This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FIU chapter.
I think most people have a common definition for the word slut- a girl who sleeps around.
This term is not only derogatory, but sexist. We all know this, but somehow girls think it’s ok to call other girls sluts. Since the word “slut” mainly refers to girls (and not so much guys), I would like to think that it’s a word created by guys who are only trying to find more ways to bring women down. The problem is that girls don’t see this and instead are using this word more and more to talk bad about other girls.
I don’t hear my guy-friends going around talking about other guys being “sluts.” Why? Because they probably don’t think it’s any of their business to talk about who is hooking up with who and to judge them for it. And of course, there is a double standard. Think of it this way though, why is it funny when guys dress in only underwear for Halloween but slutty when girls do it?
Now ladies, if a girl’s sexual activity is affecting your life (and others you care about), then please go ahead and complain about it. If she’s the one to flirt with your boyfriend and try and sleep with him, be mad with all reason. If she’s the type to always happen to go after the guy you like, then please go on with your frustrations. If she’s going around cheating on her boyfriend (especially if he’s your friend), then you have more than a good enough reason to be mad at her. Is she just overall a terrible person? Then stop wasting your time and get that person out of your life.
But if she’s wearing “provocative” clothing at the club or treating sex the same way guys do, how does that affect you? I understand that the way we see others is a question of morals and how we were raised, but I’ll say it once again, how does that affect you?
Women need to empower one another, not bring each other down. It’s time that we end girl-hate.
–Author, Alexandra Floresmeyer is part of the advertising team at Her Campus FIU. She is also a contributing writer whose articles and opinions (such as the one below) can be found on her personal blog, Go Ask Alex.
**Editors note**: If you would like to partake in a peaceful demonstration against slut shaming and victim blaming we encourage you to participate in the annual Miami Slut Walk hosted by N.O.W. at FIU. Click here for more information
