Intersectionality - Reflection

 

    In Crenshaw's TED talk the topic of intersectionality is studied. While it is a very extensive topic, to be brief, intersectionality is how the different identifying factors of a person interact with one another and change people's perspectives about them. There are many different ways intersectionality comes into play in social interactions and hierarchy and in how people are deemed to have privilege and power in our society. 

    I have personal connections with the topic of intersectionality that I would like to share. Many of which came into clearer view while working on the intersectionality wheel in class and watching the TED talk. I know first and foremost that I have inherent privileges because I am white, none of my following statements in any way are trying to minimize that fact. My whiteness will always provide me with inherent privileges that people of color are not given automatically and we as a society must continue our work to push past this prejudices and privileges to ensure all people are treated the same and given equal playing fields to succeed upon. All this to say, there still are some other parts about me that intersect with that which results in loss of privilege and additional difficulties moving through society. Some of these things are my sexuality, gender, economic status and neurodevelopmental status. As a queer, trans person I am more vulnerable to discrimination and acts of bigotry based upon who I love and the way I identify. Additionally as an AFAB (assigned female at birth) I am vulnerable to attacks upon my rights to my body and the medical care I choose to pursue with it. Furthermore as a person of a family with a lower income I am financially vulnerable to certain events that others would not be. For some, their care breaking down would be just an inconvenience, for me it would be financially devastating. Lastly as a person who is neurodivergent (which can be defined as any person who's brain processes information in a different way than the typical population and covers a wide range of mental conditions) I experience the world in a different way, often leading to others struggling to provide the accommodations or extra patience I may need. 

    All of these different categories make up me and who I am as a person. All of these attributes interact with others and affect how I move about the world. None of these factors can be isolated from one another as they all look different when complied together into who I am.