End Sexual violence
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feminism todayThe third wave of feminism from the 1990's stated the need for multiple feminisms: Women are not a homogenous group, but different in education, privileges, and experiences of oppression. This generation is also influenced by queer theory, seeing gender and sex as fluid categories, and is more so than previously individualistic and sex-positive.
The existence of a fourth wave is debated, but is by some defined by internet use and a younger generation opting out the former generation (see Munro). |
Reclaiming languageAt the time SlutWalks took off, feminism in common opinion was seen as diffused into culture and no longer relevant, but the movement shows that feminist issues continue to be addressed. Reclaiming negative language about women has been a tactic throughout the history of feminism and particularly in the last couple of decades, e.g. Vagina Monologues. SlutWalk Toronto says:
" ... the intent behind the word is always to wound, so we’re taking it back. “Slut” is being re-appropriated." This was done by innovating repertoires, with a younger audience through the use of social media within a feminist disourse as we will explore in the pivotal protest of SlutWalk Toronto. |
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References
Munro, Elasaid (2013): "Feminism: A Fourth Wave?", Political Insight Vol. 4(2)
Reger, Jo: "Micro-Cohorts, Feminist Discourse, and the Emergence of the Toronto SlutWalk", Feminist Formations Vol. 26(1)
Header photo: Protester from Take Back the Night, 2009, holding a sign: "End the violence against women", by Gopal Vijayaraghavan (CC BY 2.0)