The rise of #girlboss culture has highlighted bell hooks’ point that men aren’t the only perpetuators of sexism/sexist exploitation. When we prioritize representation and being “equal to men”, we get women in positions of power that are exploitative. These women aren’t concerned with the collective of women, they’re aiming to “maximize their freedom within the existing system. And they [can] count on there being a lower class of exploited subordinated women to do the dirty work they were refusing to do”. #girlboss is white capitalist feminism, women of color don’t have the same access to class mobility and are less likely to be concerned with being a boss because we are simply trying to survive.
I agree with your post, girlboss culture is frighteningly toxic. White feminism is not the real representation of feminism! Like okay but what about all the women of color?? This series on Netflix called Grand Army includes a main character whose personality is basically being a white capitalist feminist that bashes other girls for sleeping with men, it reminded me of girlboss culture.
Great image! You don’t have to include the accompanying text. Let your classmates interpret it for themselves.