Krysten’s snapshot takes a lighter tone on forces of oppression that are experienced by women but more specifically, women of color. Both excerpts, “Oppression” by Marilyn Frye and “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” by Peggy McIntosh, speak on experiences that women may experience due to oppressive forces such as men having a societal advantage and socio-economic status but McIntosh speaks on the differences that race has despite women sharing the same oppressions. My approach on Krysten’s snapshot is that it can be related to both excerpts in the sense that white women have the ability to adjust themselves in order to make life much more tolerable, safe, and welcoming of them. On the other hand, women of color often have to shrink themselves and adjust or assimilate to what is socially acceptable to the white western norms, in order to facilitate their life experiences. It depicts the difference between what a white woman can get away with and what a woman of color cannot get away with, despite the hair style, in this case, being a part of their culture. White women have the privilege, the opportunity to reap the benefits of what it means to be white. As McIntosh expresses, “My skin color was an asset for any move I was educated to want to make. I could think of myself as belonging in major ways, and of making social systems work for me.”, supporting the argument that white women can in fact make changes that will benefit them. It also supports the argument that women of color do not have the luxury of speaking up for their own comfort and expecting benefits with such ease. I think this also leads to a level of insensitivity from society which again creates that barrier that exists within race, despite sharing oppressors and oppressions.

Now this is not to dismiss the oppression that all women experience, but making space for others to speak up and receive, rather than simply hope for, the same benefits is necessary. Just as Frye states, “Women are oppressed, as women… But men are not oppressed as men.”. I think it takes a level of noticing that men and women who benefit from oppressive factors need to be called out on their actions, such as cultural appropriation, so that they are conscious of what they have done. I also think this division between women is interesting because these norms and standards are set in place not just by western culture but by men as well, men who actively seek to remain in power. In Krysten’s snapshot, @symone_bee receives a comment from @avocadobaby stating, “That looks… unprofessional” and we can question why it would look unprofessional for @symone_bee but “so good” on @emily_rose, and again this is due to the standard set in most workplaces which are set up by men. Part of owning up to one’s actions includes educating oneself just like McIntosh does in expressing her privilege and all ways being white has benefitted her.