What Is White Feminism? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

What Is White Feminism?

White feminism is not a term for white feminists. It is what the person stands for.

100
What Is White Feminism?

Feminism, a term not widely used until the 1970s, can be traced as far back as the 1940s. Feminism’s beginning surrounded women’s suffrage with women arguing that they had every right to be able to vote, the same as a man. This sparked an important movement in American history with women taking more initiative in regards to their rights.

The problem with feminism, even during women’s suffrage, is that it focused on white, cisgendered, heterosexual, middle and upper-class women. Referred to by some as “First Wave Feminism”, this type of feminism is still prominent in today’s society. Today, it is referred to as “White Feminism.”

When looking at the term, many falsely believe White Feminism is something that only people not of color succumb to. White feminism, in its essence, is a type of feminism that is not inclusive. The issues facing people of color, transgender, or non-heterosexual women are ignored or overshadowed.

Feminism is supposed to involve equality for all, not only equality for some. Thus, the term White Feminism, also referred to as Anti-intersectional feminism, was coined. Primarily, the name “White Feminism” is used because, by avoiding the issues of those that aren’t straight, cisgender, or of color, the only people benefiting are white women.

This was also shown during women’s suffrage. During this time period, only white women gained the power to vote. Historical icons, like that Susan B. Anthony, did not aim to give all women the right to vote, only those like her: white, cisgender, middle class.

The opposite is intersectional feminism. This is the form of feminism that listens to voices across all races, genders, sexes, and sexualities. No issue is more important than another. From intersectional feminism the internet has seen hashtags such as BlackLivesMatter, TransLivesMatter, AsianLivesMatter, and things of the like. Intersectional feminism aims to create equality among all people.

Intersectional feminism is an overlap of a second wave and third wave feminism. Second wave feminism began around the 1960s. It is said to have subsided around the 1980s, but the foundations are still prominent currently. It is found in the second wave that more women of color joined the movement.

Despite this, there are large differences between second and third wave feminism. The deconstructing of womanly ideals began in the third wave of feminism. During the third wave, women came forward and stated that they are more than a pawn in a sexist patriarchy.

Despite which wave one succumbs to, intersectional feminism is the most inclusive and loving of all persons. Intersectional feminists challenge heteronormativity, gender roles, and anything preventing people of all genders from being seen as equal.

Not only is white feminism exclusive, it’s almost a slap in the face to others that are facing various issues. Intersectional feminism is not restricted to people of color. White women are also intersectional feminists. The race of the person does not matter, it is what the person stands for that makes the difference.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
man and woman
www.lifefactuality.com

We’ve all dated someone who just wasn’t quite right...but, why?

Here are nine reasons you're probably still too in denial to admit.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Laugh, Cry, and Relate: Chandler Bing's Best Quotes

Because Chandler Bing should be everyone's spirit animal.

86
Chandler Bing
Zimbio

Ah, Ms. Chanandler Bong, or Chandler Bing as he is better known as. For 10 years, Chandler brought us many laughs, many tears, and, well, Matthew Perry's fame. He is, personally, my favorite character on "Friends" because he made me laugh more than any other character on the show and I felt like I could relate to him more than the other characters on the show. Anyway, here are 10 Chandler Bing quotes that anyone can relate to... or graduates can at least...

Keep Reading...Show less
girl
Pexels

In case you're unaware, "resting bitch face" is the term used to describe when a person's natural, expressionless face makes it look like they are mad at the world. Whether they are walking down the street or simply spacing out thinking about what to eat for dinner, it's very easy for others to assume that this person is either upset or mad at them. Because of this, those of us with Resting Bitch Face (RBF), and especially us women, have all experienced many of the same situations and conversations, including:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

The Stages Of A Crush As Told By The Cast of "Bob's Burgers"

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

1185
my heart just pooped its pants
Google

We've all had a crush before. Whether it leads to something or nothing, the process has all been the same. The awkward feelings, the stalking, and the stress of trying to keep this huge secret. The feeling of becoming a total spazz is something that cannot be avoided, and the most spazzy family that can relate to this feeling is the Belcher's.

Keep Reading...Show less
you didnt come this far to only come this far lighted text
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

At the tender age of 18, we are bestowed with the title of “adult.” For 17 years, we live under the rules and guidelines of our parents, school, and government, and to stray from any of those rules or guidelines marks us as a rebel. At 18, though, we must choose which college we want to go to or what career we want. We are allowed and encouraged to vote. We can buy lottery tickets and cigarettes. We can drop out of school, leave our household, and do other "adult" things. At 18, we start down a path of thinking for ourselves, when for the entirety of our lives other institutions have been mandated to think and do for us.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments