Intersectionality
The theory of intersectionality Intersectionality is a framework that is used to describe how people are affected by a number of disadvantages or discrimination. In this case, the theory holds that discrimination might result from one’s race, gender, class, religion, among other identity markers. The theory also holds that these makers are dependent, and, in most cases, oppression results from a combination of two or more elements (Khan Academy, 2015, 2:04). Intersectionality is important in that it acts as a lens under which people view and understand themselves and their view of the world. The theory also enlightens us on why and how we differ from other people with regards to beliefs, values, and even class.
Personal Experience Before landing on my current job, I once applied for the position as a consultant in a given company. The job also involved a combination of other front-office responsibilities. However, the majority of the interviewees were women in their mid ages. Despite being in the same age bracket, the company only hired three white women. The company preferred white women because the company was located in a white-dominated community. They also perceived the “front-office element” as a factor that made the position a gendered job. In this case, I was discriminated against because of my gender and color.
What Would You Do
From the video, most people did not suspect the white guy and the white lady. However, a few stopped to inquire why the white guy was trying to take the bike away (Aman2k, 2012, 1:17). Contrary, those who stopped by the white lady were even willing to help her despite her noting that it was not her bike. This shows that based on race, whites are not suspected to be criminals. However, based on gender, women’s attractiveness make them appear to be better and hence less likely to be involved in crime. On the other side, the black guy attracts a crowd in not time. Some people even decide to call the police. This shows that black people have been a target of mistakenly placed aggression and discrimination. More precisely, black men are the primary suspects.
In the society, discrimination comes top of a list of barriers that face black men (Columbia Business School, 2012). Majority of them are viewed as gangsters, drug dealers, criminals, and even victims of violent crimes. The problem also faces other men of color such as the Latinos and Hispanic. It is for this reason that most of them are in prison,others are jobless, or at one point in life they have encountered police brutality. Contrary, most of the stereotypical associations of white men are positive. Despite most people asserting that they are color-blind, racism is still evident in our society.
References
Aman2k (2011). Racial Stereotyping: You see a black guy, white guy, pretty girl committing a crime. What you do? Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ABRlWybBqM
Columbia Business School (2012). Gender and Race: How Overlapping Stereotypes Affect Interracial Dating, Leadership Selection, and Athletic Participation. Retrieved from: https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/newsroom/newsn/2214/gender-and-race-how-overlapping-stereotypes-affect-interracial-dating-leadership-selection-and-athletic-participation
Khan Academy (2015). Intersectionality: Social Inequality. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2kUpKP18z8