Slut-shaming is a contemporary term for what Jessica Ringrose described in her book as a way in which people or society may ‘explore the dynamic of sexual regulation where a girl’s reputation can be invoked and scrutinised to discipline her through codes of sexual conduct’
In the most recent episode 'Naked' we really saw the depths of slut shaming in Glee when Rachel was offered a role in a student film, but had to appear topless in a scene.
Rachel seemed perfectly fine with it in theory, but before she could even give it much thought she was being judged by her room mate and had friends coming in from out of town to dictate what she should do with her body. The regulation of the human body is something the owner of that body should be in charge with however multiple people feel that they have the right and privilege to tell Rachel what she should do with her body. This further perpetuates the idea that our bodies are shameful and that exposing them is wrong and we should be shamed for it. This shames those who have appeared naked and prevents others from feeling comfortable with their bodies. This isn't something simply directed at Rachel: Sam and Brody are both judged by surrounding characters for essentially being sex workers. Sex workers are a group who already get shamed enough and without reason.
Rachel is constantly patrolled by her so called "friends" who tell her what to wear, what to do with her body, how people will perceive her. She is being robbed of the freedom to make her own choices because her own views are being to heavily influenced by those around her.
Here are some educational videos on slut-shaming from YouTube educator and personality, Laci Green
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