Search results for: privilege
5 Reasons Why We Need to Stop Saying That ‘Women Are Half the World’s Population’
You’d think saying that “half the world are women” is a good case for women’s rights – except that this language hurts all of us in the end. Here’s why.
Read More5 Feelings White Allies May Not Realize Black Folks Have After Racist Tragedies
After an anti-Black tragedy, you might want to express pity for your Black friends if you’re a white ally – but you should really consider these possibilities first.
Read More3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Learning an Indigenous Language as a Non-Native
Learning a Native language isn’t as simple as you might think. These questions will help you make sure you do it in a non-oppressive way.
Read MoreHere’s Why Refusing to ‘See Color’ Doesn’t Actually Mean You’re Not Racist
Do you think saying that you “don’t see race” means you’re not part of the problem? These points will make you think again about taking a “colorblind” approach.
Read More5 Simple Questions That’ll Help You Avoid Unintentional Cultural Appropriation
Even if you know how cultural appropriation adds to racism, you might still be wondering how to make sure you don’t appropriate someone else’s culture. These questions can keep you from making a hurtful mistake.
Read More5 Ways to Let Feminism Guide Your Caregiving for a Disabled Adult
As a caregiver to her disabled sister, this author was stumbling along until she realized she had the key to respecting her sister and avoiding burnout all along. That key is feminism, and here’s how it can help you.
Read More5 Reasons Why People of Color Cannot Appropriate White Culture in the US
“Then you should stop speaking English and wearing jeans!” This response to cultural appropriation is so common – and so misguided. Here’s what you’re missing if you think people of color can appropriate white cultures.
Read More4 Myths About Undocumented Immigrants That Are Hurting Feminism
The one about undocumented immigrants “stealing our jobs” is just the start. Do you believe any of these common myths? Even feminists and other allies perpetuate them – and this author’s sharing why they must stop.
Read More4 Reasons Social Justice Orgs Shouldn’t Be Led Only By Straight, White, Cis Men
Have you read these numbers showing the lack of diversity in the non-profit world? It’s pretty dismal – and these are some really important reasons to diversify the leadership.
Read MoreWhat Is Fempathizing? 5 Ways to Recognize This Act of Internalized Sexism
Have you ever noticed how mansplaining is commonplace, but women are socialized to hold back? These signs of fempathizing might feel familiar – and this author has some empowering ideas for making a change.
Read More4 Things Men Are Really Doing When They ‘Play Devil’s Advocate’ Against Feminism
We get this a lot around here – the “other side of the story” about everything from the wage gap to street harassment. But this author’s seeing right through the guise.
Read More3 Ways to Prioritize Self-Care While Resisting Dehumanization – Because #BlackWellnessMatters, Too
Are you dealing with the hurt, but not the healing?
Read MoreOur Society Divides Sexual Violence Survivors into ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ – And There’s an Oppressive History Behind It
Have you noticed how society treats some survivors as “good” and some as “bad?” Here’s the disturbing truth about where that comes from.
Read MoreDear Fellow White People: Loving Hip Hop Doesn’t Make You (or Me) Anti-Racist
Are you a conscious consumer or one who contributes to the erasure of the reality of Black lives? Here are some concrete steps to being the former.
Read MoreAn Open Letter to the White Fathers of Black Daughters
In this beautifully written piece, a young biracial woman sets out to write a letter to her father – a white father to a black daughter. And her heartfelt words are what every white parent of children of color should hear: that race matters, that accountability matters, and that it’s up to you to make sure that you are a part of your child’s understanding of race.
Read More5 Ways to Fight Oppression and Create Harmony Between Different Cultures
Animosity over cultural differences can lead to anything from bully and stereotyping, to war and genocide. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We take in prejudice slowly and silently through socialization. But because we learn prejudice, we can also unlearn it. Here are a few ways you can fight oppression and practice communal harmony in your everyday life.
Read More8 Myths About Transgender Men’s Genital Reconstructions
There are a lot of misconceptions about genital reconstruction. “It’s just cosmetic.” “You need therapy, not surgery.” “It’s not like it’s life or death.” And that’s just for general reconstruction conversations! There are even more specific myths about individual kinds of surgery — ie: trans men. Here are eight non-truths about trans men’s genital reconstruction!
Read More3 Reasons to Stop Bringing Up Slavery When Black Women Assert Their Sexual Autonomy
As a black woman, I feel like there’s this unsaid pressure that I have to limit my sexual actions and expressions simply because there are so many prevailing stereotypes about black women’s bodies. Slavery is regularly employed as a framework to talk about black women’s sexual bodies today. And we need to curb this trend. Here are three reasons why.
Read MoreMake the Most of Your Media Critiques in 5 Easy Steps
Social media is a great facilitator for interaction with the media. But I have to be honest: some of my fellow Internet activists have their work cut out for them when it comes to their social networking rants, namely those critiquing pop culture. Here are some ideas to keep in mind the next time you need to type out a diatribe about the latest media sensation.
Read MoreGetting With Girls Like Us: A Radical Guide to Dating Trans Women for Cis Women
Trans women are a component of queer women’s communities, so a lack of respect amongst us just means more devaluing of women, when society dishes out plenty of that for all of us already. So with that in mind, I have put together some suggestions for cis women on thinking through some basic trans issues, including ideas on approaching trans women in a romantic or intimate context.
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