CR#4 Being Both

Intersectionality is what I am. An individual who is in both realms of gender and race, and is in the “lower” class. As a woman, I am fighting for my rights in America but as well as a Latina woman demanding to be heard. Being subordinates in both has caused this intersection of oppression in politics and in social background. Kimberle Crenshaw stated that, “Contemporary feminist and antiracist discourses have failed to consider the intersections of racism and patriarchy”. Where individuals such as me, do indeed exist and faces both realms. The intersections of being a woman, and being faced against sexism. On top of facing sexism, facing racism for being Mexican/Nicaraguan. These two intersections causes vulnerability in different magnitudes. Being an immigrant and being a women can cause difficulty of fear and not receiving the appropriate programs are being feared that this will affect you. A woman who is undocumented will try to leave an abusive relationship but be scared that ICE might get them is something many does not think about. How there are so many things that are stopping someone to ask for help.

DiAngelo’s article was helpful understanding different views. DiAneglo discusses about how growing up in poverty was really exposed, and never paid attention to her racial status. That in order for her to actually grow and learn from her experience to notice her own oppression instead of denying her struggles. That can only hurt an individual. I cannot pretend or imagine what other individuals are facing because I am not in their shoes. I can only know the pain and struggles I have faced in my own life time, and see how this can enable me to go forward.