about how God views her.) While others stated how it’s offensive for Samirah to associate herself and other people with this word.
If you’re part of the group who disagreed with Samirah, let us enlighten you. The video itself shows the judgmental state of our society, pastor Jesse was just the tip of the patriarchal iceberg. Samirah also brought up the point that being a slut doesn’t depend on their sexual history. The harsh reality is that anyone can call a woman solely based on their appearance, how they act, and how they present themselves.
Samirah wasn’t talking gibberish when she said “everyone’s a slut.” She’s speaking the truth.
“Slut” as a derogatory term is rooted from the patriarchal notion that a woman should appear “decent” and “conservative” to be respected. Once they show a bit of skin or express their sexuality, they’re automatically demonized for it. They can also be subject to victim-blaming when they are harassed thanks to this outdated mentality.
Model Amber Rose, who’s known for staging the annual SlutWalk, said it best when she opened up about reclaiming the word “slut” and taking its derogatory power away. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been called a slut,” she wrote. “From the time I was a young girl—even before I was sexually active—it was athat was placed on me. As soon as I came into the public eye, I was immediately criticized for everything from my behavior to how I chose to dress. It was undoubtedly hurtful, and getting used to the harsh words I hear so often is still something I struggle with,” she wrote in a Marie Claire essay. “The term ‘slut’ never seemed to go away—in fact, I began to realize that I’d be called a slut whether I behaved according to other people’s standards or not. So, I decided to take the power out of that word and reclaim it. I said f—k it, hoe is life. But don’t get me wrong—this self-proclaimed hoe is a powerful woman and an unapologetic feminist.”
The next time someone calls you a “slut,” remember that they have no right to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do with your body and your sexuality. People who don’t understand you will try to diminish your worth and identity. The word “slut” is powerful and you should show them that you are as well.
Art by Marian Hukom
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