On Saturday October 1st, thousands of people will hit the streets for SlutWalk NYC to rally against assault and rape, bringing awareness to a sensitive and often shame-inducing issue (one that has been on the rise in NYC over the past few weeks).The march begins at noon on Saturday in Union Square and is expected to be one of the largest in the SlutWalk movement.
Named for an offensive comment made by an officer in Toronto —“Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized”—the focus of the walk is to shift the blame away from the women, and rid the world of that antiquated notion that rape is partially the female’s fault. All are invited to attend in whatever attire they so choose.
SlutWalk NYC’s website urges participants to arrive at Union square at 11 a.m. for sign making. In previous Slutwalks, like the one in Toronto last April, homemade signs read “Because We’ve had enough,” “Awesome Slut,” and even more heartbreakingly “Xmas 1985. 14 years old. Bundled in layers. Was it my fault too?” There are a number of events planned throughout the day including performances, a rally, and a panel featuring activists like Jamia Wilson, Kenyon Farrow and Nancy Schwartzmann.
