Thank You, “SLUT: The Play”

In bringing us “SLUT: The Play,” our administration has served the student body with a much needed reminder that girls are sexual beings with tendencies that could be labelled by some as vulgar, and that as a result girls are blamed for wrongs that others commit onto them. Those complaining about the opening scene, claiming that it was “too much,” “unrealistic” or “over-sexualized,” are missing the point entirely. The only reason why that scene was viewed as problematic by some is that women are not permitted to be sexual beings by greater society and in turn are shamed and punished for such displays. Those complaining about the bold and sexual nature of the play are playing into the culture of slut-shaming that the play is attempting to combat.

Maybe the opening scene didn’t add much value or significantly move any plot point in the play. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t have bothered the viewer. Female sexuality shouldn’t be uncomfortable or scandalous in any way. It is only perceived as such as the result of a culture of repression. Girls are sexual beings and in a setting where they are with friends and are comfortable, they may speak of and share their sexuality with one another. We live in a society that shames girls for displaying their bodies and acting sensually. If a similar scene had been shown to our community with male characters instead of female, I doubt that there would have been a similar backlash. Dismissing the play because of its opening scene is symptomatic of the same culture of slut-shaming that lead to Joey’s dismissal due to her actions prior to her rape. The opening scene doesn’t change the content of the rest of the play. Ignoring the message of the play because some girls were twerking in the first couple minutes displays how unfortunately prevalent rape culture and slut shaming is. The play itself displays an example of how women are shamed for displaying sexuality. Rape is wrong and people should not rape. Regardless of that, victims of sexual violence, especially women, are blamed for their own assaults. Women are forced to alter their behavior to fit a sexually pure, idealized image in order to preserve their own safety. The whole point of the play is to show how the main character, Joey, isn’t taken seriously following her attack because she was dressing provocatively and didn’t act as a proper lady should. Her account of her rape is discounted by those that question her, because “proper” girls wear more clothes, don’t drink and don’t get into cabs with three boys. She didn’t fit the idealized image of woman; she was a “slut.” Sluts like her lie, and no one else is backing up her account so Joey must be lying. The viewer is supposed to understand that how Joey acted earlier in the night doesn’t change the fact that she was raped, and they’re supposed to understand that women are unfairly slut-shamed and blamed for their own sexual assaults.

“SLUT: The Play” proved to be a deeply emotional, moving account of sexual assault. It’s unfortunate that some members of our community dismissed this because they were unable to deal with female sexuality. Ultimately this is the fault of a culture and society which has repressed women for centuries, but as Exonians I like to think that we are capable of changing the thought processes ingrained into us. We are all capable of recognizing our biases and combating them. I urge those who were initially dismissive to rethink their own perspectives and to reconsider the meaning and impact of the play.