Expert States Eccentric SSS Dept T-shirts Constitute Verbal Sexual Violence

The brand SSS Department is currently under scrutiny for producing several t-shirts featuring sexually charged text. One design, for instance, includes the phrase, “Can we just skip the flirting? Let’s go straight to [vulgarity].”

Professor Alimatul Qibtiyah, a Professor of Gender Studies at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, assesses that the use of such narratives falls into the category of sexual violence in verbal form. This is because vulgar narratives relating to reproductive organs can make women feel uncomfortable.

“When I read it, it feels unethical, especially since such clothing will be worn in public spaces. Discussing vulgar matters and reproductive organs can make women feel uncomfortable. Therefore, in my view, this constitutes sexual violence in verbal form,” Prof Almatul stated when contacted by Republika on Friday (4/9/2026).

She also rejected the notion that such words are merely a form of artistic expression or humour. Prof Alimatul emphasised that using narratives that demean or exploit women in a commercial product cannot be justified under the guise of art or humour.

“This is no longer about artistic expression or humour. The case is similar to verbal sexual violence that frequently occurs in group chats or social gatherings. Do not use jokes as a defence, as that will create a pattern of evading the resulting social responsibility,” said Prof Alimatul.

She further highlighted several inscriptions on SSS Department products which she believes are excessively vulgar as they point towards sexual issues or activities. She assessed that this could serve as a form of symbolic harassment, as messages with harassing nuances are disseminated in the public sphere.

“Some of the writings on the products are indeed too vulgar in my opinion, as they lead towards sexual issues or activities. This could potentially be a form of symbolic harassment,” she said.

When such t-shirts are worn in public, Prof Alimatul noted that women or even children cannot refuse exposure to them. Consequently, this can have psychological impacts, including reducing the sense of safety in public spaces. Women encountering t-shirts with sensual messages in public may feel intimidated, anxious, or threatened.

“The psychological impact is a reduction in the sense of security. For instance, if we are sitting near someone wearing such a shirt, one might think, ‘What if the thoughts written on that shirt are also directed at me?’” said Prof Alimatul.

Another impact is the emergence of excessive self-surveillance. Women may choose to maintain distance or be more cautious when near individuals wearing clothing with sexual narratives.

Prof Alimatul also warned of the possibility that such messages could act as a trigger for women who have previously experienced sexual violence. “As mentioned, it could trigger their experiences as victims of sexual violence, for example, through those specific words,” she concluded.