As I watched a documentary on feminism from the ’70s, I was struck by a glaring truth: the movement was predominantly white. This realization led me to delve deeper into the historical context of feminism and uncover a consistent pattern of exclusion. While iconic figures like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan took center stage, the contributions of women of color—like Angela Davis and Audre Lorde—were glaringly absent. This prompted me, as a woman of color, to reflect on the current state of feminism and the ongoing exclusion of voices like mine.
For a long time, I hesitated to identify as a feminist. Initially, I thought it was due to the stigma attached to the term, but I soon understood that it felt alien to me. The version of feminism presented to the public is often a narrow, white perspective, which I find difficult to endorse. This disconnect became even more evident during the recent election and its aftermath, highlighting an urgent need for intersectionality within the feminist discourse.
Understanding Intersectionality
Intersectionality is a term that gained traction after Hillary Clinton’s nomination in 2016, though it was first coined by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw in 1989. It explores how overlapping identities—such as race, gender, and sexual orientation—interact within systems of oppression. In an election dominated by a largely white narrative, women of color and others marginalized by mainstream feminism began to assert their rightful place in the discussion. The emergence of hashtags like #ImWithHer and the counter-hashtag #GirlIGuessImWithHer underscored this divide, revealing the reluctance of many women of color to fully support a candidate who historically sidelined their needs.
Clinton’s attempts to appeal to diverse voters often felt superficial, as when she noted she carried hot sauce in her purse—an attempt that came off as pandering rather than genuine concern for our issues. The symbolic act of donning white attire at the polls, reminiscent of the suffragettes, overlooked the fact that those women fought primarily for the rights of white women, often dismissing the struggles of women of color.
The post-election landscape revealed that while a significant number of white women voted for Clinton, many did so to protect their interests, echoing sentiments from the suffragette era. In contrast, 94% of black women supported her, demonstrating that our fight extends beyond personal gain; it encompasses a broader struggle for justice and equity.
The Need for Inclusive Narratives
When I was invited to join the Pantsuit Nation Facebook group, I found it unfulfilling. The narratives often centered on white individuals heroically “saving” marginalized communities, reinforcing outdated white savior tropes. The group’s failure to amplify marginalized voices prompted me to leave. Similarly, the Million Women’s March, which echoed the historical Million Man March, was organized predominantly by white women who had only recently felt their rights were at risk, yet they excluded those whose rights have been marginal for much longer.
This is why intersectionality is vital to feminism. A singular narrative cannot encapsulate the diverse experiences of all women. Historically, white women have dominated the feminist dialogue, often dismissing alternative perspectives as divisive. However, we are not trying to create division; we merely seek acknowledgment and understanding of our unique experiences.
Listening and Acknowledgment
When women of color speak out, the response often involves defensiveness or dismissal. Instead, it’s crucial for those in positions of privilege—especially white cisgender heterosexual women—to simply listen. Acknowledging our concerns without immediately jumping to defensiveness is essential for moving forward together. It’s not about taking away from anyone’s experiences; it’s about sharing space and recognizing the breadth of our collective struggles.
As we navigate this landscape, let’s ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. There are numerous resources available for those looking to understand more about intersectionality and home insemination; for instance, check out this excellent guide on donor insemination. For those interested in at-home insemination, this retailer offers reputable kits to assist you on your journey.
Intersectionality is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessary framework for understanding and addressing the complexities of feminism today. If you’d like to read more about this topic, you can find additional insights in this post on intersectionality.
Summary
This piece highlights the essential need for intersectionality in feminism, especially in the context of post-election America. By examining the historical exclusion of women of color from the feminist narrative, the importance of amplifying diverse voices becomes clear. A call to listen and understand rather than dismiss is reinforced, encouraging a more inclusive dialogue within the feminist movement.