Slut.
This word has been and is still used to tear women down. It is
thrown across the internet at the girl gamer for speaking out against sexism.
And at the Youtuber who keeps her videos clean and tasteful. Boys call women in
bars who reject them sluts. Boys call the women who do eventually have sex with
them sluts. Girls call each other sluts because she develops faster than the
others. Or because they prefer the company of boys. Or are liked more the
others by boys, especially if they have done nothing special to receive the
attention.
What is a slut? It used to mean a dirty, sloven man, as defined
by Geoffrey Chaucer (c 1386). The term then broadened to women. Eventually
becoming more identified with women. William Shakespeare used slut in place of
bitch when discussing a female dog. But in 1450, the word slut was widely used
to describe sexually promiscuous women. It was akin to calling a man a rake.
The word rake has come up in the world, now being a tool in which people gather
leaves or create designs in zen gardens.
Sisterhood Legion of Universal Tranquility
When I decided to create a group of female heroes, I agonized
over what to call them. I wanted a name that would be recognized. Something
would stand out from the other female teams that have been put together.
What if I call them SLUT? But it would need to have meaning.
Not solely to shock or standout. So I had to really think what do I want from
these women. To show a bond between women. To show female strength. To show
women who can work together without always being at each other's throats. To
show women who can love each enough to be blunt. To show that women can play
with the "big boys" and even keep a few on the side just for fun.
This series will hopefully be fun to read. I plan to
incorporate humor where appropriate (and sometimes where it isn't) lots of
action and smart characters. Enjoy! And welcome to S.L.U.T.
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