She wasn’t asking for it: We need to stop slut-shaming

It’s 2016, and we’re living in the golden age of technology, social media, fashion and girl power. Unfortunately, what comes with all of this is tons of negativity, criticism and slut-shaming, whether it’s from family, friends or stupid Internet trolls.

Time and time again, we hear too many stories about young girls getting raped walking home alone from a party, club, etc. Often times, these women are portrayed as “asking for it” by dressing provocatively in order to get male attention.

Women and even girls are slut-shamed everyday, whether a random cat-calling, a “Hey, beautiful!” or “Nice ass!” This could be on the walk to work, a night out with friends, or any time of day, for the matter.

One time, walking around NYC with a group of friends, a man came up to us in and called us “bitches and whores.” We were only 15 at the time, and were too shocked to say anything back.

These incidents happen all too frequently – in cities, on college campuses, etc. It is not a form of flattery (if you like me, come up to me, compliment me and ask me for my number, moron). In fact, it’s frightening and nerve-wracking to be a female walking in an urban area, whether it’s alone or with a group of friends.

Celebrities and social media often stimulate this slut-shaming talk, as well. Back in March, Kim Kardashian posted a naked mirror selfie. The responses, while some were positive and praising of Kardashian, were overall negative and extremely harsh. Many commenters called her a slut and were outraged and offended by the sexy photo.

Even celebrities such as Chloe Grace Moretz, Bette Midler and Piers Morgan got involved and had something to say.

However, Kardashian fired back in a lengthy blog post the next day:

“I don’t do drugs, I hardly drink, I’ve never committed a crime—and yet I’m a bad role model for being proud of my body?”

She continued, “I am empowered by my body. I am empowered by my sexuality. I am empowered by feeling comfortable in my skin. I am empowered by showing the world my flaws and not being afraid of what anyone is going to say about me. And I hope that through this platform I have been given, I can encourage the same empowerment for girls and women all over the world.”

Kardashian is not the first celebrity to stand up against slut-shaming. Model Amber Rose (Kanye and Wiz Khalifa’s ex), started leading “Slut Walks.” Rose herself is a former stripper, and faced slut-shaming throughout her life since she was 14.

A statement on Amber Rose’s SlutWalk website reads:

“[W]e recognize that shaming, oppression, assault and violence have disproportionately impacted marginalized groups including women of color, transgender people and sex workers, and thus we are actively working to center these groups in this event. We deeply value the voices of marginalized groups and have a strong desire to find common ground among all of our intersections.”

The celebrity also made a statement earlier this year when she and friend, model Blac Chyna, showed up to the MTV Video Music Awards wearing outfits that read “slut” and “hoe” on it.

Overall, slut-shaming is absolutely ridiculous. People shouldn’t be judging others on their appearances and say they’re “asking for it” because they were wearing a short dress or skirt.

The platforms of social media can help or hurt this issue. Celebrities and other high-profile socialites are using their voices to help raise awareness about this highly controversial issue.

But, next time you’re out and see a girl alone and stumbling home, don’t say she’s a “slut” or that she’s “asking for it.” Not cool, dudes.