The Obfuscation of the Realities of Women of Color Due to the False Dichotomy Phrasing of “Women and Minorities”

Abstract

This brief challenges readers to examine the meaning, intention, and consequences of their use of the phrases “Women and Minorities” and “Women and People of Color.” I assert that the use of that language makes Women of Color invisible while unintentionally or intentionally defining White women and Men of Color as the de facto norms, thus obfuscating the lived realities of Women of Color. I provide recommendations for intersectional language and research, and guidelines for journal editors regarding expectations of intersectional scholarship.

Keywords:

• Ethical guidelines
• intersectionality
• racism
• sexism

Acknowledgments

I am grateful for the helpful and insightful comments and edits by Beth Boyd, Jennifer Callahan, and Kim Case to a previous version of this manuscript.