"Israel's Genocide of Palestinians Has Burst Open the Hypocrisy of Western Feminism"

December 9, 2024

Good morning. Remember that every day is a good day to support Palestinians by questioning conventional practices. Even ones that seem progressive, like feminism.

Editor’s note: If you identify as a feminist, take a deep breath - this message might be hard for you. We encourage you to read it thoughtfully. Reply to this email if you are struggling and we’ll help you find resources.

LEARN. Read this essay by Pragati Singh Parihar in the Politics4Her blog, here.

NOTICE. What does it feel like to think critically about white western feminism, and to realize that “feminism” as a practice doesn’t center the needs of women who aren’t white? Do you feel offended, troubled, ashamed, angry, affronted, attacked, vindicated, validated, or something else? All emotions are OK to feel; the problem is when emotions lead to oppressive behavior.

ACT. Think about your own beliefs around feminism and the way it influences your thoughts and actions about the brown women of Gaza and Palestine, who may be Muslim, Christian or perhaps another faith (or atheist). Read through some of the excellent references Parihar cites at the bottom of the article and ask yourself how you can do more to raise awareness about the desperate plight of women in Gaza.

SHARE. Forward this email to at least three friends and colleagues who will want to learn about the critical bias the feminist movement has against women who are not white.

ASK. Can we help you learn to talk about white feminism in your everyday life? Please reply to this email (or, if you are reading this online, leave a comment below) to let us know.* We’ll help you find the resources you need.

In solidarity for Palestinian liberation,

Kay Coughlin, on behalf of the Shades of Anger collective

*You can also continue the conversation with us in the Speaking Up Network, a private social media platform co-created by Animah Kosai, one of the leaders of Shades of Anger.

Shades of Anger was created by a global collective of women to raise awareness and inspire action to free Palestine. We chose the name of our collective to honor the poem, “Shades of Anger,” by Palestinian-Canadian poet Rafeef Ziadah. We also believe in liberation for Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and all places where systems of oppression are causing immense suffering and crushing the life out humans. We are led by women of the Global Majority/BIPOC. Shades of Anger is for everyone who wants to act for liberation and you can learn more about it here.