Labels

As we've seen from the multiple readings this semester, it seems that one of the first questions (or assumptions) that others have about a woman reporting a rape is centered around a question of whether she has a boyfriend--whether she is sexually active.  (And it is beyond me why this would be a factor when reporting a rape or sexual assault.) Moreover, what are women labeled as if they are sexually active.

And this got me thinking about labels that are attached to women. Specifically, the label of 'ho' (whore).

Not only does this label have considerable implications for a woman, but if a woman is sleeping with multiple men, the term becomes even more dehumanizing.  That is, society has a negative perspective of women that have sexual relations that are typical of men.  Yet, the social ramifications are worse for women.  Consider why a police officer would ask a woman if she has a boyfriend when reporting a rape.  Would a male be asked the same question if he reported that he was sexually assaulted or raped? Or how does society view a woman that is sexually active versus a male? 

This, in turn, made me think of Mary Wollstonecraft's argument in her book, The Vindication of Women's Rights.  In chapter eight, she makes a stark observation of the way that men are viewed when they sleep with women other than their wives.  In contrast, women that sleep with other men that aren't their husband are viewed poorly.  In fact, they're not suppose to sleep with other men because they are to maintain the appearance of chastity and virtue.

Fast forward to today, and this perspective is still prevalent. 

Women aren't suppose to be sexual beings.  And when she is, she is labeled in a derogatory and dehumanizing manner; a practice that is continued today.  Even more, she is socially reprimanded and shunned when she is engaged in sexual behavior.  Think of the way that a woman is treated when reporting a rape (refer back to question in the beginning).  There seems to be an inquiry into if she is with someone and could be sexually active with her partner.  Again, I ask, what does this have to do with reporting a rape?

And perhaps one reason that feeds into why a woman wouldn't report a rape is connected with being  labeled (besides target, victim, etc) as a 'ho'.  Thus, further suppressing how women express themselves sexually. Wonder where the power resides in that...