We live in a diverse world, so then why do many feminist not understand that “white feminism” is a big problem? Intersectional feminism is the multifaceted connection between gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, etc., in feminism. The point of this section of feminism is to bring attention to the ways that each oppressive force intersects and relates to each other. In a movement meant to change the world, we need to make sure that it isn’t exclusively aimed for the white, skinny, healthy, middle-class woman.
1. Not everyone experiences the same sexism.
Everyone was created equal, but not everyone is treated equal. It is incredibly important to acknowledge and celebrate the differences of people. If you honestly believe that there isn’t another person or group that feel just as discriminated against as you, you are tragically mistaken.
2. White women are paid more than Hispanic and black women.
Understand that this is 100 percent true. Everyone knows the statistic that women get paid 77 cents to every $1 that men make. Well, that’s widely known as a white woman’s pay, not a woman of color. Black women are payed on average 64 percent of what a man makes, and Hispanic women suffer from being paid only 54 percent of a man’s wages. This needs to be acknowledged and fixed, and we need to stand up for our WOC friends, not tear them down.
3. Gay men and women do not deserve to be discriminated against, either.
Equal rights are equal rights, and those rights include marriage and the ability to adopt, among other things. There are female feminist that disagree with gay marriage, but it isn’t right to demand equal rights for your gender when an entire group within still would not receive the equality they deserve.
4. If a woman is overweight or depressed, it doesn’t mean you get a free pass to judge her.
A lot of the time, women praise other women for their healthy bodies and minds but still pass judgment onto those that are overweight, underweight or struggling with mental illness. We need to learn to support and help each other, not tear each other down.
5. That a woman’s hijab is not open for your judgement.
Ah, religion. It’s a sticky subject because there is always a problem with people understanding religion. Let me explain something: You do not need to understand another person’s religion — or lack thereof. It is a Muslim woman’s choice to wear her hijab in regards to her own beliefs. The same goes for the many girls that wear shorts and tank tops — it is their choice. Islamophobia is a growing problem today, and feminism can help to stop that hatred.
6. Middle-class is not the only class.
You are better than no one else, especially when it comes to economic standing. A person’s circumstances do not allow you to treat them badly, and they deserve rights just as well.
7. Trans women are just as important and deserving of rights as cis women.
Thanks to recent support extended toward the transgender community and the resulting prejudice shown by conservatives, transphobia has peaked. A trans woman is just as much as a woman as I am, and the same goes for trans men. Very similar to gay rights, transgender rights need to be supported by the majority of the population and feminists because they are still a minority.
8. Celebrate culture, don't appropriate it.
There’s a line that can be crossed as cultures begin to intersect as they do in today's society. Cultural appropriation isn’t always understood, and I’m not here to lecture you on it because I do not know the precise way to explain it. However, through education and standing together, we can stop the slurs and distasteful jokes and make sure we give credit for cultural statements and expressions where it’s due. If you'd like to learn more about cultural appropriation, Amandla Stenberg is the girl to learn from.
9. Fighting over who or what is more important isn’t getting us anywhere.
We need to stand together, united, and make sure that we respect and understand each other. Need I say more?
As women, we all experience sexism. However, it is important to acknowledge your privilege and transition out of "white feminism." Find out ways you can support those women that are different from you, whether it be race, religion, body type, etc. Intersectionality is all about connecting everyone and realizing that sexist oppression intersects many other facets of discrimination. It might take time, but it isn't impossible.
