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A review by abbythompson
Slut!: Growing Up Female with a Bad Reputation by Leora Tanenbaum
1.0
Intended to be an exposee into the underbelly of young adult women, Slut purports to examine the power dynamic between young women and men that leads them to label others, deserving or undeserving, of the name "slut". The author had so many amazing opportunities to really delve into the psychology behind the label of "slut" as attached to a teenage girl. Instead, she produced a regurgitation of The Body Project and Reviving Ophelia for Cosmo magazine.
Many times, in arguing for more equality between men and women, the author advocates women being more promiscuous. This bothered me. You all know, by now, that I have no problem with sex. But advocating that having multiple partners (and thus opening up yourself to disease and unplanned pregnancy) is a way of leveling the gender field as ridiculous. Responsibility is never mentioned in the context of having sex.
The question is asked outright: "How do you contest being labeled a 'slut' without criticizing what it means to be a 'slut'" (p212). That's a great question, but unfortunately the author doesn't seem to have an answer except for women to have more sex.
Again, I don't want to seem like I'm being a prude, but I'm not sure that more sex is the answer. What about parenting and the responsibility of raising good men who value women as an equal partner? What about empowering a women to make her own healthy sexual choices?
The only statement I outright agreed with was that while some girls may label others as "slut" they still need to be held accountable for their actions. As the author states "they may be victims themselves, but that should not give them license to victimize others" (p201). Great point, but nowhere does the author then give any idea how to achieve this.
If this a topic that interests you, skip Slut and read The Body Project, Slaying the Mermaid and Reviving Ophelia. They do a better job examining power dynamics in male and female relationships, and offering healthier solutions to fostering empowered women and men.
Many times, in arguing for more equality between men and women, the author advocates women being more promiscuous. This bothered me. You all know, by now, that I have no problem with sex. But advocating that having multiple partners (and thus opening up yourself to disease and unplanned pregnancy) is a way of leveling the gender field as ridiculous. Responsibility is never mentioned in the context of having sex.
The question is asked outright: "How do you contest being labeled a 'slut' without criticizing what it means to be a 'slut'" (p212). That's a great question, but unfortunately the author doesn't seem to have an answer except for women to have more sex.
Again, I don't want to seem like I'm being a prude, but I'm not sure that more sex is the answer. What about parenting and the responsibility of raising good men who value women as an equal partner? What about empowering a women to make her own healthy sexual choices?
The only statement I outright agreed with was that while some girls may label others as "slut" they still need to be held accountable for their actions. As the author states "they may be victims themselves, but that should not give them license to victimize others" (p201). Great point, but nowhere does the author then give any idea how to achieve this.
If this a topic that interests you, skip Slut and read The Body Project, Slaying the Mermaid and Reviving Ophelia. They do a better job examining power dynamics in male and female relationships, and offering healthier solutions to fostering empowered women and men.