As I type, Toronto's SlutWalk is well on its way. Starting with speeches from 1:30-2:00 and followed by a walk from the Legislative Building to Toronto Police Headquarters at 40 College Street. The SlutWalk idea sparked as a reaction to comments made by a police officer that victims can be blamed for sexual assault based on how they dress.
"On Jan 24, Const. Michael Sanguinetti told a group of students at York University : 'Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.' " - Montreal Gazette
Despite the police force's apologies, Sonya Barnett (SlutWalk Co-Founder) believes this is an indicator with respect to issues of "victim-blaming" within the police force. She encourages everyone to come out to support the walk in whatever he/she feels. The can range from fishnets and stilettos to jeans and an old tee shirt.
"Our stance is that slut is an attitude, not a look." -Sonya Barnett
This year's SlutWalk Toronto is expected to have over 3,000 participants. With lots of buzz being generated from its social media that number could increase by many! I encourage you to learn more about the march and check out what has been said by visiting the following links. I hope the event has much success!
Click on the following to learn more and show support:
This makes me proud to be from Toronto.
ReplyDeleteThere is some ignorance in ALL social/institutional communities ... Comments by ONE police officer should not taint all police... of which many are women. I believe the slut march can and will help dialogue and create a better understanding that there is NO common denominator that makes a Rapist choose their victim and that nothing one says, wears or does invites rape. I think the vast majority of police believe this as well and I truly hope the slut march promotes a positive enlightenment and awareness in this area but does not foster an environment of distrust of our police force.
ReplyDeleteMorally, it isn't right that women should be attacked simply for the way they dress; but that is just the world we live in, LIFE ISN'T FAIR; shear moral ideas such as the fair right to dress as you choose have no physical existence; they are just concepts, ideas of justice and so will not be able to stop physical attacks, only PHYSICAL defense can stop PHYSICAL attack.
ReplyDelete