Culture Editor
Slut-shaming has become a powerful form of hate in today’s society, oppressing victims of sexual assault and bullying. Amber Rose, a model, singer, and actress, has become an outspoken opponent of slut-shaming by using her celebrity status to raise awareness and support for victims. On Oct. 3, Rose organized the first SlutWalk in Los Angeles.
The SlutWalk is a protest march created in order to fight slut-shaming and to provide support for victims of any type of sexual abuse or assault. Other SlutWalks sprang up around the world in 2011 after a Toronto police officer warned women that in order to prevent sexual assault, they “should avoid dressing like sluts.” The walks protest victim blaming and notions that rape is dependent on what the victim is wearing. They also provide an opportunity for rape survivors to speak up about their struggles. The events hold a “zero tolerance policy” on all hateful language, racism, sexism, ableism, fat-shaming, transphobia, homophobia or any other kind of bigotry. They also focus on giving a voice to marginalized groups and other victims of oppression.
Rose took to the stage at her SlutWalk in downtown L.A., detailing her personal struggle with slut-shaming, especially from famous ex-partners Wiz Khalifa and Kanye West. Rose broke down in tears during her speech as she expressed her forgiveness to West and Khalifa for their hurtful comments towards her. For example, in an interview with the radio station Power 105 in February, West said that he “had to take 30 showers” after dating Amber Rose. Khalifa also made derogatory remarks towards Rose. In his song For Everybody, Khalifa wrote “I fell in love with a stripper/Funny thing is I fell back out of love quicker,” in reference to Rose’s past as a stripper.
Rose’s experience with slut-shaming goes beyond just words from hurtful exes too – Khloe Kardashian, West’s sister-in-law, criticized Rose for becoming a stripper at 15 after Rose criticized 23 year-old rapper Tyga for dating the then 17 Kylie Jenner. However, Rose, who was forced to turn to stripping in order to support her family, declared that any questions regarding her past conflicts with the Kardashians and Kanye West were banned. Despite this, Rose’s mother, Dorothy Rose, carried a sign that read, “(expletive) yo 30 showers,” in reference to West’s comments.
Rose also fought back against slut-shaming in a Funny or Die promotional video for her SlutWalk, in which she stars in “The Walk of No Shame.” The video shows Rose walking home after a night out via the infamous “walk of shame,” but instead of being negatively judged by those around her, she receives comments supporting her and her decision to “celebrate her body” and “living her best life,” even receiving the key of the city from the mayor for her confidence.
Amber Rose’s work to end slut-shaming and victim-blaming has made her a positive public figure and an inspiration to girls across the nation. Through her efforts, Rose has spread awareness about the negative effects of slut-shaming and has given voices to marginalized and oppressed groups.
(Sources: The Daily Beast, Los Angelos Times, amberroseslutwalk.com)
Categories: Culture