Mariam Khan's "Feminism Needs to Die"
As I read Mariam Khan's "Feminism Needs to Die,” what struck me the most was the phrase “White Feminism.” In her words, White Feminism “centers the agenda and needs of white, straight, middle-class, cis, able-bodied, women..” She then expands on this definition by saying that she doesn’t feel that White Feminism recognizes her identity as a Muslim and a person of color. She then stresses that when referencing a White Feminist it isn’t solely based on the person’s skin color, more so based on the idea that the individual who believes they are fighting for and advocating equality for all, is actually furthering the ideology that supports white, straight, cis women and that feminist agenda. She continues to share her experiences and how she has seen White Feminism really as the forefront of the feminist movement today and how it isn’t very inclusive of other women and of different backgrounds: race, class, ethnicity, religious beliefs, etc. This was interesting to me because it made me look back and think of feminist movements that I have supported in the past and who they’ve benefitted. The majority of them have largely pushed the White Feminist agendas. They were led by individuals who continue to push this very exclusive form of feminism that only benefits a small group of people. Miriam Khan also mentioned how she supports and fights for other women and their issues in feminism but isn’t sure if she would receive the same solidarity that she has for others. The sad truth about it is she wouldn’t. A lot of the time when different sectors of feminism support minority groups regarding race, sexual orientation, religious identity, etc., they don’t have as much support as the movements catered towards “White Feminism.”
