SHE SPREADS TO CONQUER A slut sharessexuality the

SHE SPREADS TO CONQUER

“A slut shares…sexuality the way a philanthropist shares…money- because they have a lot of it to share, because it makes them happy to share it, because sharing makes the world a better place , ” No one ever judges the philanthropist, why then is it socially acceptable to judge the “slut? ”

Class Exercise Write down a brief description of what a slut looks like. Can you think of any reasons why someone would not mind being called/labelled a slut?

Purpose To understand society’s apparent fascination and disgust with “sluts, ” and To debunk stereotypes around the word (slut); considering whether or not it should be reclaimed or redefined

Research Question Why do we police individuals that are involved in marginalized/queer sexual identities?

SLUT, n ( according to the OED) 1 a. A woman of dirty, slovenly, or untidy habits or appearance; a foul slattern 2 a. A woman of a low or loose character; a bold or impudent girl; a hussy, jade b. In playful use, or without serious imputation of bad qualities

Research Method: Focus Group Consisted of males and females age 23 -27 from diverse educational backgrounds The focus group members all identified as visible minorities All focus group members identified themselves as heterosexual

Positives Challenges Focus Group Allowed me to collect large amounts of information in a short period of time Time runs out very quickly - as the discussion can get a bit off topic Pro’s & Cons The discussion fuelled itself A lot of information to filter through People realize that they Challenging to arrange a share common viewpoints meeting time that fits everyone’s schedule Causes people to stretch their minds There were no Caucasians No participants identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual No participants identified as lower class /poor

Findings The focus group came up with the same core conclusions 1. Despite their initial response, a slut does not have a “look” 2. When asked if in or considering a relationship with someone openly labelled as a slut, would it impact your decision to take that further (marriage/children)- all participants answered a resounding NO! 3. They could not decide if they word needed to be re-claimed or re-defined

Interviews Conducted with a man and a woman in the 45+ age group Pro’s Con’s One on One More facilitation needed Easy to transcribe (type while they talk) There are times when not enough is said

http: //www. youtube. com/wat ch? v=Op. UVXl. Gqk. SM

Sexuality & Media Samantha Jones Is this what a slut looks like? Do actions speak louder than clothes?

Feminist Analysis “Young women today live in an era of sexual surveillance. . . young women are excellent students and learn that sexual thoughts and behaviours are things to be sold, feared, loathed, or all of these” Kessle The Trials and Tribulations of Being a ‘Slut’- Ethical, Psychological, and Political Thoughts on Polyamory

Easy A : Is there, we wonder, some virtue in being difficult?

Research Challenges/Reflection Coming to terms with self - challenge in being selfreflexive http: //intimatelyours. wordpress. com/ Ethical Issues - asking questions about sexuality There is no answer -coming to terms with the lack of answers

Conclusion The stereotypes surrounding the word “slut” still exist Stereotypical ideas surrounding dress continue People love to watch OTHERS live a DTF lifestyle, but are still uncomfortable with the term “SLUT “ themselves “ Great sluts are made, not born”