So You Want to Talk About Race

Chapter 5 focuses on intersectionality. The term refers to interconnections of social categories, such as race, class, and gender, which create overlapping and interdependent systems of disadvantage or discrimination. Race theorist and civil rights activist Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term in 1989 to describe the ways in which race and gender combine to impact the lives of women of color. Prominent Black feminists quickly adopted intersectionality as a theory and practice to describe the need for a more holistic view of race and gender, holding that all intersections of identity, privilege, and oppression must be considered to arrive at a more just world.

In this chapter, Oluo argues that social justice movements have generally been slow to take up intersectional practices. She cites several reasons for this. First, intersectionality slows things down. Considering the needs of a select few is faster and easier than taking into account the needs of diverse groups. Second, intersectionality forces people to address their privilege. Third, intersectionality decentralizes those accustomed to being the focus of attention. Last, intersectionality forces diverse people to interact with each other. Intersectionality presents challenges, but without it, broad justice will remain elusive. A more inclusive justice is possible if race, gender, sexuality, ability, and class are taken into account.