On the Advent of Intersectionality
On the Advent of Intersectionality, by J.A.
Simmons, JD Candidate, Class of 2023
“Intersectionality” is a term coined by American
civil rights advocate and UCLA School of Law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw. She
defines intersectionality as a framework for seeing how multiple social factors
(such as race, class, gender, and sexuality) all connect; especially in the
context of existing power dynamics and given disadvantages. See Kimberlé W. Crenshaw, On Intersectionality:
Essential Writings (2014).
Intersectionality demands an integrated perspective of how identities interweave, and
the unique combinations that can occur within people. For example, while one
might study race or gender studies,
intersectionality seeks to understand the implications of overlapping race and gender identities.
This
sort of cross-over analysis is most prominently portrayed in film. For example,
Marlon Riggs’ performative documentary “Tongues United” powerfully showcases
the plight of gay African American men as they navigate both homophobia and
hyper-sexualization. Furthermore, a
spiritual successor to Riggs’ work is found in the 2016 film “Moonlight”–directed
by Barry Jenkins. This critically-acclaimed film deftly portrays overlapping
themes of hyper-masculinity, vulnerability, and sexuality while following the
life of Chiron, the main character. The director describes Moonlight as a “hood-arthouse
coming-of-age LGBT drama.” Britannica, Barry
Jenkins: American Director, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barry-Jenkins
(last visited Feb. 5, 2022). Similar to Riggs’ work, “Moonlight” powerfully
showcases the difficulties of navigating multiple identities in today’s world.
The
field of intersectionality, in its many mediums, is an important advancement in
academic and public discourse. It represents a significant shift from seeing
social archetypes as separate spheres of study, to a more integrated
perspective of identity. Nowadays, social research papers will consistently
include a section on “Intersectionality”—describing the ways in which a study
is significant to multiple different fields. Doing so increases collaboration
and encourages a recognition of the bigger picture. Popular media also
continues to highlight different stories which include a greater variety of
inter-woven identities. As we continue to learn more about the world we live
in, more connections will be made. Intersectionality is a great leap towards a
more holistic, inclusive, and diverse conceptualization of our society. One
that includes not only the many identities and people that exist within it, but
also the spaces between them.
