Intersectionality: Feminism Wasn't Made for Black Women | Ephrata Tesfaye | TEDxYouth@MaristSchool

Summary

This speech delves into the complexities of feminism, exploring the concept of intersectionality. The speaker highlights that while feminism advocates for gender equality, it has often failed to represent marginalized women, particularly Black women. The discussion addresses the historical de-feminization of Black women and the media's role in perpetuating harmful stereotypes. It critiques 'white feminism,' which overlooks the unique struggles of women of color, and advocates for a more inclusive movement that embraces all women, including trans women and those from diverse backgrounds. The speaker calls for greater listening and inclusion to effect meaningful change.

Takeaways

• 💁‍♀️ Young Ephrata wore a ‘screw the patriarchy’ shirt but now reflects on the complexities of feminism with less enthusiasm.
• 📊 The US Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed in 2020 that white men with only a high school diploma earned $888 weekly, while women earned $653.
• ⚖️ Intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, highlights how overlapping identities like race, class, and gender contribute to complex discrimination.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 White feminism often fails to represent the experiences of all women, particularly women of color, focusing mostly on white women’s issues.
• ✊ Black women have historically contributed much to feminism but received little recognition, due to systemic exclusion and de-feminization.
• 🔬 Colonialism and pseudoscience were used to dehumanize Black women, portraying them as less feminine to exclude them from feminist advocacy.
• 🎥 Media tropes like the ‘mammy’ and ‘angry Black woman’ have been used to stereotype and devalue Black women, impacting their societal image.
• 👩‍💼 Black women and other marginalized communities often suffer from ‘Imposter phenomenon,’ where they undermine their own success.
• ⚖️ Affirmative action was designed to help both women and people of color, but the current justice system often leaves people of color behind.
• 🗣️ True feminism must include all marginalized groups, including trans women, and embrace intersectionality by listening to diverse voices.

Q & A

What is the main reason the speaker's view on feminism has changed since she was younger?

The speaker's view on feminism has changed because she now understands the complexities of the feminist movement and how it has historically been built on exclusionary practices, especially towards women of color. She has moved beyond the simplistic view she had as a teenager.

What statistical example does the speaker provide to highlight gender wage disparity?

The speaker cites a 2020 statistic from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showing that, with only a high school diploma, white men earned a median weekly wage of $888, while women earned $653.

What is 'intersectionality' and who coined the term?

Intersectionality is the interconnected nature of social categorizations, such as race, class, and gender, creating overlapping systems of discrimination and disadvantage. The term was coined by scholar and civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw.

How does intersectionality affect women of different races in terms of wage disparity?

While white women earned $653 weekly with a high school diploma, Asian women earned $607, Hispanic and Latina women earned $593, and Black and African American women earned $586. This shows how different identities face additional layers of discrimination.

What does the speaker mean by 'white feminism'?

The speaker refers to 'white feminism' as a movement that centers the concerns of white women and fails to address the struggles of women from marginalized communities, especially women of color, and how racial privilege impacts the feminist movement.

What historical ideologies contributed to the exclusion of Black women from early feminist movements?

Early feminist ideologies were rooted in racist beliefs, using pseudosciences like social Darwinism to depict Black women as less feminine, which justified excluding them from feminist advocacy.

What were some harmful stereotypes created by media to depict Black women?

The media perpetuated harmful stereotypes like the 'mammy,' portraying Black women as content with slavery, the 'Jezebel,' depicting Black women as promiscuous, and the 'angry Black woman,' showing Black women as undignified and overly aggressive.

How has the stereotype of the 'angry Black woman' affected Black women in modern society?

The stereotype of the 'angry Black woman' has led to Black women's concerns being dismissed or not taken seriously. It has also caused many Black women to undermine their own worth, contributing to 'imposter phenomenon,' where marginalized people doubt their own success.

What connection does the speaker make between intersectionality and the feminist movement's exclusion of certain groups?

The speaker emphasizes that true feminism cannot exclude people based on race, sexuality, or gender identity. She highlights how trans women and women of color, especially Black women, are still marginalized and how intersectionality is key to inclusive feminism.

What is the speaker's final message about the role of intersectionality in feminism?

The speaker's final message is that feminism must be intersectional, meaning it must listen to and advocate for all women, including those marginalized by race, class, gender identity, and sexual orientation. By doing so, the movement can change more lives.