When we think of the most frustrating people in this country, egotists, liars, bullies, passive aggressors, common thieves, and hypocrites come to mind. Specifically, hypocrites are the worst scum to deal with because they lack the mental capacity to see their wildly atrocious flaws that plague those unfortunate enough to cross their paths. The worst type of hypocrites are those who mislabel themselves as feminists, yet slut-shame their friends.
In order to fully understand the hypocrisy, one must know what slut-shaming actually is. The definition of slut-shame is "to stigmatize (a woman) for engaging in behavior judged to be promiscuous or sexually provocative." In other words, slut-shaming is degrading or criticizing an individual for her sexual activity or things associated with it, such as how they dress or present themselves on social media. For example, playing mom and lecturing your so-called friend in the middle of a party for fooling around with a stranger is not only humiliating, it is slut-shaming.
When one who slut-shames performs these horrific acts, it does not only display their superiority complex and aids in the destruction of their victim's self-esteem, but it also leads to rape culture. First off, "rape culture is blaming the victim rather than the rapist for the assault, and saying that the victim did something to provoke the attack." Rape culture tells victims to not get raped, rather than to tell rapists not to rape. Rape culture tells girls they should have dressed more conservative or should not have flirted if they did not want to have sex or should not have gotten drunk. Slut-shaming subjugates girls who are more provocative or comfortable with their sexuality into thinking that they deserve less respect than girls who are not. This implants the idea that they did something that led to their rape.
Feminism is a movement that fights rape culture. It stands for the social, economic and political equality of the sexes. The movement teaches all genders that all persons deserve the right to not be raped. Feminism teaches people to have self-worth and value and not base it on the social norms that have been enforced in our society. The basic idea behind feminism is that all people of all genders, all sexualities, all races, all ethnicities, and all beliefs hold the same basic rights and deserve respect. Biological and psychological elements should have no impact on societal functions, capabilities and rights.
Slut-shaming lacks the respect and decency that all people deserve, a stark contrast to what feminism stands for. Claiming that one is a feminist and then stigmatizing a person for their sexuality is not only absurd, it is hypocritical. One cannot participate in the Woman's March and then lecture someone for their promiscuity. These frauds cower behind the term 'feminism' and demean others. Not only are they lying to others by making false claims, they are lying to themselves in order to live in a fantasy where they are better than others, and those around them are not worthy of respect. It is pathetic and disgusting.
The worst offenders are those who slut-shame their friends. Friends should not slut-shame their friends in the first place. It is the job of a companion to be encouraging. Slut-shaming is cruel and hurtful and is filled with pride and selfishness. When a person slut-shames their friend, they are causing unnecessary hurt for that person. If they truly cared for and respected their friend, like a decent human being would, and were concerned for their health and well-being, the best way to go about this would sit them down and express their worries. Even then, the only time this would be appropriate is if a friend placed themselves into danger. Screaming at someone and humiliating them in front of others is the most selfish and irresponsible way to handle the situation. Friendships should be filled with love, grace, and kindness. Slut-shaming is a stark contradiction to this. It lacks these qualities that are required to be a decent human, let alone a decent friend.
Those who claim to be feminists yet slut-shame their friends are scum. They lack the characteristics necessary to create and maintain a healthy friendship and make up for those areas with maltreatment and cruelty. They are hypocritical and their friends are the ones who have to pay the price with their self-respect and esteem.
If you slut-shame, shame on you. You need to realize the devastating consequences and change your cruel actions. If you claim to be a feminist and slut-shame, shame on you. You need to realize your hypocrisy and rethink if your actions match your words and beliefs. If you claim to be a feminist and you slut-shame friends, shame on you. It is vital that you realize the damage you are costing those around you and apologize.
If you have ever been slut-shamed, know that you are so much more than your sexuality. You deserve a high five instead of judgement and humiliation. I encourage you to maturely bring the person's cruel actions to their attention and communicate how much it hurt you. If you have been slut-shamed by a friend, know that you are worthy of friendships that are filled with love, grace, and kindness. No one should ever be judged on their promiscuity or sexuality, especially by those who are supposed to care for you and respect you the most.
