Reading Reflection 4

  In “Intersectionality and the Changing Face of Ecofeminism” by A.E. Kings, Kings explains how intersectionality is heavily ingrained in all prejudices, held also showcases the necessity of the rise of ecofeminism. Ecofeminism is important because it acknowledges the similarities between the oppression of women and the environment. Kings also makes the point that both intersectionality and ecofeminism are concepts that are still works in progress, with both needing constant evolution to move away from colonial roots.

I thought Kings’ thoughts on intersectionality were particularly interesting. The idea that one prejudice will often be connected with others isn’t something that I have directly considered before, but after reading this piece, it makes a lot of sense to me. Kings writes, “This ‘asking of the other question’ allows for the exposition of hidden forms of prejudice and discrimination, by exposing the various disadvantages and privileges which make up the lived experiences and complex identities of every individual” (3). This suggests that, for example, racism and sexism are heavily intertwined, and that a racist comment will often be rooted in the same hatred as sexism, and vice versa. I think this is because people who come from places of privilege often thoughtlessly degrade people who are different from them as a way to (sub)consciously maintain power. This cycle is viscous and effective at preventing marginalized people from gaining back their autonomy in a colonial world.

On page 10, Kings outlines how attacks on the environment are also attacks on humanity and vice versa, and the people most likely to be affected by environmental damage are female-identifying, hence the need for the term ecofeminism. Overall, I think that ecofeminism and intersectionality are important ideas that more people should be familiar with in a modern context. These two ideas help explain the nuance of marginalization and how issues are often more complex than they appear at first glance. Furthermore, they emphasize how already marginalized groups are subject to further marginalization due to the “interconnected nature of social categories” (71) that are typically oppressed.