In the landscape of feminism, intersectionality is essential yet frequently overlooked. Coined by Black civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw in the 1980s, intersectionality explores how overlapping identities—such as race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation—interact within systems of oppression and discrimination.
As a Black woman, I’ve often struggled with identifying as a feminist. Initially, I attributed this hesitation to the negative societal perceptions surrounding the term. However, upon reflection, I realized it stemmed from a feeling that feminism, as it was presented, didn’t encompass my experiences. The mainstream narrative of feminism is predominantly white, highlighting a need to reevaluate why women of color, particularly Black women, are often marginalized in these discussions.
Women of color, alongside queer women and those who don’t fit the mainstream narrative, are increasingly frustrated with their exclusion from feminist dialogues. In a world where the “other” is becoming the majority, it is imperative that feminism includes these voices.
Historical Exclusion of Women of Color
Historically, the exclusion of women of color from feminism isn’t a new phenomenon. Early suffragettes, who campaigned for women’s voting rights, primarily aimed to elevate the status of white women, often deeming Black men inferior and completely disregarding Black women. When the second wave of feminism emerged following the Civil Rights Movement, white women superficially welcomed Black women into the movement, but meaningful power and representation were largely absent.
As feminism has gained momentum in modern society, the racial rift has become increasingly apparent. In a post-Obama era, many white women celebrated their support for a Black president, yet resentment brewed over his nomination victory over Hillary Clinton in 2008. In 2016, white women questioned the commitment of women of color to feminism when they didn’t overwhelmingly support Clinton, despite her problematic track record with communities of color. When women of color voice their political dissatisfaction, they’re often labeled divisive rather than acknowledged.
Despite this, Black women have consistently demonstrated their political power, showing up in significant numbers to vote against candidates like Roy Moore in Alabama, while many college-educated white women inexplicably supported Trump.
Recognition of Contributions
The contributions of women of color often go unrecognized, as seen with the Women’s March, which initially took inspiration from the Million Woman March—a movement founded by Black women. The Women’s March board was predominantly white and only diversified due to public pressure, yet women of color still felt sidelined. This was evident in the lack of discussions around Black Lives Matter and the disparities between the experiences of white and Black women.
Another example is the #MeToo movement, founded by Black activist Tarana Burke to support survivors of sexual assault within the Black community. However, mainstream media narratives have largely sidelined women of color. When actress Aurora Perrineau accused a writer of sexual assault, prominent white feminists like Lena Dunham defended the accused rather than stand in solidarity with her.
The exclusion of Tarana Burke from the Time Magazine cover honoring the movement further illustrates the sidelining of Black women. Although included in events like the Golden Globes, her absence from the cover shot reflects a broader trend of co-opting movements without giving due credit.
The Need for Intersectionality
This is why intersectionality must be central to feminist discourse. One group’s experiences cannot encapsulate those of all women. White women have often claimed feminism as their domain, dismissing alternative perspectives as divisive. We are not being divisive; we are demanding recognition and space at the table.
Why is it that only white women receive invitations to the feminist table? When women of color express concerns, they are often silenced and branded as troublemakers. Instead of shutting us down, white women should listen to our experiences and acknowledge their privilege. We are not seeking sympathy; we want recognition and understanding.
We aspire not to replicate the white American experience but to claim the rights and opportunities that we are entitled to as Americans.
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Conclusion
In summary, it is vital to ensure that feminism embraces intersectionality. Women of color have long been fighting not just for themselves but for broader social justice, and their voices must be included in the feminist narrative to create a truly inclusive movement.
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