From my experience engaging with different critiques of Marxism and social theory, I've found that the debates around intersectionality and Marxism are often misunderstood by many. Intersectionality, originally coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, emphasizes how various axes of oppression—such as race, gender, and class—intersect and shape people's lived experiences. This framework is not solely a Marxist creation but rather a broader social critique that complements Marxist analysis. In discussions about Marxism's view on racism and sexism, it’s critical to recognize that early Marx and Engels sometimes overlooked or inadequately addressed these issues. This has been a point of contention and critique within socialist and feminist circles. For instance, thinkers like Angela Davis and bell hooks, who identify with Marxist feminism, have expanded the analysis by emphasizing that racism and sexism are deeply rooted social structures with histories that predate capitalism but have also been shaped by it. When reflecting on videos or articles that claim Marxism sees oppression solely through capitalism's lens, I find it's essential to approach these claims critically. Marxist theory, especially in its dialectical materialist form, looks at economic systems and social conditions as intertwined. Capitalism may exacerbate racism and sexism, but these forms of oppression have origins that are not exclusively capitalist. From personal study, engaging with academic works rather than simplified summaries has been key. For example, Angela Davis’s extensive work reveals a layered understanding of how race, class, and gender interact. She argues that revolutionary change must address all these axes; abolishing capitalism alone does not automatically eliminate racism and sexism. Moreover, the misconception that Marxism denies the existence of multiple, overlapping oppressions can distort the debates necessary for effective activism. Recognizing distinct but interconnected social hierarchies allows activists to form more inclusive movements that better address the complexities of systemic injustice. In sum, my takeaway has been that combining Marxist economic critiques with the insights of intersectionality provides a more comprehensive toolkit for understanding oppression. Instead of seeing these theories as conflicting, it's more productive to view them as complementary perspectives that deepen our analyses and strategies for social change.