Dualism: Virgin/Whore

Posted on August 18, 2010

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Slut! Whore! Ho! Tramp! Hussy! Skank! Loose!

As every woman in America knows, it is near impossible to live life without being categorized or stereotyped as either a virgin or a whore. Virgins are desirable, pure, clean and innocent. Whores are trashy, promiscuous, dirty, and cheap. Whores are dehumanized, virgins are put on a pedestal.

This dichotomy or dualism has several effects on both women’s bodies and their sexuality.

  • Sexual self-awareness is considered shameful for women. Masturbation is not something “good girls” do.
  • Victims of sexual assault are blamed for the assault, especially if they have any sexual history.
  • Men police/control women’s bodies by seeing them as nothing but sexual objects.
  • Women can not explore their sexuality without being judged.

The list can go on. What can we do about it?

Ok, so we’re all here ’cause of this book, right? Well, I don’t know who wrote this book, but you all have got to stop calling each other sluts and whores. It just makes it ok for guys to call you sluts and whores.

The first to stop using the dualism yourself. Stop using slut, whore, tramp, etc. Call out people who use them, explain why they’re oppressive and offensive to women.

If you’re being harassed at work, school, or anywhere, report it, file a complaint, tell your manager, do whatever you have to. I know it can be difficult and that you may be ignored but you have to stand up to it. The only way to change the system is to challenge it.

If you see someone being harassed, defend her. Or if that’s not possible for whatever reason, help her. Create a support system. Show her that she is not alone.

Reclaim your body from male control. Bring attention to the issue. Write a blog, volunteer at an organization or a campaign. Make your voice be heard! It’s time to stop the silence about women’s sexuality and work towards a more liberating future.

Further resources (books, blogs and organizations):

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