Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Utah Women & Leadership Project forum, which focused on exploring the intersectionality of gender and race. The sole purpose of this event? To spotlight the topic of gender and racial inequality in America- something that has long been avoided, and it’s time we talk about.
Gender and racial inequality are part of our current reality– not a story or fragment from a history textbook. It’s an ugly monster that society has told us no longer exists. But, that monster never left and continues to wreak havoc, as recent events have shown.
This country’s foundation is built on inequality, using a system of advantage to favor those on top of the power structures. You see, women don’t have a choice- especially women of color. Many aren’t fortunate to have a voice and they’ll find themselves at the crossroad of gender and race, victims to oppression and abuse. The violence and maltreatment women, especially women of color, experience stem from the patriarchal and cultural system this country continues to play out, inflicting lifelong psychological, economic and sometimes physical damage. And in some cases, death.
There’s a problem with the notion society has chosen to embrace: turning away and victim-blaming while trying to find some justification. But, why should the oppressed or abused have to validate what they feel? Why are they the ones at fault for the suffering that they have had to endure? Why must we see them bleed to understand it hurts? By choosing to deny the horrors many of our sisters face, we fail them.
Personally, I have hope that America will one day see beyond the rose-colored glasses we’ve been given from a young age. Each day, we are seeing more and more people leading movements around the country, advocating for those whose voices have been silenced, demanding justice for those who the system has failed, while challenging racism and xenophobia.
Land of the free is a selective statement, proven to be exclusive to privileged people as time and incidents have demonstrated and we will not be free until we are all treated equally.