intersectional feminism

In our society, and in the world we live in, we have advanced significantly, creating gargantuan advancements in technology, we have cured diseases and even gone to the moon. Yet our ideals about the structure of society are still extremely primitive. Systematic oppression where minority groups are being pushed to the side is a growing issue in our world and I have no doubt that systematic oppression is an issue that is best left in the past. The world is advancing rapidly and if we are to attain equality for all, the first step would be to realise our faults.

This is when intersectional feminism is brought into the mix, intersectional feminism is the belief that all oppressions and minorities stem from the same problem, oppressive institutions (systematic oppression.) In the words of Coretta Scott King, "Freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. I don't believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others."

How/Why/what is Intersectionality?

Intersectional feminism or intersectionality was first introduced in 1989 by feminist Kimberlé Crenshaw, who realised that more than just racism and sexism were caused by systematic oppression and that other inequalities such as, ableism, homophobia, classism, transphobia and xenophobia, were too caused by the same root problem. It's called intersectionality because people from these groups experience discrimination and are disadvantaged the same way- by systematic oppression. As said by Audre Lorde, "There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives".

Intersectional feminism is important because it represents people from all walks of life and aims for true and total equality, people are people regardless of differences and should not be withheld from equal opportunities and respect. All these issues stem from our societies systematic oppressions of people who are "minorities" or anomalous and are different from what the media and societies expect, until this a well known fact and and ignorance and conscientious stupidity are eradicated, we cannot move forward as a whole.

What is sexism and how does it affect our lives?

An invisible problem in New Zealand is sexism. The reason i call it invisible is the fact that it is so common and ingrained in our society and minds that we barely take notice of it and instead choose to ignore it completely. Sexisim exists in all shapes and forms, in the workforce, on the street, in schools, and in our minds. Examples of sexism are ubiquitous (everywhere, at the same time) and is needs to be resolved in the near future, especially in the workforce. According to the Ministry for women New Zealand government site, the gender pay gap is becoming increasingly smaller over time, yet it occasionally bounces back. Last year the gender pay gap was 11.8%, meaning, that women were paid 11.8% less than their male counterparts for the same job. Women are constantly being denied and taken advantage of in our society. Together we have fought for our right to vote, our right to education, and our right to work and have jobs outside of the home. Yet we still have a long way to go till we reach true equality and defeat sexism. In the workforce, the gender pay gap is not the only form of sexism. Sexual harassment is another awful aspect of sexism. By the way we are bought up society, for girls to be pretty, and kind, and for boys to be dominating and strong. Ignorance is born and boys grow up to believe that the female gender made to serve men, not knowing any better, but not trying to understand either. As a result sexual harassment, misogynistic slurs and abusive behavior are common practices. A 2013 study by HRM New Zealand found that nearly two thirds of women have had a male collegues act inappropriately towards them. The article later stated that women have (and still have to) deal with degrading and embarrassing comments, private life, and choice of clothing.

What is racism?

Racism describes a systematic advantage based on race. It isn't simply discrimination directed against someone of a different race because they believe that their own own race is superior. It is an extremely complex form of systematic oppression that allows one race or multiple to benefit while the other race is harshly mistreated and systematically oppressed in every facet of society and modern life from education, wealth, employment, pay, treatment and attitudes of people- all the causes a vicious cycle of oppression cause one race to thrive off the other misfortunes, meaning that this happens in every generation because of the systems in place. Governments, school, etc are all made in favour of one race over another so they continue to be disadvantaged. As history proves, Maori people were the natives to New Zealand while other races migrated and joined within a few decades. A 2013 census by the government showed that only 14.9% of New Zealanders identified themselves as Maori, three quarters, or about 74% of the population identified themselves as of European ethnicity. Despite being an important aspect of New Zealand's history and culture, Maori people are being pushed to side and ignored.

What is ableism?

Ableism is discrimination in favour of able-bodied people. A survey by statistics New zealand in 2013 found that 24% of the population had a disability of some kind, 53% admitted to having more than one. These statistics show that people with disabilities make up nearly a quarter of the population, yet they are not seen or heard of often, they are instead whisked away to institutions, or remain in the shadows, it is either that or their lives are completely exposed in the media and they are followed with pitying gazes, or glares of disgust for being different and ill. People with disabilities are treated completely different from the rest of society, depending on the severity of the disability one is either babied, spoonfed and/or cleaned by others. They are denied dignity, privacy and the right to their own bodies. Sure it is kind to help someone out, but to the point that they are not allowed to do anything for themselves? That's pushing it a bit too far. Yet this is the reality many people have no choice but to face. They are being constantly mistreated and abused behind the scenes, for example, women's aid found in 2007 that 50% of disabled women in the United KIngdom have experienced domestic abuse. The fact that is no doubt common, utterly disgusts me, and at the same time, it makes one think. If disabled people are treated like this in relationships (of any kind) then what are their chances of getting a job and becoming a member of society?

In conclusion although racism, sexism and ableism are different, we are all disadvantaged and oppressed in the same way. Everyone is equal and should be treated as such. Minority groups and people with differences should all be treated with the same respect and understanding and should not have to be oppressed in any way, shape, and form. We are continuously advancing as a species and it is about time we start updating and changing our beliefs that people should be downgraded. Intersectional feminism is important because it addresses these issues and creates a united front for humans from all walks of life. In the words of Helen Keller, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much".