Feminism, a term not widely used until the 1970s, can be traced as far back as the 1940s. Feminism’s beginning surrounded women’s suffrage with women arguing that they had every right to be able to vote, the same as a man. This sparked an important movement in American history with women taking more initiative in regards to their rights.
The problem with feminism, even during women’s suffrage, is that it focused on white, cisgendered, heterosexual, middle and upper-class women. Referred to by some as “First Wave Feminism”, this type of feminism is still prominent in today’s society. Today, it is referred to as “White Feminism.”
When looking at the term, many falsely believe White Feminism is something that only people not of color succumb to. White feminism, in its essence, is a type of feminism that is not inclusive. The issues facing people of color, transgender, or non-heterosexual women are ignored or overshadowed.
Feminism is supposed to involve equality for all, not only equality for some. Thus, the term White Feminism, also referred to as Anti-intersectional feminism, was coined. Primarily, the name “White Feminism” is used because, by avoiding the issues of those that aren’t straight, cisgender, or of color, the only people benefiting are white women.
This was also shown during women’s suffrage. During this time period, only white women gained the power to vote. Historical icons, like that Susan B. Anthony, did not aim to give all women the right to vote, only those like her: white, cisgender, middle class.
The opposite is intersectional feminism. This is the form of feminism that listens to voices across all races, genders, sexes, and sexualities. No issue is more important than another. From intersectional feminism the internet has seen hashtags such as BlackLivesMatter, TransLivesMatter, AsianLivesMatter, and things of the like. Intersectional feminism aims to create equality among all people.
Intersectional feminism is an overlap of a second wave and third wave feminism. Second wave feminism began around the 1960s. It is said to have subsided around the 1980s, but the foundations are still prominent currently. It is found in the second wave that more women of color joined the movement.
Despite this, there are large differences between second and third wave feminism. The deconstructing of womanly ideals began in the third wave of feminism. During the third wave, women came forward and stated that they are more than a pawn in a sexist patriarchy.
Despite which wave one succumbs to, intersectional feminism is the most inclusive and loving of all persons. Intersectional feminists challenge heteronormativity, gender roles, and anything preventing people of all genders from being seen as equal.
Not only is white feminism exclusive, it’s almost a slap in the face to others that are facing various issues. Intersectional feminism is not restricted to people of color. White women are also intersectional feminists. The race of the person does not matter, it is what the person stands for that makes the difference.
