Merriam-Webster defines slut as a “slovenly woman,” a “promiscuous girl” or a “saucy girl.” There doesn’t seem to be a male equivalent for the word, though one might argue “stud” is it. Stud, however, doesn’t have the same negative connotation. Historically, very few women have ever strived to be called a slut though many men have aspired to be James Bond (the ultimate stud). Recently, there has been a movement among women to reclaim “slut” as a form of sexual empowerment, and I just don’t get it.
These kind of reclaim-a-word movements are nothing new. We’ve seen it with the “n-word,” “queer,” “witch” and others. The group at which the word is targeted decides to own the word and redefine it so as to diminish the power of the word when it is hurled at said group in judgment or as an attempt to marginalize. I have no problem with this so-called reclamation. However, slut reclamation isn’t stopping with the word; it’s owning the promiscuity as well. (Let me add that I’m not talking about SlutWalks, in which women protest the idea of “slutty” attire as a license for rape. An outfit is not the same as behavior.)
On one hand, this feels like it should be a good idea. Shouldn’t sexually consenting adults be free to engage in as much or as little of the activity as they’d like without fear of being judged? Sure. Is having sex with multiple partners abnormal? Nope. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most women aged 15-44 have an average of two sexual partners in a period of 12 months while most men aged 15-44 have an average of four sexual partners in a period of 12 months. The point is that neither men nor women seem to own monogamy.
On the other hand, does discussing how much sex we have, and with whom we have it, somehow level the gender playing field? I’m not convinced. As I’ve said before, I’m not interested in anyone’s sexual history, preferences, numbers or kinks unless that person is a potential sexual partner. And my interest in that person’s history has everything to do with my personal health and wellness. (Hello, sexually transmitted infections like herpes, HIV, AIDS… I could go on.) Again, what does this have to do with gender equality? Both sexes possess just as much potential to have poisoned genitals whether they’ve had countless sexual encounters or a single unfortunate exchange.
This whole issue seems to beg one big question: just where do women want equality? I personally seek equality in the workplace. My gender doesn’t define my ability to write an opinions column. No matter my chosen vocation, I’d feel the same way. If gender equality is about no longer being viewed as a sexual object, I’m not sure how owning “sluttiness” or “studliness” is going to cure that.
