The Moral Maze tonight will be discussing Slutwalk and the sexualisation of children

[HerBeX]

Like there's some fucking connection - I can really guess which way the right wing commentators are going to go on this one, but will be listening and complaining about any unchallenged rape myths being promoted.

Radio 4 8PM

Off to work now.

Might try to catch this on iplayer. On the other hand, I suspect it will just wind me up so maybe I should give it a miss. I find some of the commentators on moral maze just unbearable.

Its on tonight 18 May 2011 at 8 pm. Moral Maze.

Here is an extract from the BBC RADIO 4 website describing the programme and the moral issue at hand. There was an article in The Times (paywalled) a few days ago discussing the same issue so it may have been inspired by that.

"As the protestors organising the London march put the finishing touches to their chants - "Come out on the streets - Show some skin - We are all sluts - Win, win, win!" - is one of the current favourites, it's hard to avoid the irony of the fact that a government review in to the sexualisation of children is about to be published. Should we welcome this very fleshy public protest, or does it just feed our already highly sexualised society? Is this an act of radical feminism, or does it just pander to male stereotypes that have also given us padded bras for 7 year olds with matching "Future Porn Star" tee-shirts?

Is our attitude to sexuality at best confused or actually hypocritical? On the one hand wanting to have it all, on our own terms and at the same time wringing our hands over the effect that such an open and brazen attitude to sex has on our children."

I think it is a fair point to discuss and am not assure re-appropriating the word 'slut' is very empowering for women either. It is a a term that is overwhelmingly used to abuse and denigrate women.

I agree though that what women choose to wear is never the reason men rape.

Oh, good. I'll listen tonight then.

Why are they mixing up 2 completely different issues?

Whatever you think of Slutwalk, it's not to blame for children being sexualised. Let's have a debate on who or what really is to blame for that. Or they could have a debate - in the light of the Slutwalk phenomenon - about what is the best way to deal with rape & sexual harrassment.

This format sounds like a recipe for confusion (and of course another opportunity to blame feminism for society's problems around sex)

The Moral Maze format is usually very effective, linking various strands of similar arguments in order to produce intelligent debate. You'll find you get two witnesses arguing 'pro', quizzed by Moral Maze panelists deliberately taking the opposite stance. Then the position is reversed where the witnesses argue the 'anti' and the panelists go 'pro'. There will be opinons expressed that some will find offensive - that's kind of what the programme is about. If there are any 'rape myths' they will be challenged... from whatever perspective they are claimed. No need to hover over the telephone.

Cogito: hmmm, not entirely convinced. Claire Fox (ex-Marxist libertarian) is often on, also Melanie Phillips (arch-Zionist reactionary). So yes, they on't agree with each other, but I don't agree with either of them and don't think they add to clarity or understanding of the subject under discussion.

There's nothing wrong with the format of the show but you also need to ask the right questions & I don't think they are

The original policeman was just justified by what they said on Hill St Blues 'be careful out there'. They also said 'lets do it to them before they do it to us'. Which one do we prefer?

Sorry, previous post was virtually incoherent.

Paedophilia isn't caused by clothing

Claire Fox just said 'rape & sexual assault are rare'. 25%? Rare? Ha!

I thought there were some interesting arguments. I like the exploration of the continuum between porn, sexual aggression and overt sexuality in public.... has that created a problem? And I think the 'take care of yourself' message is such an important one for young people (men and women alike). Whether that's not getting so drunk that you can't control what's happening, or not taking an unlicensed minicab at the end of the evening, or just not being isolated from your mates and make yourself vulnerable that way... and the clothes you choose and the image you present are just part and parcel of the rest of your decisions. Men and women equally.