TED Talk Analysis: Michael Kimmel on Gender Equality

I thoroughly enjoyed this speech and Kimmel's argument that gender equality is beneficial for all, including men. His inclusion of the intersectionality of race and feminism aligned with my views on the issue, and even helped me to be proud of my views on the subject. In particular, Kimmel's anecdote about the white woman saying she sees a woman in the mirror while the black woman sees a black woman in the mirror resonated with me. As an Indian-American woman who grew up in the south, I think about my own race and the way others perceive me because of it virtually 24-7.

Even though Kimmel understands the relation between the oppression of minorities and women, many others have yet to see the light. Too often, individuals are bogged down with understanding the fight for equality in only the spheres that directly affect their own lives. On the opposite side of this issue, many people in positions of 'privilege' feel attacked and belittled when discussing the issues historically oppressed populations face in the modern world. Viewpoints like Kimmel's can provide much needed change and add to the conversation regarding feminism and intersectionality in the United States and beyond.

                                          Intersectional feminism is inclusive feminism.

Kimmel's speech was generally well-presented, with all of his personal anecdotes and observations serving as support for his main argument. His knowledge and clear passion for the subject added to his credibility and appeal, as evidenced by the obvious approval from his audience and the standing ovation he received. The way he presented the end of his speech, however, left me with a somewhat dry taste in my mouth (for lack of a better phrase for describing how it made me feel). The fact that he needed to justify that equality for men and women will improve the lives of men for gender equality to be deemed desirable by them was a disheartening reflection of the society we live in today. Shouldn't equality be desired by all? Shouldn't those with inherent institutional privilege rather than capitalizing on their positions, champion the rights of oppressed populations? Even though this part of the speech was demoralizing, we need to keep in mind that the fight against oppression is being taken on by more and more people every day. In addition, more individuals of historically oppressed backgrounds are able to live happy, healthy lives according to their own standards and desires than ever before. I leave you all with this quote by Michael Kimmel: "...we cannot fully empower women and girls unless we engage boys and men." Only through a united front and the cooperation of all can we abolish systemic oppression of women and girls.