Intersectionality defined by the textbook is “the theory that shows how multiple systems of power and oppression operate on individuals in various degrees that directly corresponds to their identity (Crenshaw, 1989).” This means one cannot simply look at one social category like gender or race, but one must look at how different social categories work together to form someone’s identity. In the editorial cartoon we notice that there are two women, one on top of the tower and another on the ground. I believed this is a great example of intersectionality. They’re both women, but one can assume that the one on top of the tower is of a higher social class than the one on the ground. This demonstrates that different combinations of categories create a unique category that cannot be reduced to a combination of its parts. Intersectionality is an important part of intercultural communications because different social categories will affect how people receive and transmit messages, or communicate.
After thinking about my move to the United States in 2018, I can recognize and better understand intersectionality. I recall moving to the United States and struggling with the different social class I now belonged to. On the other hand, my cousin who came before me was able to maintain the social class she belonged to in Burma. This shows how one’s identity cannot be studied by looking at social categories in isolation. My cousin and I are both ethnically Burmese but are a part of different social classes. Thus, we live different lives.
