Try A Little Tenderness
Not only is she fighting racism but Intersectional or multiple forms of discrimination, exploitation, & oppression at the same time.
This oppression is systemic — patriarchal power extends well beyond the immediate family. It includes a social order which gives men a privileged position of power in all spheres of life. From this position of power, men then determine the values and norms of the society and lay down the laws governing the behaviour of women and other marginalised groups, such as LGBTIQ, people with disabilities, or people of colour.
(Photo: Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee)
From my experience engaging in discussions about social justice, intersectionality is often misunderstood or oversimplified. It’s not just about fighting racism or sexism separately but recognizing how various forms of discrimination overlap and compound each other. For example, a woman of color might face both racial and gender biases simultaneously, which affects her opportunities and treatment differently than those who face only one form of discrimination. Patriarchal power structures reinforce these overlapping inequalities by upholding norms that privilege men and marginalize others across social, economic, and political spheres. I’ve observed that meaningful change requires acknowledging these intersections rather than addressing each issue in isolation. This means advocating for policies and social attitudes that consider multiple identities—such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability status. Moreover, it helped me personally to learn about the historical context of these systemic issues, including how laws and cultural values were designed to maintain male dominance and marginalization of others. Understanding figures like Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, who used their platforms to challenge such oppression, also adds depth to the conversation. Recognizing intersectionality fosters empathy and solidarity across different marginalized groups. It encourages us to move beyond simplistic solutions toward more inclusive social justice efforts that consider every facet of a person’s identity and oppression they might face.
