Stop Slut-Shaming Pam Anderson, and Listen to Her Instead

Recently, Pamela Anderson spoke out openly against pornography. In an op-ed, she implicated pornography addiction in Anthony Weiner’s most recent sexting scandal. Whenever pornography addiction is discussed, there will always be an intense debate. There is no clear evidence that porn should be blamed as the cause for Anthony Weiner’s demise. However, women shouldn’t be implicated, shamed, or judged for holding opinions about sex either. 

The op-ed that was co-written by Anderson has some issues to argue against. For example, the rabbi who co-authored this article has a history of advocating against masturbation in marriage. Thus, it’s worth discussing and debating these issues around healthy sexuality. However, this isn’t the tone that has taken center stage after this article was written.

In the past week, Pam’s history in the public eye has taken center stage. This passive and blatant shaming is representative of the treatment of all women, especially when they hold opinions about sexuality. Since Anderson’s “take the pledge against porn” article came out, I have seen her intelligence insulted, her sex tape history ridiculed, and her hepatitis diagnosis used as a talking point. All of this has been used as if to say to her that she should know her place. As a woman, she should have to sit in a space that she didn’t create. 

Pam Anderson has a look that aligns itself with sex appeal. Light blonde hair, breast implants, etc. Arguably, this helped her become successful in Hollywood. But she didn’t create that. She simply played by the rules to make it in the industry. Does this really mean that she should never be listened to if she wants to talk about sex? Women don’t lose their right to say how they feel about a topic, because they have expressed themselves in the past.

We all know that Pam isn’t a sexuality expert. She could be wrong about the science of porn, and the impact that it has on families. She might be mistakenly aligning herself with a view that is largely flawed, but this only partly matters. As a woman, she is speaking out about her personal opinion on sexuality. And yes, even after she was “sex icon,” as she is so often characterized, she still holds this opinion. 

Her opinions are a symbol here, and a symbol we should be advocating for, not against. It’s not shameful to be a woman who comes out and opens up about her diagnosis of hepatitis. Pam Anderson also came out to the public as a rape and molestation survivor in the past. This all takes bravery. 

Before people label her as a hypocrite, it’s also important to remember how the infamous “sex tape” that she “starred” in was released. In many ways, she was a victim in this situation as well. Could this shape her views on the porn industry? It’s possible. Either way, when private sex lives are broadcasted in the way that hers was, she was a victim.

This caste system isn’t only laid out by conservatives. As a progressive myself, I’ve seen it play out by my progressive peers. It might not look the same, but it feels similar. When it comes to our treatment of women, we all need to look in the mirror, because we’re all guilty of it. Whether we’re joking about Hillary’s yelling voice, excited to watch a roast of Ann Colter, or ready to watch one more movie with a woman being abducted, brutalized, or objectified, we have to admit to ourselves, women aren’t viewed the same as men. In fact, it’s not even close. I’m not saying that we can’t joke, or be entertained. I’m saying that we need to listen to each other, and especially do a better job of listening to women.

As far as the health and efficacy of porn, we have a ways to go to learn about the effects of it. We need to learn more about the problems that are associated with it. Regardless, Pam Anderson has a right to her point-of-view, and I for one am willing to let her have her perspective. Not despite her being a ‘90s “sex symbol,” but because of it.