Intersectionality

 

 

In this video, Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw touches on the challenges that  women of color face when dealing with the prominent struggle for gender and racial equality along with its justice. She made it clear that our society views those of color, specifically young black men, negatively and gives them labels through false stereotypes. They are subject to being characterized as being less fortunate and in need of repair, coming from lower income households to name a few. Women of color also face these same discriminations and perceptions. Women’s struggle with being forced to deal with racism and sexism, has not often been brought to light when speaking about these issues alone; when our society thinks of these issues, men often are the first that come to mind. Women just as much, if not more than men, have dealt with discrimination such as sexism and racism. In order to truly understand what is really going on within our society, it is necessary to revert to a similar mentality. Situations dealing with race and gender occur in many different instances and on many different levels. Crenshaw explained a situation in which, a white police officer raped thirteen black women. She stated that intersectionality was the reason that he felt he could get away with abusing these women. Some of the women who were raped were not viewed as credible because they were black, some were poor, involved in the criminal justice system, sex trade or drug use. The intersectional failure explained in this situation, was people not showing up or standing up for these women due to prejudice and presumption. If roles were reversed, and white women were raped, everything would be different. Often times in rape cases, the accused rapist of a white woman would be sentenced for ten years; as opposed to a black woman’s case, in which the man would only be sentenced for two years if any at all.

Kimberlé has assisted me in understanding these prominent intersectionality issues and that they do exist. When specific issues arise that do not directly deal with us, we often seem to forget they exist. Racism is an ongoing issue and will most likely continue to be, which is unacceptable. In order to become a society where equality is accepted including all races, genders and sexual orientations, we should put all of the false presumptions to rest. Every race and gender has the same capabilities and should be given the same opportunities. Women of color should be able to hold the same rank as men and white women. We should always aim to be in a society in which we strive to uplift each other, in my opinion. Crenshaw has done a phenomenal job in bringing these issues to the forefront, but it is up to us to put her theories to work.