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Intersectionality And Solidarity Within Parable Of The Sower By Octavia E.

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Identifying Intersectionality and Solidarity within Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler, RRWSC, and “Men: Comrades in Struggle” by bell hooks Throughout this essay, I will be exploring three different medias, the book Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler, the Red River Women’s Studies Conference (some talking points from Tammy Kromenaker), and the essay “Men: Comrades in Struggle” by bell hooks. I will be demonstrating how ideas of both intersectionality and solidarity are present and centered in these sources. First, I will provide some background information about the medias referenced. Parable of the Sower is a book by Octavia E. Butler that chronicles the journey of Lauren and how she navigates a dystopian world that is hostile …show more content…

Parable of the Sower addresses the intersectionality of race, gender, and class, and how these factors impact women's experiences. The protagonist is a young Black woman, Lauren, who endures discrimination and violence because of her race and gender. Moreover, Lauren’s experiences are also shaped by her socioeconomic status. She lives in a world where poverty and economic inequality are rampant, and she must navigate the challenges of surviving in a society that values wealth and power above everything else. In addition to exploring the intersectionality of race, gender, and class, Parable of the Sower also depicts the intersectionality of religion, disability, and sexual orientation. For example, Lauren's religion, Earthseed, emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity and encourages individuals to celebrate their differences rather than hide them. The novel also highlights the theme of solidarity. Throughout the book, Lauren creates strong bonds with the people around her, despite the many challenges and dangers they face. She forms a community of survivors who rely on each other for support and protection as they navigate the dystopian, hostile world that they live in. Overall, Parable of the Sower encourages readers to recognize the power that is found in coming together in order to create a more just and equitable …show more content…

During the conference, the topic of overturning Roe v. Wade was covered in depth. The overturn of Roe v. Wade will have a significant impact on intersectionality because it would disproportionately affect marginalized communities. For example, women of color, low-income women, and LGBTQ+ individuals will have less access to healthcare services and face more barriers to obtaining an abortion than white, wealthy, and heterosexual individuals. This would exacerbate existing inequalities and create new challenges for those who are already marginalized. With this said, the overturn would generate ripple effects beyond the immediate issue at hand. The detrimental consequences could directly affect critical areas like education, economic prosperity, and overall well-being. In her speech, Tammy Kromenaker reflected on a time when her friend in college became pregnant. In that moment, a switch flipped for her. She went from being pro-life to being adamantly pro-choice. She knew that in this moment, her friend would not be able to raise a child. Pursuing an education and a career is challenging in itself, and unimaginably difficult while raising a young child. This is why a choice is imperative. Furthermore, there was a strong sense of solidarity throughout the entirety of the conference. So many individuals came together to discuss women’s issues. Since the

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