Slut Shaming

                For girls and women, the most common insults towards them usually include "slag" and "slut". These names are called out from both boys and girls and are usually in reference to a girl's actions or clothing. Whenever a woman dresses 'provocatively' or behaves in a way which isn't linked to being 'ladylike', a lot of us are quick to label her as a "tart" or even as a "whore". This then encourages girls to act in a particular way- or more accurately not act in a particular way- and they have to find the perfect balance between 'attractive' and 'modest'. They can't wear that revealing dress in case she is "asking for it" and she can't wear that long skirt in case she gains the reputation of a "prude". This can be very harmful to girls as it unconsciously makes them feel compelled to limit and hide their sexuality.

                     All through childhood and even adolescence, girls are encouraged to be 'pure' and 'delicate' and to feel disgusted at any mention of sex yet when boys are teenagers they seemed to be free to embrace their sexuality. If girls were to do this they would feel guilty and shameful-and only because of the people around them. The only problem with the "slut" is the people who humiliate her and judge her actions as if they're dirty and sinful even though it doesn't actually affect them.

                      If whatever this girl does is consensual and safe, then no one else should feel like they are at liberty to categorise her in a shameful way. Clothing should not indicate anyone's preferences or choices and people's business does not need to be anyone else's. Experiencing sexual attraction or not shouldn't be stigmatised or considered as immoral or disgraceful. Judging someone's sexuality says more about you than it does about them.

Fozz.