Reclaiming

So, I'm taking this Critical Theory class, and we got to talking about how words change in different contexts and over time. Now, I enjoyed this discussion because it combined two of my favorite topics: language and social change. We started with this:

This was the symbol used in Nazi concentration camps to identify homosexual prisoners. It was, originally, a symbol of incredible oppression and tragedy. Now, though, it's a widespread symbol for gay rights protest. It was taken, reclaimed by the community it oppressed, and now represents pride and struggle. The negative meaning was stripped away and replaced by a new one.

We continued on to talk about the word "queer". This was another word which began as really derogatory and hurtful, and has since been reclaimed by the gay community to define ourselves. The LGBTA at my university just switched to being called the Queer Resource Center. Now it's used as an umbrella term for alternative sexualities. For the most part, I identify as queer, if only because it sounds more credible than bisexual (but that's another topic altogether).

Maybe not this queer though. That just looks downright strange.

The important part is that marginalized communities have the power to take words and symbols that degrade them and turn them around into something powerful.

Which leads us to "slut". "Slut" still very much has negative connotations. I've been called a slut. It hurts. The implication of the word -- that a woman who is sexually promiscuous inherently loses her value and is something to be reviled -- reinforces the virgin/whore dichotomy of female sexuality and only works to cram women into an uncomfortable position, one where they must at all times be virginal, pure, and not enjoy sex, but also be sexually available and attractive. It's impossible to do, and you either get called a "prude" or a "slut" if you veer too far on either side of the precarious spectrum.

Recently there have been SlutWalks in tons of cities in an effort to reclaim the word. The founders of the protests said, "Being in charge of our sexual lives should not mean that we are opening ourselves to an expectation of violence, regardless if we participate in sex for pleasure or work." And I agree. A lot of people got all up in arms about using a "male-defined" word to define female sexuality; that women shouldn't accept define themselves as sluts because it's just using the already established patriarchal lexicon. But, really...that's the point. The pink triangle and the word queer were given to the gay community by people who hated them. It takes time, but you have to use the oppressive symbols, because it's so much more of a victory when the meaning finally gets changed, the connotations become less negative. If "slut" means "a woman who is sexually promiscuous," there is no real reason for it to be an insult. There's nothing wrong about being a sexually promiscuous woman. And the more we take back the word and apply our own connotations to it, the less pejorative power it has, and the more feminist connotation it has.

 I mean, really, there isn't even a complimentary word for a sexually active woman. We might as well make one and make a statement while doing it.

Your queer slut,

- Jazz