The term *advertiser censored* is historically intended to be offensive, shameful, demeaning and derogatory. And, it's use today by the "over-a-certain-age" group perpetuates historic meaning - the (ostensibly) morally superior (and as some argue, a fear-inflamed position) that refuses to accept, embrace, or even simply tolerate modern women's sexual revolution.
However, the fact of the matter is, the definition of the term *advertiser censored* is rapidly being mutated and diluted by today's young people who use the word to tease each other, or to humorously indicate their own belief in the enjoyment of sex for the pleasure of it.
http://www.slutwalktoronto.com/
Historically, the term *advertiser censored* has carried a predominantly negative connotation. Aimed at those who are sexually promiscuous, be it for work or pleasure, it has primarily been women who have suffered under the burden of this label. And whether dished out as a serious indictment of ones character or merely as a flippant insult, the intent behind the word is always to wound, so were taking it back. *advertiser censored* is being re-appropriated.
We are tired of being oppressed by *advertiser censored*-shaming; of being judged by our sexuality and feeling unsafe as a result. Being in charge of our sexual lives should not mean that we are opening ourselves to an expectation of violence, regardless if we participate in sex for pleasure or work. No one should equate enjoying sex with attracting sexual assault.
We are a movement demanding that our voices be heard. We are here to call foul on our Police Force and demand change. We want Toronto Police Services to take serious steps to regain our trust. We want to feel that we will be respected and protected should we ever need them, but more importantly be certain that those charged with our safety have a true understanding of what it is to be a survivor of sexual assault *advertiser censored* or otherwise.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/*advertiser censored*
"a *advertiser censored* is a person of any gender who has the courage to lead life according to the radical proposition that sex is nice and pleasure is good for you."[10] A *advertiser censored* is a person who has taken control of their sexuality and has sex with whomever they choose, regardless of religious or social pressures or conventions to conform to a straight-laced monogamous lifestyle committed to one partner for life. The term has been "taken back" to express the rejection of the concept that government, society, or religion may judge or control one's personal liberties, and the right to control one's own sexuality.
What I can't fathom is how anyone in this day and age presumes to criticize, judge and then label a woman who chooses to embrace her sexuality differently outside of marriage and very likely with successive sexual partners over the course of her life as being the "wrong" or "irresponsible" or "promiscuous"way to embrace her sexuality? :dunno: Same old, same old intolerant sanctimonious poop, IMO.
How does anyone even support the continued use of that term (and others like it) in a serious conversation about sexual violence? That's not only righteous, its wrong-headed and dangerously misguided.
Per the Slutwalk movement itself, the idea of rejecting the label of "*advertiser censored*" and other similar terms entirely, rejecting the presumption that it is even appropriate to use such labels in this day and age - this is what taking back that word and Slutwalking is all about. It's an in-your-face rejection of the idea that anyone has the right to categorize, ostracize, criticize, and make righteous judgment's about another women's sexual choices.
Much the way gay, lesbian and bi-sexual people have reclaimed their formerly demeaning, but now proud labels, women are respectively reclaiming theirs. :rocker:
I actually have first hand experience with the transition of this particular word in my own life - having raised two girls who are now in college and ...having slapped them upside the head for blurting out this word (and others) in casual conversation in our home with their friends
- much to their complete surprise. And much to my initial chagrin.
In compromise, we've put the word on the "Mom's just old and finds this word offensive, so we will refrain from using it in her presence" shelf. There's plenty of words on that shelf these days, it seems, and I have advised my girls to respect that these words stay locked on that shelf not only for my sake but for their grandparents, and their own - in adult, educational, and professional (meaning older-then-them, in classrooms, at work) company.
In private, my good friends (women my age) will mimic our kids, throw caution to the wind and try out these modern mutations of the vernacular on each other. Most typically after a glass of wine. And when that happens, we are guilty of laughing ourselves slutty over it. :innocent: I mean silly.
As old as I am, it actually feels good to take those insults of old and laugh at them. It's reassuring to realize that in one generation so much progress has been made knocking down those shaming attitudes women used to have to deal with as they explored their own sexuality in their own way. :great:
:cow: