Why Intersectional Feminism is actually Feminism
What is a feminist?
Feminism advocates for the social, political, political, and all other rights for women to be equal to those of men. In recent years, the feminist agenda has been infiltrated by women who have decided to put their whiteness above their womanhood. The most common issue is the white feminist overtaking an issue as their own instead of being a silent and strong ally and allowing the voices of the marginalized groups take precedence.
When a black woman shares her grief at a black girl being harmed and ignored by the media, the inappropriate (but common) response is directing the conversation towards their feelings and how they would prefer to be presented with the information to make it easier to digest. In general, feminism misses other sociocultural cues that also play major roles in discrimination.
How does “intersectional feminism” differ?
Intersectional feminism takes traditional feminism one nuanced, yet important, step further. To be an intersectional feminist is to understand that gender is not only the defining characteristic that people can experience discrimination. It focuses on economic class structure, sexuality, disabilities, age, race, and in today’s age even citizenship status.
To be an intersectional feminist means that you understand that these things are not mutually exclusive and that discrimination can happen in multiple fronts and all at the same time.
This movement also brings the voice back to BIPOC women specifically. The feminist movement has been overrun by white feminists who face gender discrimination, yet can never truly empathize with, say, a middle eastern Muslim woman. That Muslim woman faces additional discrimination. The same can be said for black women who face immediate bias based on their skin and then additional discrimination and loss of opportunity for being a woman.
Spotlight of companies that just get it
Aerie: Aerie was one of the first notable brands to stop photoshopping their ads. They also take care to feature women of every skin tone, with and without disabilities, and religion.
Wear Your Voice: Wear your voice is a digital magazine that’s for and by the LGBT+ and BIPOC community. Their articles, essays, and spotlights cover everything from politics to sexuality and health.
Patagonia: Patagonia is very public and loud with their messaging for conservation. They also have been spearheading efforts to protect indigenous lands. Believing that brands must use their platform, they have lobbied the US government over indigenous land protections, fought against pipelines, and have extensive philanthropic ventures.
To learn more about Intersectional feminism, we here at #RebelCreative encourage our friends to research, and make the best decision that fits your description needs… but remember — if you’re a REAL feminist, you are an intersectional feminist.