Intersectionality is a concept that identifies how different forms of power can have an impact on those who are considered not as important in society. In terms of what types of qualities it deals with, it takes into account race, age, gender, disability among others. The theory started to come into fruition when it became abundantly clear about how women of color were being oppressed, and this was a way to better analyze and explore how unfairly they were being treated.

My overall thoughts about intersectionality is that it seems to be another type of women’s rights movement having being associated with feminist movements. I think it is important for women, specifically women of color, to continue to let their voice be heard and fight for certain equality rights. As Oluo writes a lot throughout her book, this is something that cannot be taken lightly and an example that proves this is when she mentions in the section, “Is police brutality really about race,” that people with color seem to be the most targeted by the police because the “belief” is that they are seen as the most dangerous and unpredictable. This clearly states how people with color seem subject to racism and not being treated as fairly as others, and this is something that needs to change.

An example of intersectionality can be seen in advertising where media can be analyzed in order to understand different identities and power systems. Not only does it focus on different aspects of inequality, but also focuses more on research in general to better enhance knowledge about this concept.

Ali Wong and Oluo both discuss race in a very formative manner, although Wong is trying to be more humorous and Oluo is trying to be a bit more serious. What stood out to me was when Ali Wong was talking about marriage in terms of being with someone that is the same race. When people that are the same race are together, as Wong said, it seems easier to be racist when you are with another person because you don’t have to say anything to anyone about it. She talked about how her and her husband make fun of Korean people because they are a completely different group of people. However, she differs from Oluo because she is trying to convey that racism has affected her so much that her section about checking your privilege is so important in terms of what rights black people should have. Ali’s goal is to inform about racism, but to make people laugh and offer a funny perspective about it and Oluo’s goal is to also inform about race, but in a more heartfelt way. In terms of what types of audiences they are speaking to, both have the same audiences they are targeting, which are people that have to deal with racism on a daily basis.

By reading the chapter “What is Racism,” you can clearly identify how Oluo defines racism. Oluo defines racism as any type of prejudice against anyone simply because of their race. The issue is that this definition does not meet the requirements for putting together a system that deals with the problems of race in society.

In my opinion, this definition differs from how I have always viewed the concept of racism. I have always defined racism as one race disliking or discriminating against another race. However, after reading Oluo’s definition, I can understand her perspective since she has dealt with issues like this before and she sheds a whole new light on how racism has affected her in her life.

Oluo’s definition of racism is very similar to Ramsey’s video because the video indicates an example of prejudice when Franchesca was in line first for coffee and gets passed over for a white person because she is black. Another example can be seen when the barista had the confederate flag tattooed on his arm, which further clarifies the fact that he is a racist.

 

 

My overall take on the theme of race for this course is that I think it is something that we should definitely learn more about. This is a big topic for us in our society today and we should understand what causes one race to discriminate against another race, specifically blacks and whites. I don’t feel any group should say they don’t like another group. We are all unique in our own ways no matter our race or color. We should treat everyone with the same respect and treat each other equally. As we navigate through this course, I hope to gain more knowledge about race and understand more of why racism has seemed to divide us a little bit.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

My name is Matthew Rich and I enjoy all sports, specifically football, baseball, and basketball. From this course, I am hoping to enhance my writing and reading skills and specifically, understand more about how to start essays and compile all of my ideas.