Gendered Sexualites: “You are such a Slut”

Due Date: M/W class on 10/20 and Th Night class10/24

In your second research assignment you will investigate the sexual politics of the word “slut.” Words such as “slut” and “fag” are often used to put boundaries around the behavior of young men and women. In the paper “Slut! Insult of Insults,” Tanebaum argues that the word “slut” is commonly used in our culture as a way to “damage a woman’s credibility.” For this assignment you are going to ask several people about their views on the use of the word “slut.”

Step 1:Find three people to interview. Try to pick three people as different as possible – age, gender, sexuality, parental status (are they parents), religion, etc.

  1. Tell them you want to have a conversation with them about sexuality, but you will not be asking them about their sexuality, just their views on it. In addition, tell them that their answers will be kept confidential and you will not be identifying them by name in your notes.
  1. Ask them questions that address the following issues and be sue to take DETAILED notes:
  2. Have do they define a slut? In other words, how would they know one when they saw one? Ask them about: what they wear, sexual activity, etc. Get them to explain in detail.
  3. Have they ever called someone a slut? Ask them to describe in detail a specific time that they called someone a slut and why they did.
  4. Have they ever been called a slut themselves? If not, why? If so, why and under what circumstances? How did they feel?
  5. How would they respond if someone close to them (child, parent, best friend, romantic partner, and/or sibling) was called a slut? Would you think about them differently? If so, how and why?
  6. Finally, ask them if they think that the fear of being labeled a “slut” has an impact on the way young women dress and make sexual decisions? Why? Get them to explain in detail.
  1. Write down all the questions that you asked the people you interview and detailed notes on the answers that they gave. You need to attach each set of interview notes (there will be three total) with the following information on each set:

  1. Age
  2. Gender
  3. Sexuality
  4. Occupation
  5. Parental Status
  6. Relationship to the interviewer

Step 2: Write a 2-3 page paper making an argument, based on your research, about how the word “slut” is used in our culture today. Use examples from your research to support your argument. In your conclusion make an argument for whether you think individuals should refrain from using the word “slut.”

Your paper should be:

  • typed in 12pt font; double-spaced; and formatted with 1” margins on each side;
  • your full name needs to appear at the top of each page;
  • include page numbers and be stapled;
  • Your typed interview notes must be attaches.

Your grade will be based on:

  1. Paper(80 points):
  • Clarity and creativity of you argument
  • Your interviewsand how you analyzed them

2. Participation in class discussion (20 points):

  • Presentation of your argument