We sat down with Jordyn Monnin, a passionate senior at Silver Creek High School, to talk about the her anti slut-shaming movement, Abash the Past. Jordyn started Abash the Past as her senior leadership class project to raise awareness around the effects of slut-shaming. It’s a powerful cause and something that will help open a healthier conversation in our community!
We loved meeting with Jordyn because we love how she is taking ownership of an issue that is so relevant to young people. We asked her to share with us her inspiration and the role educators, parents, and students can take so slut-shaming ends.
Thanks for the incredible work you are doing Jordyn!
Cultures of Dignity: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you started Abash the Past
CoD: What do you hope to see happen with this project?
JM: My goal with this project is to spread awareness about slut-shaming by educating high school students about the effects of slut-shaming and how to stop it from happening at school.
CoD: Where do you find inspiration?
JM: I’m a fan of Brave New Voices which is a stand up poetry slam competition. Every time I hear people stand up and speak about something they care about I get the chills and one day I hope I too can give someone else the chills that make you want to become an impactful person to the world.
CoD: What advice can you give to someone who wants to start an organization or get behind a cause they truly care about?
JM: Don’t hold back! If you start to feel inspired or passionate about something no matter the topic, join a cause, get your friends together for coffee and talk about certain issues, or try to start something at your school. Just talking to people will make a difference because it makes that person think about the topic. So don’t hold back! You can change something for the better if you just go for it!
CoD: How can students, educators, and parents help?
JM: For all students, make an effort to not shame other peers. Also, open up the conversation to your friends and talk about ways to stand up to someone who you see in the hall is slut-shaming.
Educators have a big impact on growing teens. Making it known that slut-shaming is unacceptable near you will let teens know you created a safe environment for them to go to for help. It is then your responsibility as the educator to know who to direct them to if they need professional help.
As sad as it may sound, a majority of victims first get attacked by their parents. Even if your daughter walks down the stairs in a “slutty” outfit, refrain yourself from calling her a slut by simply asking her to look more presentable for school. When your son wants to join the dance team, show him representations of strong, smart, male dancers so he’s never feeling like a “pussy” or “weak.”
