Influence Kimberlé_Williams_Crenshaw

kimberlé crenshaw introduced theory of intersectionality feminist theory in 1980s. although concept of intersectionality not new not formally recognized until crenshaw s theory. inspiration theory started while still in college , realized gender aspect of race extremely underdeveloped. realization came after noticed @ school attending there classes offered addressed both race , gender issues. courses available discussed women in literature , poetry classes while men discussed in serious politics , economics.

crenshaw s focus on intersectionality on how law responds issues include gender , race discrimination. particular challenge in law antidiscrimination laws @ gender , race separately , consequently african american women , other women of color experience overlapping forms of discrimination , law, unaware of how combine two, leaves these women no justice. antidiscrimination laws , justice system s attempt remedy discrimination limited , operates on singular axis; when 1 flows complete , understandable definition has not been written in law therefore when issue of intersectionality presented in court of law if 1 form of discrimination cannot proved without other there no law broken. law defines discrimination of singular cases can discriminated based 1 thing or other when enforcing law go solely definition , if discrimination cannot proved based on single definition of 1 discrimination or other there no crime committed.

crenshaw refers case degraffenreid v. general motors in writing, interviews, , lectures. in degraffenreid v. general motors, group of african american women argued receiving compound discrimination excluding them employment opportunity. contended although women eligible office , secretarial jobs, in practice such positions offered white women, barring african american women seeking employment in company. courts weighed allegations of race , gender discrimination separately, finding employment of african american male factory workers disproved racial discrimination, , employment of white female office workers disproved gender discrimination. court declined consider compound discrimination, , dismissed case.

crenshaw discusses intersectionality in connection experience part of 1991 legal team anita hill, woman accused then- supreme court nominee clarence thomas of sexual harassment. case drew 2 crowds expressing contrasting views: white feminists in support of hill , opposing members of african american community supported clarence thomas. 2 lines of argument focused on rights of women , hill s experience of being violated woman, on 1 hand, , on other appeal forgive thomas or turn blind eye conduct due opportunity become second african american serve on united states supreme court.

crenshaw argued these 2 groups rising against 1 during case, anita hill lost voice black woman. had been unintentionally chosen support women s side of things, silencing racial contribution issue. “it 1 of these moments literally feel have been kicked out of community, because trying introduce , talk way african american women have experienced sexual harassment , violence. defining moment.” “many women talk anita hill thing,” crenshaw adds, “they celebrate s happened women in general…. sexual harassment recognized; s not doing recognition of black women s unique experiences discrimination.”

my brother s keeper

a nationwide initiative open ladder of opportunities youth males , males of color. kimberlé crenshaw , other participants of african american forum have demonstrated through multiple means of media express initiative has intentions perpetrates uplifting of youth excludes girls , youth girls of color. aapf have started campaign #whywecantwait address realignment of brothers keeper initiative include youth boys, girls, , girls , boys of color. movement has received lot of support on letters signed men of color, letters signed women of color , letters signed allies believe in cause.

in interview on laura flanders show kimberlé crenshaw expressed program introduced response widespread grief african american community after acquittal of george zimmerman in case of shooting , killing of trayvon martin, unarmed african american teenage boy. describes program feel-good , , fatherly initiative not believe significant or structural program fight rollback of civil rights; initiative not provide kinds of things make difference. believes because women , girls of color part of same communities , disadvantages under-privileged males focused in initiative, in order make effective program communities needs include members of community girls , boys alike.

#why can t wait: women of color urging inclusion in brother s keeper
june 17, 2014 – letter on 1000 girls , women of color

the letter signed women of ages , variety of backgrounds including high school teens, professional actors, civil rights activists, , university professors commending president obama on efforts of white house, private philanthropy, , social justice organizations urge inclusion of young women , girls. realignment important reflect values of inclusion, equal opportunity , shared fate have propelled our historic struggle racial justice moving forward.

may 30, 2014 letter of 200 concerned black men , other men of color calling inclusion of women , girls in brothers keeper

the letter signed multitude of diverse men different lifestyles include scholars, incarcerated, taxi drivers, pastors, college students, fathers of sons, fathers of daughters , more. men believing girls within communities these men share homes, schools, recreational areas share fate 1 , believe initiative lacking in focus if focus not include both genders.