When we think of Civil Rights Organizations, we often envision groups that advocate for people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities and genders. They do this through public demonstrations and legislation as well as legal action through the court system.
Two such organizations are the NAACP and ACLU, both renowned for their efforts to combat racism and oppression through litigation, advocacy, and public education.
Feminism and White Supremacy
White supremacy is a racist ideology that asserts the superiority of one group over another. In America, this ideology takes many forms such as mass incarceration, police brutality and voter suppression.
Feminism is a political movement that strives for equality between women of different races. While this ideal may be widely praised by many, its consequences can also be dire.
For instance, feminist ideology can cause considerable harm both at work and home. Furthermore, this mindset can be particularly toxic for people of color.
Over the last decade, there has been an increasing recognition that white feminism excludes many people – particularly women of color in America.
This exclusion has caused a great deal of resentment among members of the feminist movement, leading to an increasing number of people of colour leaving it altogether.
The primary cause of this resentment lies in the history of feminists, who have historically excluded Black and Indigenous people, as well as other people of color from the movement. This stems from how feminism was first founded – as an exclusive movement benefitting women only.
In addition to this exclusionary mindset, white feminism has other negative effects on people of color. For instance, the white saviour complex is often present within this movement, which implies that white people must save other groups. This mentality has its roots in colonialism and creates a culture which views others as submissive and helpless.
Furthermore, this mentality can be further compounded by a tendency to soften up harmful language. Far-right figures often come across this way on social media platforms; not that their grievances are unjustified, but that their voices need to be heard before becoming influential figures within the movement.
Intersectional Feminism
Intersectionality is a concept used to explain how racism, classism, sexism and other forms of discrimination intersect and affect one another. It’s essential to comprehend how these issues impact individuals from all backgrounds, ethnicities and genders as well as their capacity for success in society.
It is essential to remember that racism and other forms of discrimination have their roots in historical injustices, which can be passed down through generations. For instance, Guatemala has experienced systematic discrimination against indigenous women for decades.
Many feminists utilize intersectionality in their work to fight racism and other forms of discrimination. Although it can be difficult to define exactly what intersectionality is, it is a way of thinking that can help combat such prejudices in an inclusive and equitable manner.
African American feminists in the 1970s and ’80s created this form of feminism. Its roots can be traced back to Black social movement activism during these same decades, when activists were fighting for the rights of people of color.
Feminists of this generation began writing about how race, class, gender inequality and other forms of discrimination had affected their lives. Leaders such as Gloria Anzaldua, Chandra Talpade Mohanty and Kimberle Crenshaw recognized that oppression was more than a single issue or problem.
These women began using the phrase “intersectional feminism” when writing about the experiences of different women. Additionally, they employed this concept in their community organizing.
Intersectional feminism is essential, as it challenges the idea that feminism is only about breaking glass ceilings. It promotes social justice by including all voices in on the conversation and helping to break down barriers to create lasting change.
Another reason intersectional feminism is important is because it acknowledges that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses. Without understanding our respective vulnerabilities, we will never be able to fight for justice and equality.
Laws to Combat Racism
Discrimination based on race is illegal and governments must protect people from it. Laws to combat racism often come from the federal level, while many states also have laws which address racial discrimination.
Racial discrimination can take many forms, such as job standards that differ from other workers’, housing denial and discriminatory police practices. Although it may be subtle and hard to spot, it is wrong and must be addressed.
The Council of Europe’s International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICERD) requires States to prohibit all forms of racial discrimination and eliminate disparities in the enjoyment of economic and social rights. Unfortunately, despite America’s commitment to ICERD, racial minorities in America still experience discrimination and lack of economic security compared to their white counterparts.
ECRI monitors discrimination and urges member states to pass comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation for equal treatment and the protection of human rights, including the right to equal protection by law against racial or ethnic discrimination. The European Court of Human Rights has declared discrimination based on race or ethnic origin incompatible with this right to equal protection under the law.
In addition to discrimination based on race, racial bias can also be manifested in the way people perceive their identities and values – this is known as “racial stereotyping.” It could take the form of offensive language, jokes, or even hate crimes.
Racism is a set of beliefs and assumptions that suggest certain groups are superior to others, or inferior. These ideas become deeply embedded in people’s minds, making them difficult to dismiss or challenge.
The ACLU’s Racial Justice Program (RJP) advocates for racial equality and actively fights discrimination in all its forms, from litigation to community organizing and training. It challenges racial profiling and other racist practices in education, housing, fair lending practices, policing practices, as well as in the criminal justice system.
In the United States, there are numerous federal laws that safeguard against racial discrimination in areas like employment, housing, credit, public accommodations and voting. Furthermore, many state and local governments have civil rights regulations similar to those at the federal level, and cities/counties may enact ordinances or laws related to civil rights as well.
White Women as Stewards of White Supremacy
White supremacists, white nationalism and the KKK may have faded away during the 20th century, but their legacy endures. At a time when anti-racism is becoming more widely accepted, conversations about white supremacy and its manifestations have once again gained public recognition.
White women have long been involved in and profited from racism, yet their involvement is often overlooked. According to historian Rachel Jones-Rogers, white women often played an active role in organizing racist organizations like the Klan.
Jones-Rogers noted that white women were often involved in lynchings and other acts of violence against Black people as part of an overall campaign to subjugate them, she noted.
Jones-Rogers stressed the significance of examining white women’s involvement in the racial hierarchy and how their feminism has served to uphold and expand it. For instance, many feminists have elevated whiteness to an ideal standard for femalehood, making it easier for them to overlook or downplay other women’s experiences, she noted.
White feminists have also perpetuated the system by teaching themselves to be deceptive about their racial views. This includes asserting that Black people are mean and using terms like “Karens,” a popular shorthand for perceived violations of White women’s rights, to describe such incidents.
These claims are often used to excuse the disproportionately high rates of police and incarceration among Black people, leading to more violence against people of color.
Some of these racially charged arguments and ideas are being taught in universities, such as the notion that women are naturally suited for housewives and mothering babies while men must provide care for their offspring. This kind of sexism often serves to undermine feminism.
Sexism also works to suppress black women’s social activism, such as making it illegal for them to attend events that benefit their community. As a result, black women are now forced to spend more of their free time working in social services or local government offices rather than being able to use those extra hours for organizing and advocating for social justice issues.
