Today, nothing can split a conversation in half like the term intersectionality. But why? What is it about the term itself that causes this rift? What is it about intersectionality or discussing where identities intersect that is so contentious? The way some people react, you may believe that intersectionality was another form of oppression, and unfortunately, many people do. And on the flip side of that coin, some people view it as a tool in dismantling systems of oppression.
So, who’s right?
What is intersectionality?
Kimberlé Crenshaw created the concept of Intersectionality. It explored the unique experience of discrimination that exists at the intersection of race and gender. She presented her theory in a paper in the University of Chicago Legal Forum titled “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex.” published in 1989. The paper centers on three legal cases that dealt with both racial and sexual discrimination matters. She argues that there are “conceptual limitations of … single-issue analyses”, which means that the law doesn’t take into adequate consideration how racial and sex discrimination can exist simultaneously and we fail to properly litigate discrimination cases, or understand discrimination fully, by focusing on one identity at a time.
In summation, intersectionality originally detailed the “intersection” of race and gender discrimination and used legal cases as proof. Kimberlé intended Intersectionality to be a tool to dismantle systems of inequality.
Today the term is used in a more grand, inclusive way to describe the different experiences and treatments that occur at the intersection of multiple identifies. Or there are many various identities that intersect, which give us all unique experiences—so, transcending the original Black woman, race x gender, to encompass the multitude of identities, e.g., race, gender, sexual identity, religion, ability, age, etc.
How has intersectionality been interpreted?
Those who identify as intersectional have been met with a lot of anger. They’ve been met with dismissal, reduction, and, most of all, fear. This concept has experienced the same fate as many other anti-discrimination concepts. Those who identify as intersectional are erroneously morphed into a symbol of hate or restriction or, as ironic as it may sound, oppression.
Many conservative detractors view the idea of understanding privilege, systems of oppression, and examining oppression at the intersection of different identities as an affront to their rights and way of life – as a sort of “taking away,” but it isn’t. The only thing intersectionality aims to take away is inequality, discrimination, and systems of injustice.
It’s understandable. These conversations are complex. They force us to look at ourselves and the world around us in an uncomfortable way. Still, we don’t progress without disruption, discomfort, and honest discussion. So, if you see this term or hear it in a tense conversation, step back and remember the true meaning. Not how they’ve been interpreted (or misinterpreted). By doing that, we can keep the conversations focused, constructive, and in the direction of progress and understanding.