*L* no worries, I don't think I was wording things in the right way either. :)

I agree that something like SLUT would be questionable as to whether it really were derogatory. Personally, I'm not a fan of the word. I know some adopt it the way lesbians have adopted the word dyke, but I really don't feel the whole slut or ethical slut thing elevates anyone. It's still using a judgmental word and since there is no male equivalent for slut, it still buys into the idea that females should be judged separately for having the same sexual actions. I know some like to wear shirts that say whore or slut to push buttons. But in ordinary context (meaning not a performance or costume) it doesn't in any way garner my respect for them, any more than those who wear shirts that say princess or brat. But as I said, that's my opinion. :)

I do think that one's clothing choices can strike a feminist or political cord. I think it's important to realize the connotations behind the item one is wearing. So for example a "pimp daddy" shirt might seem funny or culturally acceptable I never understood why more people don't recognize that term for what it really is. We've come to use it so casually it's like we've forgotten it means a man who sells women for sexual acts, profitting from their labor so to speak, usually under the threat of violence or coercion of drugs. I mean, is that really what a person wants to say about him/herself?

Ditto for the Playboy bunny logo, or the Porn Star shirts, or camo printed clothing. These are all things with significant cultural meaning that have become so casually slipped into our pop culture. I mean, if those are things you actually want to say about yourself or you're ok with those concepts, then good for you. but I think most people just ignornantly throw them on without paying attention to the significance and image they're conveying.

Clothing can get very psychologically and socially complex. For exampe, the styles of the 50s are friggin gorgeous, but they're also loaded with associations from a time of ugly oppression, prejudice and freakishly stifling gender roles. That doesn't mean a person wearing them necessarily wishes to harken back to that time and those values, but if worn in a certain way or in certain context they can be imbued with those associations. However, I don't feel that clothing that calls attention to the body (such as words printed across a butt or bust) are inherently offensive or derogatory. I think it's partly a context issue and partly a time and place thing.

I'm sure you'll get some more views from others. :) Did your prof say why she/he was offended? That might be a point to respond to.