The year of 2020 has been a difficult time for everyone. With one of the largest civil rights movements to date, a worldwide pandemic, and arguably the most important presidential election at our feet, concerns have never been more valid. Now more than ever, we at the Center for Women’s and Gender Equity (CWGE) recognize how vital it is to create safe spaces to continue having enriching conversations. Consciousness Raisings are our way of providing these resources to UNC in order to better educate one another for positive change.
The CWGE presents the podcast “Intersectionality Matters with Kimberlé Crenshaw”, an American rights activist passionate about educating her audience on current events, their impact on America and creating a call for action.
Within episode 9 “Under the Blacklight: The Intersectional Vulnerabilities that COVID Lays Bare”, Crenshaw holds a conversation on the sociological and political effects of COVID on America. She begins by emphasizing that although tragic, this event has undoubtedly brought attention to needs we have continuously ignored. Discussions arise about domestic workers and medical staff on the front lines during this pandemic, along with their lack of safety. Highlighted is the notion that the people we need most are ironically treated so poorly right now, and how the health care market capitalizes on disease. Crenshaw and her members continue to stress that who is most vulnerable is structured, not biological, and that race isn’t the risk, its racism. The spike in Chinese discrimination along with targeted justifications of Black racism and Hispanic oppression is introduced while connecting the racial disparities the system and COVID have created. She and her group decide to end their informative conversation with a call for action to continuously participate in safe COVID practices such as washing your hands, wearing your mask and social distancing.
The CWGE encourages UNC to engage in conversations outside of one’s comfort zone while being
open minded and understanding. To support these vital discussions, we invite students
to our next Student Consciousness Raising being held via Zoom Wednesday, October 21 from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. We ask that attendees
listen to “Intersectionality Matters with Kimberlé Crenshaw” episode 12 prior to the
meeting in order to deepen the conversation.
Listen to Episode 12
