Intersectionality
Intersectionality
• in-tÉ™r-ËŒsek-shÉ™-ˈna-lÉ™-tÄ“ •
The complex, cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine, overlap, or intersect especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups
Source: Merriam Webster
Some claim that women face different degrees of discrimination, and this is true. Women around the world face discrimination for their race, culture, and/or religion, and for being a woman. This creates variation between the ways that women are discriminated in society. In 2014, talkshows like CNN, Fox, and MSNBC were analysed. Professor Linda Steiner writes, "Of analysts and journalists invited to appear on Sunday political talk shows, 61% were white men; 20% were white women; 14% were non-white men; and 5% were non-white women." Sociologist Michael Kimmel told about a conversation between a white and black woman he once heard. The white woman said, "All women face the same oppression as women. All women are similarly situated in patriarchy, and therefore all women have a kind of intuitive solidarity or sisterhood." The black woman responded, "You see, that's the problem for me. Because when I wake up in the morning and I look in the mirror, I see a black woman. To me, race is visible. But to you, race is invisible. You don't see it. That's how privilege works. Privilege is invisible to those who have it."
0
Kallie Hansel-Tennes, who studied intersectionality, wrote that there is danger in finding common ground between women because it neglects the different cultures to be too easily bypassed. Reguarding recent womens marches, she wrote, "Over the past few years, women’s marches have been called out for being whitewashed, ableist, and transphobic." Hansel-Tennes explains how this neglects the perspectives of intersectional women that otherwise could have added more inclusion, diversity, and power to the marches. It is important to be inclusive in marches rallying for more inclusion and equality. Journalist Shannon Carlin writes, "...over the past 11 years, just eight women of color have directed a film that landed in the top 100 of the year — eight." Perhaps, with more racial inclusion, the film industry could become more diverse and could surpass the limits of caucasian dominance.
In a study titled "The Study on White Men Leading Through Diversity & Inclusion" by Chuck Shelton and David A. Thomas, Ph.D, comments were collected from employees that were female and/or non-caucasians. One of these employees wrote, "White men need to embrace diversity and see it as an opportunity and a necessity, rather than a threat. Ultimately, you have to believe that meritocracy and diversity are internally consistent goals for the company, and not mutually exclusive."
Out of the
3
actresses who made more than $20 million in 2017
were women of color.