The Women’s March left me feeling invigorated and motivated. I raised my fist in solidarity and joined in on the empowering chants. For a moment, I was completely convinced that together — as a collective force demanding peace, justice, and change — we could make a significant impact and challenge the harmful policies of our new president.
But then I scrolled through social media. While I was inspired by the witty and creative protest signs and the diverse crowds standing together, it became glaringly obvious that many white feminists were lacking a fundamental grasp of intersectionality. This gap in understanding poses a real risk to the authenticity of the feminist movement.
Understanding Intersectionality
Let’s take a moment for a quick history lesson. If we white women cannot get our act together, we’ll have nobody to blame but ourselves when our cries for genuine equality go unheard amidst stagnant policies and cultural stagnation. So, let’s break this down.
What exactly does “intersectionality” mean, and why should it matter? Intersectionality recognizes that feminism isn’t a monolithic movement; it doesn’t solely belong to white, middle-class, cisgender women. Instead, intersectional feminism acknowledges the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression. For instance, a Black woman may face both racism and sexism, while a differently-abled LGBTQ individual might experience sexism, ableism, and racism simultaneously. Unfortunately, mainstream white feminism often overlooks these intricate layers of oppression, focusing solely on gender inequality.
In her insightful essay, “This Is What I Mean When I Say ‘White Feminism,’” writer Mia Thompson elaborates: “White feminism is a belief system that allows for the exclusion of issues uniquely affecting women of color. It’s a one-size-fits-all approach, where middle-class white women become the standard that others are expected to fit into. This approach describes a style of feminism rather than condemning every individual white feminist.”
The Need for True Revolution
Let’s be clear: a true revolution cannot exist without intersectionality.
Racism and prejudice permeate our society, and just because our whiteness shields us from experiencing marginalization like people of color and LGBTQ individuals, it doesn’t mean that these issues aren’t real or pressing. It indicates that we white individuals need to take a step back and closely examine the multifaceted ways that others endure oppression in their everyday lives.
It’s crucial for us to confront what genuine equality looks like. Revolutions are not meant to be comfortable, and we cannot simply cozy up to this challenge.
White women do not have the authority to dictate how people of color or LGBTQ individuals should envision the revolution. When prominent white figures like Sarah Johnson make dismissive remarks about the feminism of artists like Cardi B or when Claire Smith suggests that someone else should defend her actions on her behalf, we encounter some serious issues. The fact that many individuals view discussions about race as “divisive” to the women’s rights movement underscores the urgent need for more conversations about intersectionality.
Amplifying Voices
The movement can’t be led solely by white women; it’s essential to amplify the voices of women of color within feminism. Take inspiration from Laila Grace, who adeptly highlights the shortcomings of the feminist movement, often making white women uncomfortable (which is a good thing, as discomfort can spur growth). After the march, she pointed out how the absence of arrests during the event was no coincidence: “The march was predominantly attended by white women, and when the world chooses to protect women, it tends to be white women. If the crowd had been primarily women of color, the police response would have been very different, as seen in past protests.”
To genuinely understand and apply intersectionality, we must educate ourselves by amplifying the voices of women of color. Dive into the works of Laila Grace and listen to her insights. Explore the writings of Bell Hooks and absorb her empowering speeches. Check out the remarkable Franchesca Ramsey, who uses humor to illustrate the realities of intersectionality. And don’t forget to read Kimberlé Crenshaw, who coined the term “intersectional feminism” back in 1989. Keep learning, keep exploring, and most importantly, never dismiss or invalidate the experiences of those who are non-white, non-hetero, or differently-abled.
Conclusion
Embracing and understanding non-white experiences is essential for creating real change for all women in America. So, let’s get on board with this movement ASAP!
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In summary, understanding and applying intersectionality is crucial for the success of the feminist movement. White feminists must listen to and uplift the voices of women of color to create a truly inclusive revolution.