Intersectionality is a lens through which it is possible to understand an array of multifaceted identities that constitute who we are as human beings. This blog aims at explaining the concept of intersectionality taking into account its early meaning and modern understandings acquired more recently. Afterwards, it will narrow the focus on the TV series Gleeto provide an on-screen illustration of intersectionality, in the contemporary United States.
The term intersectionality was first coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989 to describe the condition in which a group of five black women found themselves: after suing their employer, General Motors, for discrimination, they were told they could make a complaint on grounds of race or sex discrimination, given that the combination of the two forms of oppression wouldn’t have taken into consideration by the court. Crenshaw asserted that it was impossible to consider the experience of being a black woman in terms of being a woman or being black separately, and elaborated the theory of intersectionality. The theory states that an individual constitutes a melting pot of unique identities which can only be analyzed when society considers these identities altogether, not independently.Thus, oppression against people who are discriminated through the combination of more than one identity trait is greater than the sum of its parts. The identity traits to which Crenshaw refers are, for instance, sex, gender, race, socio-economic status, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, age, ability/disability etc.
The TV series Gleeprovides a fitting on-screen example of how individuals can be oppressed and discriminated against because of the combination of identity markers that they embody. Examining the characters, it is possible to assert that a wide range of identities, such as different sexual orientations, genders, abilities/disabilities, backgrounds etc., has been displayed on screen in order to serve as a source of inspiration for people struggling for social acceptance. On the other hand, the series has been also criticized for having dealt with issues, such as race and disability, a little bit light-heartedly. However, on the whole, the series constitutes an anchor for onscreen representations of diversity and public opinion has generally appreciated its attempt to give voice to oppressed, marginalized, and invisible populations.
But let’s stop for a moment and forget about on-screen representation: what is the future of intersectionality in everyday life of what is called the Trump era? The recent election of President Donald Trump, and in particular the message that he conveys by means of his public figure’s speeches and initiatives, seem to suggest that there will be little room for intersectionality. Ableism, homophobia, xenophobia, misogyny, sexual harassment, etc. seem to be integral components of his political language. Nevertheless, right when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Intersectional Feminism and public representation are the answers to ensure that no one, no bearer of diverse identity traits will be left behind, but will be respected and represented as he/she should be.
To conclude, thanks to Crenshaw’s cleverness and consequent on-screen representations, nowadays intersectionality plays a crucial role, not only within feminist theories, but also for everyone’s everyday life, in the attempt to better the conditions of US social scenario. The only way we can consider our future is teaching our children how to treat one another with respect without oppressions of any kind, preaching Intersectional Feminism.