The Urgency of Intersectionality: Understanding Overlapping Oppressions

The Urgency of Intersectionality

In the TED Talk "The Urgency of Intersectionality," law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw explains the origin and importance of intersectionality. She starts with an exercise that demonstrates the low level of awareness surrounding the names of African-American women killed by the police. Moreover, she explains why their stories are unknown and what we can do to raise public awareness.

The Origin of Intersectionality

Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term “intersectionality” when she read the case of Emma DeGraffenreid, an African-American woman who sued a car manufacturing plant for not hiring her. DeGraffenreid argued that she faced discrimination based on both her race and gender, as the industrial work was available only to African-American men, and secretarial work was only for white women. The judge, unable to see this double discrimination, dismissed her claim because Emma was not allowed to combine two causes of action.

Crenshaw, years later, recognized this as a framing dilemma and began using “intersectionality” to identify it. This concept addresses the problem by illustrating the intersection of multiple, overlapping oppressions, such as:

• Racism
• Sexism
• Homophobia
• Classism
• Religious intolerance

Intersectionality is crucial for identifying how experiences differ when diverse identities intersect. For example, a white woman does not experience the same type of discrimination that a Black lesbian woman faces on the grounds of her race, sexuality, and gender.

Intersectionality and Police Brutality

Crenshaw highlights two issues not typically analyzed simultaneously regarding the fatal outcomes of police brutality: racial discrimination against African-Americans and gender discrimination against women. She remarks that African-American women face both when mistreated or killed by the police, and their stories remain unknown due to inadequate media coverage.

Media use is essential to create political pressure and raise awareness about the extent of this atrocity. It is the first step for people to take action and promote social justice.

Conclusion

There is a clear urgency to understand Crenshaw's “intersectionality.” This term encourages awareness of how different types of discrimination intersect, allowing individuals and communities to make informed decisions and demand social justice for African-American women.