Intersectionality in American History
What Is Intersectionality?
While both minorities as well as females experience prejudice, it is important to acknowledge that for some, intersectionality authorizes discrimination against individuals in more than one category. Prior to this course, I had heard the term used on few occasions simply because when we tend to classify individuals into one specific category rather than acknowledging all aspects of a person. Ijeoma Oluo, author of "So You Want To Talk About Race?" defines intersectionality as, “the belief that our social justice movement must consider all of the intersections of identity, privilege, and oppression that people face in order to be just and effective.” (Oluo, 74). Instead of labeling an individual by strictly gender or solely race, it is crucial to recognize how the two have the potential to overlap, producing a much higher potential to be targeted.
The Role Of Intersectionality In Women's History
In the United States, the month of March is dedicated towards honoring Women's History. While these 31 days shed light on the accomplishments, hardships, and strength of women, they fail to highlight that inequality is still a struggle for women in America.
One of the most prominent problems in the US today is that we often tend to view discrimination as an act against gender without acknowledging the various extents to which women face prejudice through all aspects of identify whether that be race, socio-economic status, religion, and/or sexuality.
History is often constructed by voices of those in power, which is what I attempt to draw attention to through this page. The absence of voices in the writing of history has contributed to a skewed perception of groups, leaving little room or space to share their stories. This page is dedicated to educating, informing, and acknowledging how intersectionality determines ones ability to succeed in society. The progression of the United States could not have been fueled without the strength of bold, powerful women who were determined to speak out against the discrimination against marginalized groups, although they often don't receive credit for their bravery and willpower in the most utilized history narratives.