GRSJ224/strideofpride

Introduction

There is a lot of stigma around one night stands, especially for women, as shown in the commonly used term “walk of shame” as Janice Irvin defines as “the term for women walking home in the early morning from a “hookup,” or casual sex, the night before”. Specifically amongst millennials, a clear image is associated with this term: ruffled hair, smudged makeup, and last night’s outfit on with heels in hand. The girl typically which comes to mind is a middle-upper class white woman, as she is most prominently exposed in this scene and most accepted in that culture. Hookup culture is especially prevalent on university campuses, but is the term “walk of shame” outdated? While not a commonly used term, women have joked saying “walk of shame? More like stride of pride!” This reflects the transition from shame in hookup culture and women’s sexuality to empowerment. There is a lot more stigma towards women’s sexuality and shaming from both men and fellow women. While of course this double standard has not vanished from society all together, this feminist movement of embracing female sexuality has leveled the playing field, as shown through trends in movies, music, and the messages of strong female influencers and role models.

Slut Shaming --> Rape Culture

Slut shaming is not a stand-alone issue as the hyper sexualization of women portrayed with acts like the walk of shame contribute to notions behind rape culture. For example, victim blaming and the casual attitude of these nights which typically involve alcohol can be used as in excuse through expressions of “it was a grey area”. Because not only is the “walk of shame” portraying female sexuality in a negative light, it furthers the slut shaming and rape culture experienced today. The walk of shame is typically associated with women and can receive criticism for having low moral standards or for doing such just to please a man. However, a point overlooked by many is the idea that casual sex can be a mutually beneficial and enjoyed, as noted by Chelsey Vest.

Slut Shaming (amongst women) and Class Privilege

Noted by Elizabeth Armstrong, women typically view slut shaming and discussions on promiscuity as purely based on gender and sexuality, but that is a perception “without class” which is a false notion.

Class differences are largely represented as sexual differences; what is acceptable and could determine whether one is classified as a “slut” is largely influenced by their economic status. In this way, slut shaming is used as a method to negotiate and reaffirm class boundaries. Hookups in a low economic status are viewed as “trashy” from the perspective of the upper class. Casual sex becomes a privilege through this lens as one needs to have the time, money, and knowledge to be a participant in this scene in a “classy” way. To be able to participate it is also riskier and have to be able to afford it (Ie. abortion, birth control, plan B).

Slut Shaming (amongst women) and White Privilege

Because the higher the social status, the more leniency with slut shaming, white privilege is in play. Casual sex, especially in the states, on college campuses is predominantly within the Greek community, which is primarily white. Notions such as “girl next door” found in that setting are racialized and result in a domantly white group. Therefore, the “walk of shame” refers predominantly white women belonging to that of a middle to higher class.

Stride of Pride in the Media

Not only has scholarly research shown an interest in casual sex, but popular media has as well. The representation of positive, casual sex for women which creates an empowering image of female sexuality is becoming more common, as seen with movie such as “Friends with Benefits” (2011). Women of high influence are also showing the empowerment in their sexuality rather than shame. For example, Amy Schumer and her infamous sexual humor about her own encounters. Many female pop artists recently have takin their casual sex into their own hands and portray it in an empowering, yet safe way. For example, Meghan Trainor’s “Walk of Shame” has the lyrics, “Don’t even try to act like you ain’t done the same yourself. And if you’re gonna do the walk, do it like a boss. A boss, that’s right”.

Sources Armstrong, Elizabeth A., et al. ""Good Girls": Gender, Social Class, and Slut Discourse on Campus." Social Psychology Quarterly, vol. 77, no. 2, 2014, pp. 100-122.

England, P., and J. Bearak. "The Sexual Double Standard and Gender Differences in Attitudes Toward Casual Sex among US University Students." Demographic Research, vol. 30, 2014, pp. 1327-1338.

Fahs, Breanne, and Adrielle Munger. "Friends with Benefits? Gendered Performances in Women's Casual Sexual Relationships." Personal Relationships, vol. 22, no. 2, 2015, pp. 188-203.

Foy, Jennifer. "Fooling Around: Female Stand‐Ups and Sexual Joking." The Journal of Popular Culture, vol. 48, no. 4, 2015, pp. 703-713.

Irvine, Janice M. "Mapping the Walk of Shame: Incorporating Emotions into Concepts and Methods." Social Currents, vol. 3, no. 3, 2016, pp. 207-216.

Papp, Leanna J., et al. "Exploring Perceptions of Slut-Shaming on Facebook: Evidence for a Reverse Sexual Double Standard." Gender Issues, vol. 32, no. 1, 2015, pp. 57-76.

Trainor, Meghan “Walk of Shame” (2012)