Jumping into informed conversations can be hard. Fun, important - but when you don’t have the right language - hard. So, since I am relatively new to feminism, I put together a list of words that I’ve found to be important! I personally think that just having these words in your tool belt is a step towards being more informed, inclusive, and intersectional - which I think we should all be aiming for.
1 - Intersectional Feminism: Feminism is the belief in the equality of both sexes; intersectional feminism takes that a step further. Intersectional feminism recognizes the different layers of one’s identity that affect the oppression and discrimination they face in society. These “layers of identity” include things like race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, class, and body size. Intersectional Feminism continues the fight for the equality of the sexes, with specific attention to include and support people who identify differently than the majority. Example: A black, disabled, woman, will experience different levels of oppression and discrimination than a white, trans, woman. Everyone has a complex and layered identity, but each layer experiences discrimination and oppression differently. 2 - CIS-Gender: Someone who identifies with the sex/gender they were born into. For example, someone born as a female, and who identifies as a female. 3 - LGBTQ+:
The plus refers to:
4 - Patriarchy: A patriarchy is a hierarchical structure where men hold most of the power in a society. The patriarchy is often referred to as the system of oppression that feminists are fighting against. It is the root of misogyny and the strict gender norms that society deems acceptable. 5 - Sexism: Prejudice or discrimination towards one of the sexes: historically, women. 6 - Misogyny: The hatred of women. Plain and simple. 7 - Misandry: The hatred of men. Plain and simple.* *Many people believe that all feminists are misandrists (ie hate men). That is a myth. 8 - White Privilege: The unearned advantages that are predetermined by society to associate being white. Example:
9 - Hetero-Normative: The belief that heterosexuality between 2 cis-gender partners is the norm or default. Assumes that marriage/relationships are most fitting between two people of opposite sexes.* *Note - Many people raised in hetero families and living a hetero lifestyle assume this belief (regardless of intent). It can permeate language and ideals in a way similar to white privilege, adding to the oppression and discrimination of people who do not fit into this box. 10 - Title IX: A federal law that states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." So there you have it! Did I miss any important words? Let me know in the comments!
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AuthorMady is the host of Shouting About the Silence Podcast and Community. She is by no means a professional writer; she just has a lot of thoughts! Archives
October 2019
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