Propaganda was used to relay the wrong message when the media
got involved in “SlutWalks.” SlutWalks
were started after a police officer in Toronto said “women should avoid
dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” SlutWalks encourage women
and men of all ethnicities, background, and ages to come and support them by
wearing whatever clothing they choose because they want people to know that
there is not a dress code for sexual harassment/assault.
However, when the media got involved, there were pictures of
white women dressed in provocative clothing such as fishnet stockings, knee
length boots, short skirts and dresses, some with their undergarments exposed
etc. This gave the impression that the goal of SlutWalks was to have girls come
and dress like sluts and parade down the street. This is completely the
opposite reason for doing SlutWalks.
When the writer of this article (SlutWalk: Does The Media
Make The Message) attended one, she noticed women of all colors and
backgrounds. Some were dressed eccentrically; others wore simple jeans and a t
shirt, sweat pants, and everyday clothes. There were also just as many men
attending as women, who she says proudly used the word feminist. There were
mothers and children attending together as well.
This goes to show that simply by leaving things
out of a story- such as pictures of men and children at the SlutWalks- that the
public can get a skewed view of what is really taking place in their community.
It was for a really good cause, going against the words of the Toronto police
officer, letting people know that it is not the victim that is to blame for
sexual assault.
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