On August 6, Michael and Linda joined Aishah Shahidah Simmons at the Philadelphia Slutwalk march and rally. "Slutwalk" is the name taken by a movement that began in Toronto, Canada, in April 2011, sparked by comments made by a Toronto constable in a crime prevention class that "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized." In response, a group of women organized the protest to challenge the notion that women's dress or behavior is the "cause" of sexual assault -- a victim-blaming mentality which the constable's comments demonstrate stubbornly persists today.
While many women who participated have struggled with the notion of marching under a banner that elevates a weighted word like "slut", the Slutwalk phenomenon gained supporters around the world, with walks occuring in cities from Kuala Lumpur, Rio, Mexico City, London, and Delhi.
In advance of the Philadelphia Slutwalk, Aishah participated in a discussion on the National Public Radio show Radio Times, which can be heard online: 'Slut Walk': Feminists Fight Back Against Rape.
Aishah gave a rousing speech at the rally after the march, which can be read in its entirety on Aishah's Tumblr page: No One Is Free While Others Are Oppressed ~ August 6, 2011 SlutWalk Philadelphia Speech.
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