Some Love for the Sluts

I'm sure many of you read the title of this post and shook your heads in disgust.  Luckily, you decided to keep reading.  This is not some chauvinistic rant about enjoying promiscuous women.  Instead it is a call to join a wonderful movement that I recently learned about.

Slutwalk is coming to the D.C. area, and I am definitely excited, even though I am unable to participate in tomorrow's march.  I really want to spread the word about the message that this organization is trying to get across.  The movement began in Toronto when a representative of the police department, while addressing a group of students, stated that "women should avoid dressing like sluts to avoid being victimized."  From there, protests began and have spread worldwide.

In this country, we live in a society full of double standards.  Some of the wealthiest citizens in our nation believe that the poor are simply poor because of laziness.  People of less conventional religion and sexuality are severely scrutinized for their choices, by those who laud their personal right to a differing choice.  And women who are the victims of sexual abuse are too often looked at as instigators of the crimes they were wrongly subjected to.

But no really does mean no.

I have often heard negative opinions of women based on the way they dress or how vocal they are about their sensuality.  If a woman wears short or tight clothing, she is immediately attacked for being whorish and slutty.  If a woman announces that she enjoys being sexual, similar labels apply.  Not only are men forgiven for these things, it is often encouraged and applauded.

But no really does mean no.

Even if a woman is dressed a certain way, it doesn't given anyone the right to victimize her.  Just as males are allowed to express themselves sexually, women should be given this same freedom.  I was really impressed by some of the pictures from recent Slutwalk marches.

There are some who say that both the name of this group and the way participants dress is sending a mixed message, and I understand this premise, but feel like it shouldn't discredit the voice of this movement.  (A great article reflecting this argument appeared in the New York Times, as well as various opinions of that article)

The bottom line is that there is no excuse for rape and sexual abuse.  No one should cast shame or guilt onto the victim.

For those of you joining the Slutwalk tomorrow morning, beginning at Lafayette Park down to the National Sylvan Theater, I commend your efforts.  This is definitely a message that should be embraced.  Whether we agree with the methods, we should agree that no woman deserves to be victimized, and those who are should not be blamed for it.

No really does mean no.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Starting to Feel I Can Do This

As I stated earlier, I'm going back to school again.  Today, I took the very first step, by completing my placement tests in English and Math.  Once upon a time, I loved testing.  There was little pressure and it gave me an opportunity to display things that I had learned.  Unfortunately, that was many years ago.  I haven't taken a math class since 2002.  English worries me a lot less, since I explore it on a daily basis.  But this morning, I was nervous.

I kept worrying that I had forgotten the basic principles of curriculum that I had studied so long ago.  I was probably making these tests much more difficult than necessary.  So I arrived here for my 1:00 p.m. test time.

Once I arrived, I seemed to relax immediately.  Fellow test-takers were their waiting in the lobby.  As soon as it was time to start, I wondered what I was so worried about.  I can do this.

I just needed to remind myself.  I know that it's been a long time since I was enrolled in school, but that doesn't mean this has to be a challenging experience.  I am my own biggest critic, but I am also my biggest fan.  I know my potential better than anyone, so I shouldn't ever doubt myself.

As soon as the test started, I was happy for the pep talk I'd given myself.  It was a little difficult recalling some of the algebra, a class I haven't taken since like 10th grade.  But I did it.  The English portion of the test came much naturally.  All in all, I was very pleased with my scores.

Math - 118

English - 110 and 119

The lady congratulated me on my scores, letting me know 120 is the highest score for most of the tests.  If that's the case, I am overjoyed.  And pleased to say that I placed out of all the courses I wanted to place out of.  Looking forward to August 22 even more now.

Whenever it seems like there is something you can't accomplish, remind yourself that you are capable.  You can do it.  And the first step is believing that you can.

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet