In the landscape of feminism today, the concept of intersectionality is essential, yet it often remains overlooked. Coined by Black civil rights advocate Kimara Johnson in the 1980s, intersectionality explores how various identities—such as race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation—interact within the frameworks of oppression and discrimination.
As a woman of color, I have always felt hesitant to identify as a feminist. Initially, I attributed this discomfort to the negative societal perceptions surrounding the term. However, upon reflection, I recognized that my hesitance stemmed from the realization that mainstream feminism often felt alienating. The narratives being presented were predominantly white, leading me to question why women of color, especially Black women like myself, were continuously marginalized in these discussions.
Amidst the dominant white feminist narrative, women of color, queer women, and those whose identities fall outside the mainstream are growing weary of their exclusion. In a world where those deemed “other” are rapidly becoming the majority, it is imperative that we amplify these voices within the feminist movement.
The historical exclusion of women of color within feminism is not a new phenomenon. Early suffragettes, advocating for women’s voting rights, prioritized the interests of white women while sidelining Black men and entirely omitting Black women from the conversation. During the second wave of feminism, which emerged post-Civil Rights Movement, white women allowed Black women to participate, but often in superficial ways that lacked genuine empowerment.
As feminism gained traction in contemporary discourse, the racial divide became increasingly stark. In the wake of the Obama presidency, some white women felt a sense of achievement for voting for a Black man, yet many revealed underlying resentment when he defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2008 primaries. Fast forward to 2016, and white women were quick to question women of color’s dedication to feminism for not overwhelmingly supporting Clinton, despite her history of not being a true ally to marginalized communities. When women of color expressed feeling politically neglected, they were met with accusations of divisiveness, rather than understanding.
Despite these challenges, Black women showed up in significant numbers to support Clinton, contrasting sharply with the 45% of college-educated white women who backed Trump. Furthermore, it was Black women who played a crucial role in defeating Roy Moore in Alabama, showcasing their commitment to social justice beyond their own interests.
Time and again, the efforts of women of color are co-opted by white women, who often receive recognition for accomplishments that were built on the struggles of those they exclude. Take, for instance, the Women’s March, originally inspired by the Million Woman March led by Black women in response to the Million Man March in 1997. From the outset, the Women’s March board was largely white and only diversified following public criticism. Even so, many women of color still felt marginalized, and while there were uplifting speeches from women of color, they were lost in a sea of pink hats.
Similarly, the #MeToo movement, which was founded by Tarina Brooks as a means of healing for Black women affected by sexual assault, has seen its narrative dominated by white women. Despite the movement’s origins, discussions often overlook the experiences of women of color, as evidenced by the minimal representation of their stories in high-profile cases like those involving Harvey Weinstein. For instance, Lena Dunham, a prominent voice in the feminist space, defended an accused perpetrator rather than supporting the accuser, highlighting a troubling pattern of exclusion.
The lack of representation extends even to moments of recognition. When the Time magazine cover featured leading figures from the #MeToo movement, Tarina Brooks was absent despite being the one who started it all. Yes, she was invited to attend significant events, but the underlying message of her exclusion was clear.
This is why intersectionality is vital in feminist discourse: a monolithic perspective cannot encompass the diverse experiences of all women. Historically, white women have claimed feminism as their own, often dismissing other viewpoints as divisive. However, when women of color attempt to share their narratives, they are frequently silenced and labeled as troublemakers.
The question remains: Why are women of color often seen as a problem when they bring up their struggles? Instead of dismissing uncomfortable conversations, white women should take a step back and listen. If a friend from a different background raises a concern, it’s crucial to acknowledge and validate their feelings, rather than offering mere sympathy. The call is for recognition of privilege and a collective effort to ensure that all women’s voices are heard.
We aren’t striving to appropriate the lifestyles of white America; rather, we seek the opportunities that we have been led to believe are our rightful inheritance as citizens. For more insights on this topic, you can read further on this excellent resource about pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Intersectionality is a critical aspect of feminism that has often been sidelined, particularly for women of color. Historical exclusions persist in modern feminist movements, where the narrative is predominantly driven by white women. Acknowledging privilege, listening to diverse experiences, and genuinely including all voices can help create a more equitable feminist dialogue.