An Illinois woman posted a video where she blasts the concept of white feminism. She explains that “as a white woman [she] did fall into [this] trap” when she first got into advocacy. The woman explains that this form of feminism lacks inclusivity, as it completely ignores the struggles of others. She explains that it’s “pitched as this perfect little bow” and often uses the concept of “girl power.”
The Illinois woman adds that this typically centers around the concept that “it’s not fair that men talk to us badly.” She elaborates that while this is true, the problem with white feminism is that it “completely ignores the struggles of black and brown women.” Furthermore, she states that this ideology also ignores “intersectionality.” White feminism also tends not to include “the ways in which being black or gay or queer or having a disability can completely change your experience.” She states that “it is not simply men and women in this world.”
The woman explains, “There are millions of other categories that people can fall into.” She continues by calling out how “centering your experiences as a white woman” creates a problem where a “major part of the conversation” is overlooked. Additionally, she says that it takes “valuable, crucial time away from people who have other things to say.” She explains that this is why she won’t “comment about the experiences of other people.” Her goal is to “educate white people” and prevent them from being racist.
Illinois Woman Urges Avoiding White Feminism
The Illinois woman recommends, “If you find yourself being drawn into white feminism, [she encourages] you to branch out.” She ends the video by urging white people to do more than think about their experiences, “but the privilege that you have and the ways in which you benefit from the system.” Her goal is “intersectional feminism,” which she describes as “the ONLY way to make actual progress.” Many commenters agree with her sentiments. One calls out the hypocrisy of white feminism, calling it “so misogynistic that a majority of white feminist are against trans women or against trans man.” Another agrees, “trying to explain this to men, especially white men, is difficult.“
One comment adds that white feminism “causes white women to drown out and choke out the voices of other marginalized identities.” Another agrees with the Illinois woman, stating, “Blind spots in advocacy is how this cycle [continues].” One commenter adds, “Modern feminism, however, has evolved and now seeks equality between everyone.” Another comment reads, “Their ignorance of Blackness allows them to miss that our communities are Matriarchal.”
One even calls her “the only white woman I completely trust as a POC.” Another adds, “unless you’re super rich, you’re just being tricked into oppressing yourself while calling it girl power.”
