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A slutty history

Marilyn Monroe, That Slut! (And a Hell of a Genius)


They called her a slut like it erased everything else. Like it explained her success. Like it justified the cruelty.


What they never wanted to talk about was how intelligent Marilyn Monroe actually was.


Behind the blonde bombshell was a woman who read constantly—literature, poetry, philosophy. She studied acting seriously under Lee Strasberg, not for publicity, but because she wanted depth, craft, and control. She formed her own production company in 1955—almost unheard of for a woman, let alone one sold as eye candy—so she could escape dumb-blonde roles and negotiate better pay. That wasn’t luck. That was strategy.


When her nude photos surfaced, she didn’t panic. She didn’t deny. She told the truth calmly and directly. She understood media psychology before people had words for it. By refusing shame, she collapsed the scandal. That takes intelligence. Emotional, social, and tactical.


Hollywood mocked her as stupid because it was safer than admitting the truth:

She was smarter than the system exploiting her.


And that’s where slut-shaming really kicked in. Not just because she was sexual—but because she was sexual and smart. Ambitious. Self-aware. Refusing to play grateful.


She was punished for wanting more. For needing rest. For struggling publicly. Every flaw became moral failure. Every vulnerability became proof she deserved the abuse. Slut-shaming wasn’t just about sex—it was how they disciplined a woman who wouldn’t stay small.


Marilyn didn’t “try” to own herself.

She did.


She owned her body.

She owned her image.

She owned her mind.


Calling her a slut was never about who she slept with.

It was about silencing a woman who knew exactly what she was worth.


That’s her legacy.

And that’s the fire brands like Innerslut carry forward—

because intelligence, sexuality, and power were never meant to cancel each other out





Look. At some point you started waiting for approval like life is a damn DMV line.

“Is this outfit okay?”

“Should I speak up?”

“Will people judge me if I just… exist?”


Yes. Yes they will.

And honestly? Who cares. Let them choke on the audacity.


People love to obsess over what you’re doing while quietly wishing they had the guts to do it too.

So stop holding back like confidence has a cover charge.



The world wasn’t built by quiet people.



It was built by:


  • The drama queens

  • The misfits

  • The loud laughers

  • The stubborn dreamers

  • The “I’ll figure it out after I start” type gremlins

  • And the unhinged overachievers who said, “watch me.”



Not the polite beige robots who waited their turn.



You don’t need permission. You need momentum.



Wear the outfit.

Ask for the opportunity.

Start the thing.

Post the idea.

Text the risky message you’ll reread later like an idiot.


If you’re gonna embarrass yourself, do it confidently.



Reminder:



You’re not on this planet to be digestible.

You’re here to take up space, make noise, create, destroy, rebuild, love wildly, fail loudly, succeed obnoxiously, and leave dents in the atmosphere.


So here’s your permission slip since your brain seems to need one:


You are allowed to be bold, messy, ambitious, loud, confident, intimidating, brilliant, emotional, playful, and “too much.”

You’re allowed to be everything.


And if someone tries to shrink you?


Smile.


Then grow bigger

The word "slut" has long carried a heavy stigma, often used to shame and control, especially women. Yet, in recent years, a powerful movement has emerged to reclaim this word and transform its meaning. One surprising but effective way this shift is happening is through fashion—specifically, the humble hoodie. This garment, once seen as casual or even rebellious, is now a symbol of empowerment, confidence, and self-expression.


This post explores how hoodies are helping to redefine "slut" from a term of judgment into one of strength and choice. We will look at the history of the word, the cultural shifts around it, and how fashion plays a role in this transformation. Along the way, you’ll find practical examples and insights into how wearing a hoodie can be a statement of empowerment.



The History and Weight of the Word


The term "slut" has been used for centuries to police behavior, especially targeting women’s sexuality. It has been a tool to shame, silence, and control, often with harsh social consequences. The word’s power comes from its ability to label and limit, creating fear around self-expression and freedom.



In recent decades, activists and feminists have challenged this narrative. Movements like SlutWalk, which began in 2011, have worked to reclaim the word by turning it into a badge of defiance against victim-blaming and slut-shaming. The goal is to strip the word of its negative power and replace it with a message of choice and respect.



Hoodies as a Symbol of Comfort and Rebellion


Hoodies have a unique place in fashion history. Originally designed for workers and athletes, they became popular streetwear in the 1970s and 1980s. Over time, hoodies gained associations with youth culture, rebellion, and sometimes unfair stereotypes.



Today, hoodies are everywhere—from high fashion runways to everyday wardrobes. Their versatility and comfort make them a favorite for people of all ages and backgrounds. But beyond comfort, hoodies have become a canvas for personal and political expression.



How Hoodies Help Redefine Empowerment


Wearing a hoodie can be a deliberate choice to challenge stereotypes and reclaim control over one’s image. Here’s how:


  • Comfort as Confidence

Choosing comfort over convention sends a message that you value your own well-being and authenticity. Hoodies allow people to feel secure and grounded, which can boost confidence.


  • Breaking Dress Codes

Hoodies defy traditional expectations of how women should dress to be "respectable." Wearing one boldly rejects the idea that appearance should dictate worth or behavior.


  • Customizable Expression

Hoodies can be personalized with slogans, artwork, or patches that reflect identity, beliefs, or humor. This customization turns a simple garment into a statement piece.


  • Inclusivity and Accessibility

Hoodies are affordable and widely available, making them accessible to many. This inclusivity supports a broad movement of empowerment that isn’t limited by economic status.



Eye-level view of a person wearing a hoodie with bold, empowering text on the back
A person stands confidently wearing a hoodie with empowering text", image-prompt "A confident individual wearing a hoodie with bold text on the back, urban background, eye-level view


Real-Life Examples of Hoodies in Empowerment Movements


Several campaigns and brands have embraced hoodies as a tool for empowerment:


  • SlutWalk Merchandise

SlutWalk events often feature hoodies with slogans that reclaim the word "slut" and promote body autonomy. Wearing these hoodies signals solidarity and resistance to slut-shaming.


  • Artists and Influencers

Many artists use hoodies in their music videos and public appearances to challenge norms and celebrate freedom of expression. This visibility helps normalize the association between hoodies and empowerment.


  • Community Groups

Local organizations focused on gender equality and sexual health distribute hoodies as part of awareness campaigns. These garments become symbols of support and education.



Styling Hoodies to Make a Statement


Wearing a hoodie as a form of empowerment doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Here are some ways to style hoodies that balance comfort and boldness:


  • Pair a cropped hoodie with high-waisted jeans or skirts to mix casual and chic.

  • Layer a hoodie under a blazer or leather jacket for an edgy, confident look.

  • Choose hoodies with strong messages or unique designs to spark conversations.

  • Accessorize with statement jewelry or bold makeup to highlight individuality.



The Broader Impact on Fashion and Society


The rise of hoodies as symbols of empowerment reflects a larger shift in fashion toward inclusivity and self-definition. People are rejecting rigid beauty standards and embracing clothing that supports their identity and values.



This change also challenges the way society views words like "slut." When a garment like a hoodie becomes a tool for reclaiming power, it shows how fashion can influence culture and language. It encourages us to rethink judgments and celebrate freedom of choice.



Moving Forward: What You Can Do


If you want to join this movement, consider these steps:


  • Choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident, regardless of others’ opinions.

  • Support brands and campaigns that promote body positivity and empowerment.

  • Use fashion as a way to express your beliefs and challenge stereotypes.

  • Educate yourself and others about the history and impact of words like "slut" to foster understanding and respect.



Wearing a hoodie is more than a fashion choice. It can be a powerful act of reclaiming identity and rejecting shame. By embracing comfort, style, and bold messages, hoodies help rewrite the story around words that once limited us.



The next time you put on a hoodie, think about the statement you’re making. It’s a chance to stand strong, be yourself, and redefine what empowerment looks like.

 

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