Fragmented Feminism: What It Is and How to Heal

"I Am The Dream And The Hope Of The Slave

But the dream ain't giving what it's supposed to had gave

Makes me wonder, as the star spangled banner yet waves

Can we truly be free, in the Home Of The Brave?"

These words came to me in a moment of deep pain and indignation after learning about the recent ruling on the Fearless Fund . The verdict declared that venture capital firms focused on giving grants to Black women are unconstitutional. This ruling struck a nerve, crystallizing the frustration and systemic inequities that Black women face daily. The dream we’ve been sold feels increasingly unattainable, especially when the structures meant to support us are dismantled.

The Fragmentation of Feminism

In a conversation with my friend Leslie Venetz, we delved into the heart of fragmented feminism. Leslie had just finished reading Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi Jones , and one chapter struck a chord with her—Ajayi Jones’s critique of “micro appreciation.” Leslie shared how Ajayi Jones challenges the act of silently affirming someone instead of using one's privilege to affirm them out loud. This resonates deeply with the broader issue within feminism: the fragmentation that leaves Black women feeling marginalized within a movement meant to uplift all women.

Writing for the Why Women newsletter has made me hyper-aware of the work still needed to unite feminists across intersectional identities. Healing these rifts is essential for feminism to reach its full potential. By building trust and recognizing the unique challenges faced by different groups, we can circumvent the need for approval from those who only care about women’s outcomes when it benefits them financially.

The WNBA as a Microcosm

The debate over whether the WNBA should center Caitlyn Clark , a talented white player, highlights the ongoing issue of fragmented feminism. Caitlyn Clark’s rise has sparked conversations about visibility and representation in the league. While her prominence may attract new fans and sponsors, it risks overshadowing the achievements and struggles of Black players who have historically faced more significant challenges in gaining recognition and support.

Paige Bueckers , a celebrated player, once commented, "I’m grateful for all the attention Caitlyn is bringing to the game, but we must remember the contributions of all players, especially those who have paved the way." Angel Reese echoed this sentiment, noting, "It's great to see the league getting attention, but let's make sure it's inclusive and recognizes everyone’s hard work." Cameron Brink added, "Caitlyn is an incredible player, but the focus on one individual can sometimes overshadow the collective effort and the diversity of talent in the league."

The Broader Implications

The situation in the WNBA is a reflection of a broader societal issue. Jemele Hill’s commentary on the WNBA’s struggle for respect highlights how centering a white player can inadvertently sideline Black players who have been the backbone of the league. This is a microcosm of how initiatives intended to uplift women can disproportionately benefit white women, leaving Black women behind.

Programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs were designed to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, systemic biases resulted in white women receiving a larger share of these funds compared to Black women. According to a study by the Center for Responsible Lending, 95% of Black-owned businesses did not receive PPP loans they applied for, compared to 60% of white-owned businesses. Similarly, diversity and inclusion initiatives in corporate America often focus on gender over race, leading to more white women benefiting from promotions and opportunities than Black women.

The Socioeconomic Danger of Misinterpreting Efforts to Mitigate Bias

The Fearless Fund ruling underscores the socioeconomic danger of treating efforts to mitigate bias and disparity as biases and disparities themselves. Programs like the Fearless Fund are crucial because they address the specific barriers faced by Black women entrepreneurs. By declaring such efforts unconstitutional, we risk deepening the economic divide and reinforcing the systemic barriers these programs aim to dismantle.

Other Examples of Disproportionate Benefits

1. Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program
2. Educational Scholarships
3. Women in Tech Programs

Healing Fragmented Feminism

To address fragmented feminism, we must:

1. Acknowledge the Disparities: Recognize the unique challenges faced by Black women and other marginalized groups within the feminist movement.
2. Targeted Support: Design programs that specifically address the needs of these groups rather than broad initiatives that often benefit white women more.
3. Public Affirmation: Use our privilege to affirm and support marginalized voices publicly, as Luvvie Ajayi Jones advocates.
4. Intersectional Policies: Develop policies and initiatives that consider the intersection of race, gender, and other identities.
5. Highlight Successes and Challenges: Continuously highlight the successes and ongoing challenges of Black women in various fields to ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Moving Forward

To truly unify the feminist movement and make it as powerful as it can be, we need to build trust across intersectional lines. As Leslie, myself, and many others have experienced in our personal friendships, this trust is foundational. Together, we can make progress in ways that bypass the need for approval from those who are only interested in women’s outcomes when it serves them financially.

"With shards in our skin, from glass ceilings shattered

Lashes on our backs where our ancestors were battered

Yet, hope in our hearts, in our eyes a gleam

Callouses on our hands

As we build A New Dream"

This poetic vision calls for a new era of feminism that is inclusive and intersectional. We must challenge the status quo and ensure that all women, including Black women, can reach their full potential without the need for a step stool.

Conclusion

Fragmented feminism is a systemic issue that requires deliberate and targeted efforts to heal. By focusing on intersectional support, publicly affirming marginalized voices, and designing inclusive policies, we can create a more equitable, united and ultimately more effective feminist movement.

References

• Hill, Jemele. Jemele Hill’s Commentary on the WNBA
• McKinsey & Company. "Women in the Workplace 2020." McKinsey Report
• National Community Reinvestment Coalition. NCRC Study
• Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Kauffman Report on Access to Capital
• Center for Responsible Lending. CRL Report
• U.S. Government Accountability Office. GAO Report
• National Center for Education Statistics. NCES Report
• National Science Foundation. NSF Report