One of the first things a teenage girl is taught when she enters puberty is how to dress. So as not to give the ‘wrong impression’, a ‘proper’ young lady doesn’t wear particular clothing that is outside of societal expectations and if she decides to wear something revealing, she may be considered to be ‘unladylike’. One derogatory term that is often used is ‘slut’.
We’ve all heard the word. We’ve all probably said it too. But is a woman really a ‘slut’ if she chooses to dress a certain way? Even if a woman is sexually promiscuous, does she deserve to be labelled with a derogative term?
Firstly, what is a ‘slut’? A slut is a derogatory term to describe a sexually promiscuous woman, or a woman who behaves or dresses in an overtly sexual way. In Bislama, she would most likely be referred to as a ‘solmit’.
It is important to keep in mind that what clothing people perceive as promiscuous varies. In a conservative country such as Vanuatu, there are areas like Blacksands, Efate, where women are told not to wear trousers in case they excite men.
Why is it unacceptable to call a woman a ‘slut’? Labeling a woman a ‘slut’ because her perceived behavior or clothing is deemed more sexual than society finds acceptable is a form of control.
How is being called a ‘slut’ a form of control? Well, let’s think about this for a minute. Girls are raised and conditioned to be sexual beings while simultaneously being shunned the moment they act upon any sort of sexual desire.
They are told that looks matter and that the more skin they show, the better chance they have of attracting a male. Yet they are also told that women who are not sexually active are more ‘pure’ and ‘holy’ than those who are. Yet at the same time, women are also considered to be worthless if a man doesn’t find them attractive.
Confusing right?
This type of labeling is used to shame and dominate women and only serves to perpetuate rape culture. It is very common, especially in Vanuatu, for victims of rape to blamed by the clothing they wear.
A women’s sexuality and her choices is no-one’s business but her own. Nobody has a right to tell her how to dress or who she can sleep with. So long as it’s consensual and not hurting anyone – keep your opinion to yourself.
This article was originally published in the March edition of the Vanuatu Daily Post Life and Style magazine
Thank u! Finally someone that understands me.
In school we had this stupid dress code where we had to wear skirts that were at our knee. I was sick of people telling me that and then I went on strike and wore only pants and shorts for a month. Then they told me girls aren’t allowed to wear pants! What?! Stupid right? We’re told be feminine yet we couldn’t wear skirts above our knees.lol