The Women’s March filled me with a sense of empowerment and inspiration. I raised my fist in solidarity and joined in the rallying cry of “What the hell are you talking about?” For a fleeting moment, I believed that together — as a collective voice demanding peace, change, and justice — we could achieve meaningful progress and counteract the detrimental policies proposed by our new president.
However, as I scrolled through social media, the euphoria faded. While I appreciated the clever, humorous, and motivating protest signs and the vast, diverse crowds united in purpose, it became painfully evident that many white feminists were missing a fundamental grasp of intersectionality. This ignorance poses a significant threat to the success of a genuine feminist movement.
Understanding Intersectionality
Let’s take a moment for a brief history lesson. It’s crucial for us, as white women, to engage in self-reflection. If we fail to understand intersectionality, we will have no one to blame but ourselves when our calls for true equality go unanswered. So, let’s break it down.
What does “intersectionality” mean, and why should we care? Intersectionality recognizes that feminism is not a uniform movement; it does not solely represent white, middle-class, cisgender, able-bodied women. Intersectional feminism encompasses the experiences of those who face various forms of oppression. For instance, a Black woman may confront both racism and sexism, while a differently-abled LGBTQ individual might deal with sexism, ableism, and racism simultaneously. Unfortunately, white feminism often overlooks these complexities, focusing exclusively on sexism.
In her essay “This Is What I Mean When I Say ‘White Feminism,’” writer Mia Thompson articulates that white feminism is a belief system that allows for the exclusion of issues that specifically affect women of color. It represents a “one-size-fits-all” approach, where the experiences of middle-class white women become the standard that others must conform to. It’s essential to recognize that this perspective is not an indictment of every individual white feminist, but rather a critique of a prevailing mindset.
The Need for True Revolution
Let’s be clear: without intersectionality, there can be no true revolution. Racism and prejudice pervade society. Just because our whiteness creates a protective bubble does not negate the existence of injustice faced by people of color and LGBTQ individuals — it merely highlights our privilege. We white people must take a step back and examine how individuals from marginalized groups experience oppression in their everyday lives.
To foster genuine equality, white women must learn what it truly looks like. Revolution is not meant to be comfortable; we cannot simply ease into it. White women do not have the authority to dictate how the revolution should unfold for people of color or LGBTQ individuals. When prominent white women, like Sarah Collins, make misguided statements about feminism, they illustrate the problem. When discussions about race are dismissed as “divisive,” it underscores the need for more frequent conversations surrounding intersectionality.
Listening to Diverse Voices
The revolution cannot be led solely by white women. It is imperative to listen to the voices of women of color within the feminist movement. Take inspiration from figures like Lila Carter, who adeptly critiques the shortcomings within feminism and challenges white women to confront uncomfortable truths. After the march, she took to social media to highlight how the lack of intersectionality was glaringly apparent:
“The absence of arrests during the march can be attributed to its predominantly white attendance. In a society that does not always protect women, it tends to prioritize the safety of white women. Had the march featured more people of color, we’d likely have seen a different response from law enforcement.”
To truly grasp intersectionality and apply its principles, we must amplify the voices of women of color. Follow Lila Carter and heed her insights. Explore the works of Bell Hooks and absorb her powerful speeches on feminism. Seek out Franchesca Ramsey and observe how she employs humor to illustrate the nuances of intersectionality. Dive into the writings of Kimberlé Crenshaw, who coined the term “intersectional feminism” in 1989. Keep learning, researching, and engaging with the lived experiences of those who are non-white, non-hetero, or differently-abled.
Conclusion
Genuinely embracing the diverse experiences of women is essential for effecting real change in America. So, it’s time to get on board.
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In summary, the call for intersectionality within feminism is not just a trend; it’s vital for creating a movement that truly represents and uplifts all women. Only through understanding and amplifying diverse experiences can we achieve equitable change.