Post by Gurin Ghost on Apr 26, 2011 9:39:40 GMT -7
From TWAC:
MAKING CONNECTIONS: WHY GENDER INCLUSION MATTERS
Oppression and control of the environment stems from social hierarchy and social control. Challenging sexism and racism is just starting to become a focus for many radical environmental groups. Understanding the links and commonalities of similar oppression within different social justice movements is key in fighting injustice and building larger communities.
Most radical environmental groups have left Gender Issues far behind in the quest for liberation. It is crucial to look critically at gender issues in the radical environmental movement, just as it is to look at racism, sexism, classism. Just like any other social grouping, gender variants span racial, sexual, economic and political backgrounds. If we are to expand our allies and build an inclusive movement that works against the roots of oppression, challenging social hierarchy in all its forms, then a gender revolution will only be meaningful if it truly and individually empowers everyone.
For many radical environmentalists and anti-authoritarians, in general, there may be the temptation to “smash gender,” or reject gender differences or pronouns all together. This may seem logical to some. However, this leads to an alternate form of authoritarianism, rooted in oppression. First, it denounces all experiences- good or bad- of people fighting for personal gender identity and liberation. Second, it is just reinforcing the oppressive constructs in which people are not free to choose their own identity. If one is constantly fighting oppression like people do who experience sexism, racism, classism, transphobia, homophobia, etc.- it’s safe to say that that fighting that type of oppression will most likely come first in activism priorities. If we, as radical environmentalists want an inclusive, ever expanding movement to help the Earth, we must create that- safer, inclusive communities that acknowledge the diversity that comes forth and not perpetuate the oppressive natures that under-represented folks fighting for liberation endure.
Gender must be liberated, but we all must have a voice in what that means, not from an abstract pre-determined theory, but a synthesis of real people’s experiences. Any strategy toward liberation must maintain the integrity of all our experiences and be willing to question how different communities can accept divergent and opposing needs without creating an atmosphere of punishing silences and real violence. We have a long way to go; our power is in drawing on our collective weaknesses and strengths.
A part of any revolutionary process involves listening to oppressed communities without assumptions. Questions and criticisms are a part of this, as well as continually questioning and criticizing ourselves.
twac.wordpress.com/
MAKING CONNECTIONS: WHY GENDER INCLUSION MATTERS
Oppression and control of the environment stems from social hierarchy and social control. Challenging sexism and racism is just starting to become a focus for many radical environmental groups. Understanding the links and commonalities of similar oppression within different social justice movements is key in fighting injustice and building larger communities.
Most radical environmental groups have left Gender Issues far behind in the quest for liberation. It is crucial to look critically at gender issues in the radical environmental movement, just as it is to look at racism, sexism, classism. Just like any other social grouping, gender variants span racial, sexual, economic and political backgrounds. If we are to expand our allies and build an inclusive movement that works against the roots of oppression, challenging social hierarchy in all its forms, then a gender revolution will only be meaningful if it truly and individually empowers everyone.
For many radical environmentalists and anti-authoritarians, in general, there may be the temptation to “smash gender,” or reject gender differences or pronouns all together. This may seem logical to some. However, this leads to an alternate form of authoritarianism, rooted in oppression. First, it denounces all experiences- good or bad- of people fighting for personal gender identity and liberation. Second, it is just reinforcing the oppressive constructs in which people are not free to choose their own identity. If one is constantly fighting oppression like people do who experience sexism, racism, classism, transphobia, homophobia, etc.- it’s safe to say that that fighting that type of oppression will most likely come first in activism priorities. If we, as radical environmentalists want an inclusive, ever expanding movement to help the Earth, we must create that- safer, inclusive communities that acknowledge the diversity that comes forth and not perpetuate the oppressive natures that under-represented folks fighting for liberation endure.
Gender must be liberated, but we all must have a voice in what that means, not from an abstract pre-determined theory, but a synthesis of real people’s experiences. Any strategy toward liberation must maintain the integrity of all our experiences and be willing to question how different communities can accept divergent and opposing needs without creating an atmosphere of punishing silences and real violence. We have a long way to go; our power is in drawing on our collective weaknesses and strengths.
A part of any revolutionary process involves listening to oppressed communities without assumptions. Questions and criticisms are a part of this, as well as continually questioning and criticizing ourselves.
twac.wordpress.com/