In the discourse surrounding feminism, intersectionality plays a vital role that is often overlooked. Coined by civil rights advocate Kimberle Williams Crenshaw in the 1980s, intersectionality examines how overlapping identities—such as race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation—interact within systems of oppression and discrimination.
As a woman of color, I have often hesitated to identify as a feminist. Initially, I attributed this reluctance to the negative societal perceptions of feminism. However, upon further reflection, I realized that the mainstream feminism presented to me felt exclusionary and did not resonate with my experiences. The dominant narrative, primarily articulated by white women, compelled me to scrutinize contemporary feminism and its failure to include voices of women of color, particularly Black women.
The persistent marginalization of women of color within feminist movements is not a new phenomenon. Historical suffragettes primarily fought for the rights of white women, often dismissing the needs and rights of Black men and women. This pattern continued into the second wave of feminism, where Black women were allowed to participate only in a superficial manner. Had true power and inclusivity been granted to women of color, the demand for intersectionality might not be as pressing today.
In the context of modern feminism, the racial divide has become increasingly pronounced. Following the Obama administration, many white women took pride in voting for a Black president, yet their grievances about his candidacy overshadowed their support for women of color. In 2016, as some white women questioned the commitment of women of color to feminism, many Black women rallied behind Hillary Clinton, despite her lack of genuine support for marginalized communities. When women of color express political dissatisfaction in progressive spaces, they are often dismissed as divisive, rather than being heard.
Despite these challenges, Black women have consistently shown up to vote and advocate for justice. We played a critical role in defeating Roy Moore in Alabama and significantly contributed to the electoral support for Clinton. Yet, our contributions are frequently overlooked or appropriated by white women, who often receive the accolades for causes that stem from our struggles.
Take the Women’s March, for instance, originally born from the Million Woman March, an event organized by Black women in response to the Million Man March in 1997. From its onset, the Women’s March seemed to lack a commitment to intersectionality, with a predominantly white leadership that only diversified after public outcry. Even then, women of color felt like outsiders rather than integral participants.
Similarly, the #MeToo movement, founded by Black activist Tarana Burke, faced appropriation by white women, who often overshadowed the original intent of the movement, which was to address the specific challenges faced by Black women. Notably, when Burke was excluded from the Time Magazine cover honoring the movement, it underscored the ongoing exclusion of women of color from mainstream feminist narratives.
The necessity for intersectionality in feminism cannot be overstated: one group of women with a singular perspective cannot adequately represent the diverse experiences of all women. The tendency of white women to claim feminism as their own and dismiss differing viewpoints as divisive only perpetuates exclusion.
When women of color voice their concerns, they should not be met with defensiveness but rather with a willingness to listen and acknowledge their experiences. White women must recognize their privilege and commit to supporting the fight for equality in a way that includes all voices, not just their own.
It is essential to create an inclusive table where every woman has a seat and a voice in the conversation. The goal is not to usurp the experiences of white women but to ensure that all women can pursue the rights and opportunities that are their due as individuals.
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In conclusion, it is crucial for feminism to embrace intersectionality if it wishes to be a truly inclusive and effective movement. The voices of women of color must be integrated into the dialogue to ensure that feminism addresses the diverse experiences and challenges faced by all women.