Intersectionality

Reflection: I needed a minute to sit with the Kimberle's TED talk. I tend to have an emotional response to a lot of things. It definitely made my heart heavy when the black women's names were written on the screen and videos of police brutality were posted. Being a White, Christian, female, I never have to think of being abused by a police officer. Looking at the intersectionality wheel, I feel that I have definitely been in several of those areas too. She is one of the most impactful speakers I have ever heard. Emma's dilemma about being discriminated against at work for both her race and gender is something I have never had to go through. She just wanted what we all want– a better life for her family. The overlapping effects of these 2 kinds of discrimination is called intersectionality. What was shocking to me is that it's hard for these people to even get help because it's hard to point out where the issue is tangibly. African Americans do get hired for jobs. However, they are mostly men. Women are certainly hired too, but they are mostly white. I can clearly see Emma’s dilemma as an African-American woman. To fix this problem, in 2014, the African American policy forum demanded that we "Say Her Name" to make intersectionality violence known. It's tough to digest, but it's even easier for me to feel guilty about it. Have I ever silenced someone because of ignorance of privilege? There are definitely people out there that need my help. I have said I was too busy for them. Kimberle explains that because of our bias, we have trouble with open-mindedness and accepting new ways of thinking about a problem. In order for a problem to be solved, we have to remember the problem and not let it slip through our consciousness. This is just one of the many stories of social injustice. My question for class: How can we prevent intersectionality from happening in schools? Image: open in new tab to view Hyperlink: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/diversity-and-social-justice/social-justice/intersectionality-and-school-psychology-implications-for-practice