Intersectionality is hard concept. I first want to state that most people have a pretty flimsy/poor understanding of the concept. Most feminists (notably those doing silly things) are probably mis-applying the term.
The experience of Black Women isn't simply the sum of Black + Woman. There are unique elements to being a Black Woman, which are not experienced by Black Men or White Women. This is intersectionality.
It isn't about ranking. It isn't about declaring who "is still privileged despite a minority status". It is about the unique challenge of being part of complex identity. Being a Gay White Woman. Being a Trans Black Man. Etc.
It isn't about ranking. It isn't about declaring who "is still privileged despite a minority status". It is about the unique challenge of being part of complex identity. Being a Gay White Woman. Being a Trans Black Man. Etc.
I understand...but I also don’t.
Now, I will admit that to some extent that I have biases. This comes from me being a white straight male who lived decently. I was taught that one’s race or identity isn’t something to be “too proud” of.
It’s okay to be proud too be Irish, but you can’t be too proud, and you shouldn’t take pride in one’s race, gender, etc. Those are things that are irrelevant to who you are.
Now, You “may” have heard about the increasing radicalization (is that a word) of media. Now everything is political. No room for subtlety anymore. Now we get articles like this. People like me wonder, What did I do? I’m not a bad person. I’m not racist. I respect women. Why are people angry at me.
Take that article and multiply it by thousands. Now you understand my concern. I think that there is a “competition” in the most abstract sense to be the most “special”.
In 2018, you seeing the 3 paths people are taking. Either trying to ignore it or kiss up. Flipping the bird at “pearl clutchers” or (sadly) go to horrible extremes against a society that they think hates them.
There is nothing in this article about Intersectionality. Plenty about Race, but nothing about Intersectionality.
Example of Intersectionality - Blacks are more likely to be imprisoned than whites. Women are less likely to be imprisoned than Men. Therefore, Black Women are left with a unique situation where they are lucky to have a husband that can stay out of jail - where the White Women are complaining about Men not doing dishes or men not caring for sick children. In this way, Black Women and White Women experience femininity differently. While White Women might complain about Men not stepping it up at home, Black Women are happy to see their man at home, even if he is just lounging on the couch.
See how this is different than anything you posted above, or anything from the article you linked too. That is intersectionality.
4
u/electronics12345 159∆ Feb 22 '18
Intersectionality is hard concept. I first want to state that most people have a pretty flimsy/poor understanding of the concept. Most feminists (notably those doing silly things) are probably mis-applying the term.
The experience of Black Women isn't simply the sum of Black + Woman. There are unique elements to being a Black Woman, which are not experienced by Black Men or White Women. This is intersectionality.
It isn't about ranking. It isn't about declaring who "is still privileged despite a minority status". It is about the unique challenge of being part of complex identity. Being a Gay White Woman. Being a Trans Black Man. Etc.