WOMS201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Consciousness Raising, Audre Lorde, Intersectionality
29 May 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Now What? (cont)
Thursday, May 10, 2018
10:53 AM
FEMINISM MUST BE INTERSECTIONAL
• Audre Lorde -- no hierarchy of oppression
o All oppression stems from the belief in the right to dominate
o Must get to the root -- belief in the right to dominate is the root
• Racism, sexism, homophobia -- branches
• Example: gun violence is a feminist issue
o If we treat these as separate we will never get to root
o Tree metaphor -- root is right to dominate
• Not enough to challenge just sexism -- issues of racism, homophobia, etc.
How to Practice intersectional feminism?
• Being present (attending talks, etc.)
The Personal is Political
• Decisions made by government will personally impact you
o Example: abortion laws
o Example: marriage equality
• Idea emerged from feminist consciousness raising groups in 60s
o Found that issues aren't isolated
Be an Ally
• One does not have to experience oppression to support others who do experience it -- there is no
hierarchy of oppression
• Ally is not a label -ITS AN ACTION
o Pay attention to how systems of oppression and privilege operate and how you participate
in them
o Learn to listen -- especially to others not in dominant groups
o Show up to support other engaging in activism
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
