White Feminism

White Feminism

Adult nonfiction
"White feminism is a state of mind. It's a type of feminism
that takes up the politics of power without questioning them by
replicating patterns of white supremacy, capitalistic greed, corporate
ascension, inhumane labor practices, and exploitation, and deeming it
empowering for women to practice these tenets as men always have. The
mindset is seductive, as it positions the singular you as the agent of
change, making your individual needs the touch point for all
revolutionary disruption. All you need is a better morning routine,
this email hack, this conference, that newsletter."
In her White Feminism: From The Suffragettes To Influencers And
Who They Leave Behind Koa Beck eloquently describes why the type of
feminism that is currently popular, celebrity endorsed, and
extensively commodified and commercialized is very far from
inclusive. Historically it has been and ironically (considering all
the talk of intersectionality) it continues to be an exclusive women's
club where those who are black, brown, disabled, poor, and nonbinary
need not apply. How does she do this? Let me count the ways.
There are the issues that are considered central and those that
are considered distractions or divisive, often ones of basic economics.
There are the people who are unseen such as the women, mostly
black and brown, who clean, cook, and child tend in private homes,
those Sheryl Sandberg's crowd needs to lean on in order to lean in.
There is the focus on individual women getting into the old
boys' club, climbing into the hierarchy of corporations, rather than
communally working to dismantle capitalist institutions of oppression.
There is the protest as brunch rather than serious struggle
narrative replete with branded merchandise and selfie opportunities.
There is privilege acknowledgement as self congratulatory end in
itself rather than impetus to change.
And there is so much more--all laid out in a cogent and engaging
voice. At the end there are suggestions for change. I think the book
is a must read for all feminists, allies, and critics.
But you don't have to take my word for it. Rebecca Traister,
author of Good and Mad, Patrisse Khan-Cullors, coauthor of When They
Call You A Terrorist, and Kimberly Drew, coeditor of Black Futures,
sing the praises of this highly enlightening volume.
On a purrrsonal note, I had a wonderful time last night. Three
friends and I spent five hours painting the previously white Wilson
Center fence rainbow colors. It now looks totally gorgeous. Sonja
was dj and she had a great playlist. We enjoyed a pizza supper,
snacks, and each other's company. It was one of my most fun evenings
of the summer. I also had a surprise this summer. I found out that a
piece I submitted for a zine coming out next year has been accepted.
(Jules)
I hope she got more paint on the fence than she did on herself.
(Tobago)
A great big shout goes out to our intrepid fence painting crew.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway


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