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Emily Renée Ellis

Dr. Parker

English 113: Feminist Perspectives

7 September 2018

Understanding Intersectionality

In the article “Why Our Feminism Must Be Intersectional (And 3 Ways to Practice It)”,

Jarune Uwujaren and Jamie Utt explain intersectionality. Specifically, Uwujaren and Utt argue

that “intersectionality is a framework that must be applied to all social justice work” (Uwujaren

and Utt). As the authors themselves put it, “without an intersectional lens, our movements cannot

be truly anti-oppressive” (Uwujaren and Utt). Although some people believe that

intersectionality “encourages division and exclusion in the feminist movement” (Uwujaren and

Utt), Uwujaren and Utt insist that “a one-size-fits-all feminist movement that focuses only on the

common ground between women is erasing rather than inclusive” (Uwujaren and Utt). In sum,

then, their view is that “feminism is about more than ending sexism — it’s also about ending all

the interconnected systems of oppression that affect different women in different ways”

(Uwujaren and Utt).

Now that I understand what intersectionality really is and what it means, I wholeheartedly

agree that our feminism must be intersectional. Before I read this article, I had little knowledge

of intersectionality and how it relates to anti-oppressive movements. I viewed all anti-oppressive

movements separately because I had never considered how they were “experienced and enacted

intersectionally” (Uwujaren and Utt). So, when the topic of race came up in The Guardian article

“I am not a feminist (and there is no but)” by Renee Martin, due to my own ignorance and a lack

of understanding at the time as it was the article I read first, I found myself thinking “Why do
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you have to divide us by bringing up race?”. By the end of “Why Our Feminism Must Be

Intersectional (And 3 Ways to Practice It)”; however, I had learned that only focusing on the

oppressions faced by all women “for the sake of unity centers the feminist movement around

those with the most privilege” (Uwujaren and Utt). I also had gained a better understanding of

what it means to practice intersectionality not only in feminism, but in all anti-oppressive

movements. For instance, I must “be willing to take up the critical thinking and self-work

necessary to push back against” my privileges to create an intersectional ethic and lens through

which my anti-oppressive beliefs and movements are created (Uwujaren and Utt). In addition, I

must open myself up to a high level of accountability and make sure that the work I do is of

value to those it is meant to serve (Uwujaren and Utt). Some might object of course, on the

grounds that “adopting an intersectional framework is not an easy process” and that I am bound

to fail (Uwujaren and Utt). Yet I would argue that I must be willing to make and learn from my

mistakes and that it is better to try and fail than it is to avoid making an effort entirely (Uwujaren

and Utt). Overall, then, I believe that it is my responsibility as not only a feminist, but a human

being to begin the journey toward intersectionality, so that we may realize relationships,

communities, and societies built upon justice.

I believe that we grow most when we are challenged or uncomfortable. Therefore, we

must actively seek to challenge ourselves and our understanding of those who differ from us.

This means paying attention when others speak and really listening to what they have to say. It

also includes continuously educating ourselves and working on issues that do not affect or

impact us personally. This article definitely challenged me and my understanding of not only

feminism and anti-oppressive movements, but of myself and my own privilege. Reading about

this particular feminist perspective has helped me better understand the ways that multiple
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oppressions are “experienced and enacted intersectionally” (Uwujaren and Utt). It is my hope

that this better understanding may continue to grow as I apply it to my own life and interactions

with others. I believe that I will be more in tune with what it means to be a truly inclusive

feminist, and I will look for ways in which intersectional feminism is played out in society.

Specifically, when people of privilege, white feminists like myself, are mindful to not talk over

or for people of color, and when people take care to step back and listen when things are not

about them.
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Works Cited

Uwujaren, Jarune, and Jamie Utt. “Why Our Feminism Must Be Intersectional (And 3 Ways to

Practice It).” Everyday Feminism, 13 Aug. 2016, everydayfeminism.com/2015/01/why-

our-feminism-must-be-intersectional/.

Martin, Renee. “I'm Not a Feminist (and There Is No but) | Renee Martin.” The Guardian,

Guardian News and Media, 10 Apr. 2010,

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/apr/10/white-feminism-black-woman-

womanism.