Intersectionality is the only rule

MemeCollector@lemmy.blahaj.zone to 196@lemmy.blahaj.zone – 174 points –

cross-posted from: https://kbin.social/m/my_mouldy_memes/t/310874

THE FUTURE OF FEMINISM
IS ONLY AS POWERFUL
AS THE FUTURE OF ANTI-RACISM
CLEO WADE

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Honestly, I'm surprised that OP is being so obtuse about this. It's clear once you're familiar with intersectionality, but I think it could do well to be explained at least a little bit for those who aren't.

Essentially, the argument is that feminism, while a good force, needs anti-racism to maximize it's potential, just as it needs support for LGBTQ+ rights, since a lot of people are impacted by racism, homophobia, transphobia etc. Focusing largely on cis-het white middle-class women does help them, but we need those other elements too to be able to truly liberate people

Lol I'm not being obtuse, I'm trying to get them to admit the quiet part of their objection out loud

I personally don't see this as the strength of the intersectionality argument. To be clear, I am not saying that your point is incorrect. I agree with you completely.

My point is that to people not familiar with the concepts of intersectionality might find this to be a bit of a flimsy position. I could be wrong and I am willing to discuss why in more detail if you like.

I personally think the incompleteness argument is more persuasive. Proponents of individual movements are already aquatinted with the inequalities of their own individual movements and getting them to recognize what their movement lacks is easier than getting people to recognize that integrating other movements will produce better results.

It also, explicitly, forces people to "say the quiet part out loud". They don't get to hide behind platitudes. I.e. the j.k Rowlings of the feminist movements get to out themselves as terfs or racists that much easier. When you get someone to admit that there are more inequalities faced by black woman than either movement alone covers and their reaction isn't immediate recognition of the problem... You have found your problem.

My point is that to people not familiar with the concepts of intersectionality might find this to be a bit of a flimsy position.

Reminds me of a saying:

"You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink"

Others can handle the horses that won't drink water, but that shouldn't hinder me from preaching intersectionality.