Intersectionality
In this article, the author addresses the multi-faceted discrimination that faces black women in the workplace and how this practice has evolved into the modern age. Although everybody agrees that all humans are equal, regardless of their color, gender or race, the author argues that the sad reality sees many people discriminated. As if this is not enough, the various legal systems have been bent in such a way that they cannot offer any remedy to the victims of this vice. In expounding this problem, the author gives an example on how Emma DeGraffenreid and other black women faced untold discrimination, leading them to sue General Motors. According to these women, they were discriminated on the basis of their gender and race. First, the best and well-being jobs were set aside for the whites. Second, the few ‘poor’ jobs that were available for blacks were given to males. This meant that black women were not considered. Sadly, the court found in favor of the defendants, as the plaintiffs had not rightly established the basis of the discrimination they faced. This is the issue that motivates the author to write about this topic, and as a result, coined the term ‘intersectionality’.
Throughout the paper, the author analyzes the positions taken by the proponents and opponents of intersectionality. Opponents, for instance, argue that intersectionality is just an idea that cannot be put in practice (Why Intersectionality Can’t Wait - The Washington Post, n.d). Simply put, the proponents of intersectionality just play politics about the whole issue. The author argues against this. His approach is that race and gender should not be used as the basis of determining a person’s abilities. It would be prudent to ensure all people are treated the same, regardless of their race and gender. This is what humanity is all about.
There is no doubt that the purpose of the paper is to discourage people from engaging in discriminatory practices. He seeks to expose how the incompetent law regimes have made it impossible and difficult for innocent persons to get justice because of the lacuna that exists in law. Although there exist ‘equal protection laws’, such laws do not protect all individuals. Discrimination has found its way into the workplace, and the vice has been used to give unfair advantage to some people at the expense of others. The article is dedicated to any person who cares to take the issue of racial and gender discrimination in question.
Strengths and weaknesses of the article
Throughout the article, several weaknesses and strengths are evident. The main strength of the article is that it is backed with examples and explanations on intersectionality in practice. Despite people agreeing that any form of discrimination should be discouraged, the same has not been reflected in practice. This is mainly because of stereotyping, that some people are better than others. He also gives the example of the case against G.M to explain how the judicial system can be bent to promote discrimination.
At some point, the author advocates for a holistic approach to matters of racial justice. Through initiatives such as ‘#WhyWeCantWait Campaign’, the society is sensitized on why discriminating somebody based on their gender and racial background is useless.
Another major strength is as regards to the move by the author to coin the term intersectionality. This has ensured that one can bring an action of segregation in a single suit, even when such segregation is multi-faceted. Although the same is not the case in practice, the general perception is that the article has achieved a lot.
One of the weaknesses of the article is that it does not propose a strict enforcement mechanism. Although rules and regulations have been established to oversee this, the practice is different. The approach that the author takes is too theoretical, and it is difficult to see it being implemented. Simply put, it is all talk with no action. The article acknowledges that this issue has been talked about since independence. However, no tangible solution has been found.
Theoretically, the argument that the article takes works in favor of the audience. It serves its purpose well. The author argues the points out effectively. However, in practice, it is a mere sham. The article fails to capture the real position in practice, and relies on theory and wishful thinking. This has a negative effect that the audience does not benefit in real life. Regardless, the author articulates the issues perfectly. It remains to be seen whether the same can be effectively put into practice.
Works Cited
"Why Intersectionality Can’t Wait - The Washington Post." Washington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 May 2016.
