Intersectional theory argues that different individuals are disadvantaged by multiple sources of oppression. Race, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, and class are various social attributes that results in individuals experiencing social disadvantages. I believe that Intersectionality theory explains how different social identity interact with one another to form new meaning. One example of what I think that might mean is how femininity can mean one thing for an African-American woman yet somehow be an entire different meaning for a white woman, even though they are both women. Another example relates to hourly wages between genders, a man would get paid $10.50 an hour while women would get paid less doing the exact same job. In my own word, I believe that intersectional perspective is how I view my social disadvantages based on my social attributes.
In Kimberlé Crenshaw’s TED talk she argue about the overwhelming underrepresentation of violence against African-American women in activism, politics and media. In her TED talk she states that “many of our social problems like racism and sexism are often overlapping, creating multiple levels of social injustice.” (Crenshaw 13:40) She explains the harsh reality of African-American women, not only do they face racial discrimination but sexual discrimination as well. She addresses the shadow that is casted upon African-American women who lost their lives to systemic racism. Crenshaw’s argument relates to both of the assigned chapter. Her argument portrays both racial inequality in chapter 3 and gender inequality in chapter 4. In chapter 3, the text address the current social standing of African-Americans, which states that African descent are still at a disadvantage. They have below-average income, high poverty rate 3 times more than white, and low college completion rate. African-American women face both of these discrimination and many have even lost their lives yet nobody know about these women who died. Frustrated by this situation, Crenshaw launched the #SayHerName campaign, a social media movement that seeks to shed light on forgotten women.
I am an Asian-American, male, Vietnamese, middle class citizen. My social attributes doesn’t greatly impact my life but it does affect my beliefs and values, and opportunities. According to the Social Standing of Asian American in 2012, Asian have the fastest increasing racial population, also all categories of Asian American now have an above-average income and education. I was born into a middle class family, therefore I never had to struggle being in poverty. This does however allow me to have greater opportunities in school and work. I’ve never had to deal with any harsh discrimination for being Asian, beside from the common stereotype of being smart and driving bad, I did not receive the same harassments that African Americans and Mexicans had to experience. However, being an Asian-American, I feel that the everyone has higher expectation for me. Including my parent, since they always wanted me to become a doctor.
Work Cited
- Macionis, John J. Social Problems.6th Ed. Prentice Hall, 2015.
- TED, Kimberlé Crenshaw. “The Urgency of Intersectionality | Kimberlé Crenshaw.” YouTube, YouTube, 7 Dec. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=akOe5-UsQ2o.
- Alemán, Rosa. “What Is Intersectionality, and What Does It Have to Do with Me?” YW Boston, 24 Apr. 2018, www.ywboston.org/2017/03/what-is-intersectionality-and-what-does-it-have-to-do-with-me/.
