After reading the text for our upcoming class -which I won't get too much into detail since we haven't discussed it yet- I was reminded of an instance I had during high school in a Gender in America elective I was taking. The class had been discussing this same issue of feminist ideology and women of color, and we were asked which one is more important, our race or gender?
From a sociological standpoint in world of mass globalization, it is a very conflicting issue that (I believe) creates an identity crisis. The author mentions the issues that arise when feminist approaches fail to recognize the differences among women and their experiences. White women have been the standard female experience and model for such movements, but what about all the other aspects/institutions that mold a woman's experience and/or those who don't identify with this status/experience?
I think about this a lot and it makes me think about the master status I want to give to myself and identify with and the one society gives me. I have always said that "woman" is my master status because I believe my gender will determine my treatment and roles within my race/ethnicity, but when I ask other women of color they always seem to place race above gender, and they make the same argument. There is not doubt at all that race and gender -as well as other institutions such as class- are intertwined, but does one trump another? This is obviously a case by case personal opinion, but what are your thoughts?
This is definitely case by case and I think it depends on what type of community you're living in, too. Personally, I feel like race and gender are treated equally. I don't feel like people discriminate only because of one thing when they do. If you're a female, you are treated differently. If you're a certain race, you are treated differently. They both go together and are discriminated equally, I believe. I can see where some people see that race and gender are treated differently, though.
ReplyDeleteI was also provoked by this thought of the many different types of feminism that were presented in the article, and it struck me as a necessity of the past. Although, I do agree that white women have shaped much of the history for feminism, and alot of credit is given to their work in advocating for women's right. I would like to think that the women's movement can move past the issues that have separated the numerous array of feminist groups.
ReplyDeleteIn response to your question regarding our master status, and which one do we place above the other, I have to say that for the longest time I was a firm believer in embracing the labels that I thought not only empowered me, but ultimately gave me the agency to change their connotation (these being a lesbian feminist) I have never been ashamed of my labels, but I have come to place a greater importance on the "label" that encompasses us all, and that is my status as a human being. Regardless of my race, gender, or sexual orientation- I am a human, and that is my master status.
I feel my master status is definitely defined by my status as a woman and although race is important too, I do not feel that would make much of a difference in a room full of men.
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