Intersectionality

Since I mentioned chapter 6 of COV from INCITE infra, here’s more:

That way, our alliances would not be soley based on shared victimization, but where we are complicit in the victimization of others.  These approaches might help us develop resistance strategies that do not inadvertently keep the system in place for all of us, and keep all of us accountable.  In all of these cases, we would check our aspirations against other communities to ensure that our model of liberation does not become the model of oppression for others.

Marriage Equality

While the California court took a humane and rational stance on the issue of same-sex marriage equality yesterday, I believe we should re-examine the weight of such a decision through the framework of what such a decision means in terms of heteronomativity and a belief in the institution of marriage.

I believe that the goal of “outsiders” is not to be like those of us who are percieved as normal.  The goal of the insider, and outsider is to be true to one’s self.  Here, I, as a hetero latino male, think an opportunity to examine the institution of marriage was missed for the sake of being able to “be like everyone else” which is not inherently bad and, probably from a legalistic standpoint a very good thing (e.g. equal protection/rights).  I can’t help but to think back to chapter 6 of INCITE’s Color of Violence Anthology (where the pillars of white supremacist culture are identified and analized for their organizing implications) and how white supremacist culture has ethnic outsiders fighting for aprobation, admittance, and acceptance in opressive institutions.

Of course, it’s cynical for me, as someone who has been free to marry for decades, to be dismissive of this victory. . .I’m not dismissive, i just want to know what it means at a macro level.

Me, with a different look?!?

Once upon a time. . .don’t laugh!  Oh, and that’s the 1st X/Chicana I ever dated.  Funny, smart, and an optimist. Continue Reading »