Intersectionality: It Matters

Let's talk about intersectionality.

First , let me define the word.

Intersectionality  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.com 

To be honest, I had not thought much about intersectional activism until middle-age.  I grew up in an almost exclusively White community, and my parents did not socialize with parents of children from other social-economic classes. Although my brother and have half our DNA from our Ashkenazi Jewish mother, since we knew no other Jews in our insular , rural community, we were not exposed to our mother's culture . 

But as I mature in life and faith, I am becoming more aware that true activism s activism that crosses lines of race, ability, sexuality, gender, ect. 

For instance, feminism that is not intersectional isn't really a true feminism. It took me years to understand that feminism is , at its best, empowering all women. 

 The feminist movement of my mother's generation lacked an intersectional component.  Fifty years ago-- the word " feminism" was a movement that only reflected the needs of White, Straight, Cisgender, able-bodied, middle or upper class women back in the 1960's and 1970's, not much was known about transgender people-- gender was seen as a result of biology.  Even though there were strides made in fighting racism, Black people-- especially Black women--did not get platforms on which to stand and share their stories. 

Intersectionality allows for all marginalized people to share stories. True intersectionality should not place the needs of one marginalized group over others. Growing up a Black woman in America is entirely different from growing up Jewish in our nation. Both groups faced prejudice and discrimination, but the narratives of Black and Ashkenazi Jewish Americans are unique. 

For instance, as a { half} Jewish woman, cannot possibly know what it is like to be judged by my skin color { My looks take after my Irish-American, pale, blue-eyed , light haired father's family}  However, I do know what it is like to watch as people with my ethnicity are terrorized. Both Black and Jewish Americans know what it is like to be targeted as a group. The recent violence against both Black churches and Jewish houses of worship point out that intersectionality is needed. 

Intersectionality is needed . 

Peace


Sarah