Kimberlé Crenshaw: The Urgency of Intersectionality

Introduction

• Speaker: Kimberlé Crenshaw, civil rights advocate and critical race theory pioneer
• Talk given at: TEDWomen 2016
• Focus: Understanding the combined impact of race and gender bias

Key Concepts

• Intersectionality: A term used by Crenshaw to describe the phenomenon where multiple forms of exclusion (e.g., race and gender) overlap, creating compounded harm.
  • Example: If you are positioned where multiple biases intersect, you may face greater systemic challenges.

Main Ideas

• Race and Gender Bias: Crenshaw emphasizes the importance of addressing both race and gender biases as they can intersect and exacerbate difficulties for the affected individuals.
• Bearing Witness: Crenshaw calls on society to recognize and speak out against these compounded prejudices.
• Impact of Inaction: Failure to acknowledge intersectionality can lead to neglect of those who are most vulnerable in our justice systems.

Insights from the Talk

• Double Bind of Prejudice: Crenshaw highlights how individuals at the intersection of these biases often experience what she calls a "double bind" - greater challenges and systemic disadvantages.
• Example Stories: Crenshaw shares stories and examples to illustrate how intersectionality operates in real-world scenarios, emphasizing the invisible struggles of marginalized communities.

Call to Action

• Advocacy: Encourage individuals and organizations to incorporate intersectionality into their frameworks for social justice.
• #SayHerName Campaign: Crenshaw is involved in initiatives like #SayHerName, which focuses on highlighting the gender-specific ways in which Black women are affected by police violence and other forms of racial injustice.

Related Topics

• Social change, gender, race, violence, equality, and activism are central themes in Crenshaw's work.
• The talk aligns with broader discussions on human rights, community, and identity.

Resources

• Abby Dobson: Collaborator with Crenshaw, using music to foster empathy and social transformation.
• African American Policy Forum: Offers resources and primers on intersectionality.

Conclusion

• Crenshaw’s talk urges listeners to acknowledge and address the specific vulnerabilities created by intersecting identities, emphasizing the need for inclusive and comprehensive social justice practices.