Racism : The Intersecting Axes Of Privilege, Domination, And Oppression

People are not one dimensional. Everyone has multiple identities that when combined, form who we are. The way these identities intersect shape our realities, impact how we experience life, and influence the way we are treated by others within society. The Intersecting Axes of Privilege, Domination, and Oppression diagram addresses multiple identities such as gender, sex, race, age, class, sexual orientation, etc. The identities examined in the diagram visualize that people are more likely to have privilege or face oppression depending on their classification within a specific identity. Due to intersectionality, many experience both privilege and oppression simultaneously. The four oppressive systems that have impacted my life in various ways are race, sex, heritage, and language bias.

In America, race is a particularly sensitive subject, especially for people of color. As a black person, I have felt as if I had been treated differently because of my race and consequently, have had to alter my behavior. I have been followed inside of stores and have tried to make myself seem less threatening by smiling more and keeping my hands visible. In the future, I know that a white person is more likely to get a job than I am. I would have to be twice as qualified to be seriously considered against a white person.

In our society, men are overwhelmingly the dominant group. Social spheres such the workplace, the home, and even public spaces display the disparity in which men and women are treated. Being a woman in a society that values men highly has affected the decisions I make. As a woman, I noticed that I always have to explain myself when it comes to male dominated interests. I love watching sports, particularly, basketball and footbal...

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...re blatantly anti-immigrant and harbor negative feelings towards those that speak a language other than English. I am not ashamed of Kikuyu as of today, however I am wary whenever my parents speak it in public because of the reactions people might have.

Intersectionality is complex. For example, I experience race differently as a black female than a black man does. And similarly, a white woman experiences sexism differently than me. Despite the four systems of oppression that were discussed, there are also many ways in which I am privileged. As someone who conforms to gender norms, is heterosexual, able-bodied, credentialed, young, middle class, and fertile, my standing in society is a lot higher than most. The unique thing about intersectionality is both the oppression and privilege have made me into who I am today and have ultimately changed me for the better.