Intersectional Bears

[Photo of bear from unsplash by Mark Basarab]

For a few weeks now a conversation about bears has been making the rounds. For anyone who missed it, you can catch up here.

It’s a worthy conversation.

It’s also largely only taking place among white women. And when you notice this phenomenon, it’s always important to consider why. You may not get an immediate answer, but you’ll be on the lookout for one.

That’s what happened to me. I couldnt peg why women of color were largely absent from participating in this conversation. And I honestly think there are a few reasons why. But when I saw this post from Gwynn Michele, it all crystalized for me.

[Screenshot of thread post by Gwynn Michele which reads: White women… as we’re enjoying the Bear meme cycle… Its important we remember that many, many, many non-white people would also choose the bear over encountering us in the woods. For good reason.]

1. I dont want to be in The Woods TM. I like the park. I can hike a forest to see a waterfall. Im not opposed to nature. But I dont want to be alone in the woods for any reason at all.

2. I definitely dont want to be alone in the woods with white men.

3. BUT ALSO, I dont want to be alone in the woods with white women.

4. Quiet as its kept, the list of places I have not felt safe with either white men or white women is quite long: the park, the coffee shop, a long check-out line, a customer service desk, some church pews, more conference tables than I can count, a wedding, a classroom… This list could get long.

The point is. What often happens when white women try to uplift the plight of “women” what they really mean is “white women”… they mean themselves.

Why is that problematic? Because white women sit at a unique junction- marginalized as women but powerful because they are white. And this identity means they can choose when and where to align with or wield power.

White women can accrue privileges for themselves that do not apply to any other women.

You ever notice how white women celebrate achieving voting rights for “women” in 1920. But not all women. My great grandmother couldnt vote. My grandmother couldnt vote. Even my mother wasn’t born with the right to vote. I am the first generation of women in my family born with the right to vote (and even that is incomplete once you factor in all the ways the Voting Rights Act has been scaled back and states/counties have conspired to limit that vote. but I digress.)

My point is, white feminism is dangerous. It uplifts only a small portion of women- those who are white. And leaves the rest of us fending for ourselves, often against white women.

**** Just a few quick notes!

1. This summer this newsletter will release less often- more like every other week. I turned in the first draft of my next book (yaaay) but now begins the work of editing it (insert wide eyes here). Fingers crossed to have it completed and turned in during September.

2. I am working on expanding ACB academy! This fall you will find a new class on allyship, that you can take on demand. Cant wait to bring it to you!

3. Did you hear I have a podcast in the works?! Here is the announcement!