How do you define "rape culture?"

Well you asked for feedback, so here's mine: I think you're over-thinking this a bit, I'd recommend relaxing and having fun. You sound like you're spending way too much time in college classes and not enough time on the street, and that won't help you to keep the event diverse or preach beyond the choir. In particular I don't think getting all hung up on white guilt makes things more welcoming for people of other races. If they join, great, if not, it doesn't mean you're racist- could be a cultural difference, effects of segregation, economics, etc. Also, I personally know a lot of people who use the word "slut" in a positive sense, as I do, and if you're not comfortable with that that's okay, but policing other people's language has never increased tolerance. The SlutWalk, as I understand it, was designed to address the victim-blaming attitude about rape, bringing rape to the forefront (literally into the streets) and also the use of fear of rape to limit women's freedoms (dress, agency). I don't think there is a "rape culture" and I don't think getting unrealistically hysterical about rape and threatening people's freedom of expression (like being anti-porn, as I've seen some feminists do) of others helps any movement. Rape is horrible and you will never end it- not unlike murder, but you don't say we have a "murder culture", though you could make that argument. The rape culture argument basically lumps together a lot of different things that are bad about how people handle rape- mostly because they fear it. Better to have a small, attainable, realistic goal- inspire people to rethink their assumption that women are responsible for preventing such violence. It's good that you want to stay humble, and listening to people's imput will help- it will also help if you remember that you're not figureheads of a movement- the women who designed the first slutwalk are the figureheads, you guys are doing a great thing organizing a march, please don't fuck it up by getting your heads up your asses. Be bold, be welcoming, and have fun and you'll do fine! Thanks and good luck!

...anyway much love and respect for what you're doing, and all the support in the world! I'll see you there!

Thanks for the thorough clarifying response! Good to be reminded that not all rapists are evil in particular, it's never helpful to think in black-in-whites like that. I see more now where you're coming from, it's good to know the organizers of this event have such a good understanding of all these intricate dynamics involved in a demonstration like this, good on you! Looking forward to it! ((hugs))

Amynomene, we are not organizing around reclamation of the word. And I personally was never planning to wear revealing clothing, and I don't identify as a slut.

I admit being a little confused how the public image of "slutwalk" will play in Peoria, or Garfield Park or Humboldt Park. They may get it at the college coffee shop, elsewhere, not so much. Hope it goes well, anyway.

Amynomene, as far as men coining the word slut, it's a little vague looking into the mists of time, but "Geoffrey Chaucer used the word sluttish (c.1386) to describe a slovenly man; however, later uses appear almost exclusively associated with women." Similar words appear in Dutch, German and Swedish dialects meaning "a dirty woman," indicating a common ancestor in Germanic languages

It is still used in England today to denote a slovenly person or habits.

Anyway, this does not of course minimize actual rape, victim blaming, or the appalling immunity police agents appear to enjoy from accountability in a series of high profile press stories. (tip of the iceberg, anyone?)

I think the point is that the gay community first, then others, appropriated the word with the intent to re-purpose it, much as black Americans have done before, rather successfully.

Finally, from personal experience I observe that it is women who more often use the term pejoratively against other women, reinforcing cultural stereotypes. Reminds me how infibrullation is performed by women upon their own daughters and granddaughters.

Kind of complicates the issue, doesn't it?

Jessica: Yes, I see from the photos all different kinds of "folks" (that's an intentional barb at politicians like Obama who use it to death). Congratulations.

In any case, seeing the participation, even though I thought "slutwalk" was wide open for misunderstanding, maybe irony isn't dead after all! Unlike H.L. Mencken, perhaps I do underestimate the taste of the American public.

But seriously, where to go from here? Is this a one-off? Do you see future activities?

I wish to respond with a friendly disagreement. When I first heard about the "Slutwalks" and the comment that prompted them, I was rather surprised. In all honesty, I felt astonished that anybody could question the comment(which makes perfect sense), especially in such a manner. I am a 18 year old girl in a Chicago suburb, near a busy bike trail well known for partying and creeps wandering and exposing themselves. I would never feel comfortable wearing revealing clothes or walking by myself around that trail. In an ideal world, people could do whatever they wished. But this is not an ideal world, and although things like racism change, human biology is startlingly set in stone. Rapists, especially those disturbed enough or drunk enough to rape, will always exist in a world where men are generally physically stronger than woman. Making a stand against rapists is a noble cause, but once a girl is raped, her world changes. Risking a girl's sanity in pursuit of changing the male race is a lost cause. I feel that the number of rapes would decrease if children, both boys and girls, were educated at an early age about the dignity of women, etc, and men were more closely monitored. But when dealing with people who are often mentally disturbed, ethics becomes a secondary issue to safety. You never know who might be dealing with an undiagnosed illness. Girls throughout time have attracted attention through "slutty", or revealing, clothing. Because men find women's bodies pleasurable, it is much easier for them to take a female more seriously if she is covered. This is not anti-woman. This is biology. Even the best guys have to work hard to avoid an attractive woman with low cleavage. In conclusion, by women feeling the need to express their "sluttiness" openly, or completely do away with the term, they risk consequences that in this world of ours will always exist. As youtube reviewer ADoseofBuckley said so eloquently, "Laws only stop honest people from committing crimes". So please accept my criticism with grace. I feel strongly about this, and I hope you respect, if disagree, with my opinions.