White Feminism

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It's apparent that white feminism overshadows the voices of women who are queer, of color, and others who fall outside of the "norm." I, along with other interns, were given a few articles to read and reflect that relate to the marginalization of those who don't parallel with mainstream feminism. It came as a surprise to know that "white feminism" still dismisses those who don't fall under the "straight white woman" category. One article we had to read was, "The Brutal Truth Every White Feminist Needs to Hear" by Julie Zeilinger. This article brought to light all of the issues that come with White Feminism; issues they may not even realize exists outside of their bubble that they confine themselves in. According to Cate Young who is a feminist …show more content…
As described in the article, feminist writer Wagatwe Wanjuki declared that "often we only really see the privileged white women as leaders or spokespersons of the movement-in and out of pop culture." I understand why women of color would feel such a way, they are marginalized in a movement that is supposed to support all women. Unfortunately, the movement tends to one group and not all which neglects the concept of equality. Why should women of color be shamed and questioned for questioning white feminism? White Feminism can be faulty and problematic so why shouldn't women of color critique it? Another important point that was discussed it how there are racist double standards. For example, Kylie Jenner posts a photo of her cornrows and Amandla Stenberg makes a comment on the photo. Stenberg was automatically "tone-policed." The Kardashians openly appropriate black culture, and Kylie Jenner proved that in the photo she …show more content…
It is as if black culture is an accessory, and much of the criticism towards Stenberg lacked any empathy or understanding. It automatically labeled her as angry. White Feminists dismiss the fact that there is depth and perspectives on the problem at hand to the situations they comment on. Referring back to the Jenner and Stenberg situation, majority of the criticism was towards Stenberg and consisted of defending Jenner. Justin Bieber defended Jenner saying that she is "just a kid trying to figure it out" and that Stenberg's comment is "ridiculous." Kylie Jenner is 17 and Amandla Stenberg is younger, she is 16. If Kylie Jenner can appropriate black culture, she should also help support #BlackLivesMatter and other racial issues too. It is ostensible that women of color are marginalized in many ways, especially when pushed aside for "white feminism." "Our exclusion as women of color isn't accidental. Diversity can't help white feminism. They just need to move over," Ko has stated. "White Feminism" isn't always a good conversation to have, but it is a topic that needs to be discussed. Many "White Feminists" are unaware of their privileges, and our society is also to blame due to this false belief that race relations are way more developed than they really
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