The Combahee River Collective states, “We might use our position at the bottom to make a clear leap into revolutionary action. If black women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free since our freedom would necessitate the destruction of all the systems of oppression.” This means that (nearly) all systems of oppression are affecting black women; classism, racism, sexism. If we are to view oppression in a societally hierarchical context, black women would be at the base of the pyramid. But in addition to the race and gender layer of it, being poor, LGBT or disabled adds another layer of oppression and new set of to these individuals. The CRC shares an example of the intersectionality of racism and sexism, stating “We were told in the same breath to be quiet both for the sake of being “ladylike” AND to make us less objectionable in the eyes of white people”
In terms of today’s political climate and societal addressing of oppression, I think that ableism is still being routinely ignored. It does not make sense to me to exclude disabled people from gaining rights and freedom. Think about it, disabled people are a part of EVERY group. Every race, every age, every gender, every class, every sexuality, every religious group etc. We cannot have complete intersectionality and liberation without addressing ableism.
The Combahee River Collective shares the concept of “identity politics”. They believe that “the most profound and potentially most radical politics come directly out of our own identity, as opposed to working to end somebody else’s oppression.” This essentially means that we can’t wait for someone else to fight for our oppression nor can we work to end someone else’s oppression before addressing ours. Nearly all causes/movements are formed and pushed by the people being oppressed.
This concept is evident in Paris is Burning, as it covered the stories of many individuals that ranged from black, latinx, gay, trans, sex workers, poor, and/or living with AIDS. The movie addressed the intersection of race, class, gender and sexuality. Black people at the time were not allowed in what were considered the “good white jobs.” Many women had to resort to risky sex work to make money to survive; Others ended up stealing.
Capitalism is set up to fail bipoc and women. Statistically, women are paid less, BIPOC women even more so. People with names that society views as “too black/ethnic and ghetto”, often get instantly glossed over in job applications simply due to prejudice. Black people often have “white names” to try to prevent this. A good example of the gender and capitalism crossover is the Pink Tax on women’s products especially personal hygiene products. Women’s razors often cost more than men’s razors. There is also theory that women’s razors are purposefully meant to be less effective than men’s razors, to increase sales and profits. Women/vulva owners are being forced to pay (plus tax!!) on personal hygiene products. There is no sense as to why. Nobody CHOSE to have a period, it is just something that comes with our biology. Why should someone have to pay money for that?? Since this is a consistent monthly issue, this money adds up quick. We see lack of access to personal hygiene products like tampons and pads is a huge issue among the homeless. If you can, it is better to donate things like that over clothes.
Hello Dylan.
I would like to mention that I completely agree with you when you mention how if there were a hierarchy of society (which believe me you, there is), then women would be placed at the very bottom. This is a truth that is saddening but when we think about what it means to be a feminist, it reinforces the movement and centralizes our desire for better and for much needed change. This can only come from deconstruction of society.
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Dylan,
I like how you mentioned beside black women, who are minority also LGBT/disable are like adding multiple layers of oppression. I feel sorry for these groups and glad that you brought it up.
I agree with you that BIPOC women are suffering from capitalism and don’t get paid as they supposed to be. The pink tax is also something shows up how capitalism treats women in its way.
Hi Dylan!
This following statement you made really stood out to me. “Capitalism is set up to fail bipoc and women.” I really like the wording because it’s straight to the point. I agree with you, the system was never created them/us in mind. How insane is it that womens razors cost so much more and are not as effective as mens razors? They add pink to the packaging and women are apparently supposed to believe that it’s what will work best for them. It is so infuriating!! I enjoyed your post especially the part where you speak about Paris is Burning, I think your summary is great.
Very good post! And I agree that ableism is one of the areas that still needs TONS of work. And it is often not thought of as people prefer disabled people to be cordoned off in our own spaces. And we know separate does not mean equal. It’s so frustrating. Disability studies is an area of interest for me. I thought I understood it very well until I became disabled last summer. I have an illness that sometimes requires the use of a wheelchair and sometimes requires the use of oxygen. While I was aware of the struggles, it wasn’t until I lived them and tried to navigate everyday life in this city that I understood just how much ableism permeates our society.
hi Brianne! great to hear from you 🙂
I think that people continue to view disability as a thing that is “just for elderly people” so disabled people aren’t acknowledged as existing in other groups. I still get medical professionals question me “but you’re so young.” I want to focus on the intersection of gender and disability studies. I am very excited to take the class “health concerns of women” next semester.
People think that using a wheelchair is “the worst thing/outcome ever”.
In reality, I don’t think the main concern for disabled people is having to use a wheelchair, but wondering how in the hell to navigate this world as a disabled person, using a wheelchair or mobility aids?
I see so many half-attempts at “accessibility” where there will be a wheelchair ramp but it is pretty much unusable because of the steepness and corner turns.
Hi Dylan! very good post. it was very clear and straightforward.