What I found was a protest against England's new rape policies-- that people, when they report rape, are asked what they were wearing or how they were behaving, etc. and the rape is scaled from there. There are different kinds of rape, some laying at least partial blame on the victim.
Illegal aliens cannot report rape for fear of being deported. Sex workers cannot report being raped. GLBTQ rape is not taken as seriously as it should be. Women are sometimes informed that their clothing or behavior "asked for it."
So, these protestors took a special stance in their fighting. Their motto:
"Sluts say yes."
So, basically, even if they are dressed like a slut, are behaving like a slut, and pretty much are a slut, they still have the right to say, "No," and it's rape if they don't say, "Yes."
Bring on the lingerie, negligée, and scanty clothing. The protestors made a point of saying what they were wearing had no bearing on what constituted as rape.
They had chants:
Whatever we wear
Wherever we go
Yes means yes and
No means no
They even changed the lyrics to the popular song "These Boots Were Made for Walking:"
These sluts were made for walking
and that's just what we'll do
One of these days these sluts are gonna walk all over you.
At one point I considered joining the forces a little bit, but I recalled that, on the off chance I were to get arrested, I'd signed something acknowledging that in the event of any rebellion/illegal activity my UNC transcripts would be burned and no one would be there to bail me out. So I videotaped them, instead.
On Sunday, June 12, I attended Hillsong London.
When I got off the tube at Tottenham station, I walked in the wrong direction for about 10 minutes. In the rain.
Thankfully, I saw random man with a Hillsong nametag pass me on the street. So, of course, I stopped him and asked him where the theater was.
(That's right--Hillsong London is not in a church, but in a theater, which explains why I walked right past it. I thought the theater was just being used for the musical "We Will Rock You," not worship.)
This guy was named Steve, and Steve was awesome. He led me right to the front of the theater and introduced me to the young adult peoples, whom I sat with. One of them was named Chloe, and she's awesome as well, and I'm attending Chapel night with her and a group of people on Friday.
The worship was okay. I knew a couple of the songs and everyone was very enthusiastic.
I guess it's becoming clearer that I really am from the bible belt, because it didn't quite feel like 'church.' There wasn't really a sense of family or connection, but I suppose that's why they have 'connect groups' every week. Chloe is setting me up with one near to me (well, near to me right now) so I'll report back once I've attended.
The pastor wasn't my favorite speaker, or personality, but I did learn from what he taught. At the end of it, that's what matters.
So, that was the weekend. I've been horribly remiss about this blog the past four days, but all shall be remedied! I'm doing well and the sun is shining.
-B
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