Colonize This!

1. Women of color navigate complex intersections of race, gender, and culture

"I am African and American, Christian-raised but Tao-embracing, invested in the plight of black men but my life partners are to be women, raised working class but with a middle-class education, peace-bound but activism-prone, and a feminist whose politics are centered around all life—not just the lives of women."

Multifaceted identities. Women of color often inhabit multiple, sometimes conflicting identities shaped by race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and cultural background. This intersectionality creates unique challenges and perspectives.

Navigating expectations. They must balance familial and cultural expectations with personal ambitions and feminist ideals. This can lead to feelings of being caught between worlds or not fully belonging anywhere.

Redefining feminism. Their lived experiences push them to expand narrow definitions of feminism to be more inclusive and address issues beyond gender, like racism, poverty, and cultural preservation.

2. Feminism must evolve to address diverse experiences of women globally

"For feminism to speak to people of color, it must not only acknowledge the various manifestations of oppression but also draw attention to their interconnectedness."

Beyond white feminism. Traditional Western feminism often fails to address the specific challenges faced by women of color, immigrants, and those in developing nations.

Intersectional approach. An evolved feminism must recognize how factors like race, class, sexuality, and nationality intersect with gender oppression.

Global perspective. Feminism needs to consider issues like:

• Poverty and economic exploitation
• Cultural traditions and religious practices
• Immigration and refugee experiences
• Post-colonial struggles
• Access to education and healthcare

3. Cultural traditions shape feminist identity and activism for women of color

"To be honest, when I first met another queer Asian woman, the 'gaydar' was in the shop. We are simply not visible in society, sometimes not even to each other."

Balancing heritage and progress. Women of color often struggle to reconcile feminist ideals with cultural traditions that may be patriarchal or restrictive.

Redefining cultural norms. Many seek ways to honor their heritage while pushing for gender equality within their communities. This can involve:

• Reinterpreting religious texts
• Modernizing cultural practices
• Creating new traditions that empower women

Representation matters. Seeing other women from their cultural background embracing feminism can be profoundly impactful and validating.

4. Body image and beauty standards uniquely impact women of color

"Unfortunately, black women have their own beauty ideals to perpetually fall short of."

Racialized beauty standards. Women of color face pressure to conform to both Western ideals of beauty and cultural standards specific to their ethnicity.

Media representation. The lack of diverse representation in media contributes to unrealistic and often unattainable beauty standards for women of color.

Health implications. Body image issues can lead to:

• Eating disorders
• Low self-esteem
• Mental health struggles
• Unhealthy relationships with food and exercise

5. Sexual harassment and violence disproportionately affect marginalized women

"The constant suspicion of cops and the leering attention of the male gaze disregard our experience, reducing us to presumptions and stereotypes whether we are labeled prey or predator."

Intersectional vulnerability. Women of color, especially those from low-income backgrounds, face heightened risk of sexual violence and harassment.

Systemic barriers. Factors that compound the issue include:

• Racial profiling by law enforcement
• Cultural stigma around reporting abuse
• Lack of culturally competent support services
• Economic dependence on abusers

Resilience and activism. Many women of color turn their traumatic experiences into fuel for activism and community support.

6. Queer women of color face compounded challenges and erasure

"Being an Asian dyke is no easy feat. People look at me and see my skin, sometimes before they see my sex."

Multiple marginalizations. Queer women of color navigate discrimination based on their race, gender, and sexuality simultaneously.

Invisibility. They often feel erased or unrepresented in both LGBTQ+ spaces (which can be predominantly white) and their ethnic communities (which may be homophobic).

Creating community. Many queer women of color work to carve out their own spaces and build chosen families that affirm all aspects of their identities.

7. Economic inequality profoundly shapes feminist struggles for women of color

"Class consciousness wasn't something I learned about at the small, liberal arts college where everyone called themselves middle class so that they could pretend life was fair."

Intersections of race and class. Women of color are disproportionately affected by poverty, which impacts their access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for advancement.

Labor exploitation. Many women of color face:

• Low-wage work
• Lack of benefits
• Unsafe working conditions
• Limited job security

Economic feminism. Addressing income inequality and workers' rights is seen as crucial to achieving true gender equality for women of color.

8. Immigrant experiences inform nuanced perspectives on feminism

"You have to make home wherever you are. This is what she did. And she thrived. I think of this whenever I hear anyone call Indian women 'weak.'"

Balancing cultures. Immigrant women and their daughters navigate between their heritage and new cultural norms, often redefining feminism in the process.

Generational differences. There can be tension between immigrant parents' traditional values and their children's more Westernized feminist ideals.

Resilience and adaptability. The immigrant experience often instills qualities like:

• Self-reliance
• Resourcefulness
• Cultural code-switching
• Appreciation for education and opportunity

9. Women of color redefine feminism through art, writing, and activism

"I created a cable-access show called Point of View to discuss politics. A local show, it aired in four nearby Bay Area cities. For every negative representation I saw of people of color, I wrote a show that allowed us to shine."

Creative expression. Many women of color use art, literature, music, and film to explore feminist themes and challenge stereotypes.

Grassroots organizing. Community-based activism allows women of color to address issues specific to their lived experiences.

Digital activism. Social media and online platforms provide spaces for women of color to connect, share stories, and mobilize around feminist causes.

10. Intergenerational dynamics influence feminist awakening for women of color

"My mother's most famous speech, which she gave often, was about how I should never rely on men."

Role models and cautionary tales. Mothers, grandmothers, and other female relatives shape young women's understanding of gender roles and feminism.

Generational progress. Many women of color feel a responsibility to build on the struggles and sacrifices of previous generations.

Evolving feminism. Each generation redefines feminism to address contemporary issues while honoring cultural heritage.

Last updated: November 8, 2024