So You Want to Talk About Race

In the context of social justice, White privilege refers to sets of advantages White people have that people of color do not. Being able to shop without being followed by suspicious store clerks is an example of White privilege, as is receiving a higher salary than an equally qualified Black coworker. Oluo encourages readers to examine their privilege as a step toward creating opportunities for meaningful change.

Feminism describes a broad range of social and political movements aimed at achieving equality of the sexes. The privileging of the male perspective, alongside the unfair treatment of women, are key feminist beliefs. Various feminist movements have lobbied for women’s rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, own property, receive an education, and earn equal pay. Some feminists have also worked to ensure access to legal abortion and for the protection of women from sexual violence. Oluo criticizes many early feminists for failing to consider race in their discussions of gender equality.

Intersectionality refers to the belief that social justice movements must consider all the intersections of identity, privilege, and oppression to be effective and just. The term was coined in 1989 by race theorist and civil rights activist Kimberlé Crenshaw.