It would be nice if we were all just unified. However, if we (in this case, white women) dont listen to and really seek to understand the variety of experiences that women have and the different historical contexts womens lives and experiences are affected by, and if we dont really pay attention to who is represented and who has the power in movements and media - well, were agents of dividing and oppressing women ourselves. The thing about learning to be accountable instead of defensive (which is difficult), is that it creates meaningful opportunities for real change, and real support of women - all women. From the article: Women of color continue to discuss the ways in which state violence is significant and is used to break up our communities to further harm us. That structure is violence; it is historically predicated on rounding up and locking away Indigenous and Black people. The existing system is not a place we are able to turn to for help. When mainstream white feminism is continually calling for more laws, punishments, for strengthened ties with law enforcement, and expanded police jurisdiction, they are enabling the violence against us. There is no “we,” because this approach is at the expense of us. Women of color become collateral damage in the continued quest to uphold and protect white womanhood.
Posted on: Mon, 26 May 2014 20:51:07 +0000