Intersectionality is probably one of the most complex concepts in sociology. This is because it can always be examined at increasing levels, adding each person's individual story to the collective one. In a subject that tends to look at the macro level, intersectionality requires at least an examination of the micro. Because intersectionality affects each individual in different ways, it amplifies the concept of difference between people with different identities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay There are often calls for everyone to become one, for example instead of saying I'm black I would just say I'm American. This reduction of the individual to a monoculture is one of the most pervasive forms of erasure (Siebers). By asking people to redefine themselves based on the dominant culture, their individual narratives are ignored and equally devalued. The “refusal to recognize differences” only further separates us as a society (Lorde). However, the other side of the matter is that often, when differences are recognized, they are recognized individually creating a one-dimensional reductionist view of an individual. In fact, “reducing people to a single dimension of what they are marks them as other” (Johnson). So to weave the two dots together as a society we must recognize the differences; however, we cannot attempt to pinpoint one particular difference on which to base everything. You need to understand the intersections of everyone's identities. Recognizing intersectionality is important not only for society to better understand the narrative of an individual and a group, but also for the individual to better understand their place in society. “Intersectionality allows people to exist in both states of privilege and oppression,” that is, forcing the individual to understand both aspects of society (Johnson). As a woman I feel oppression, as a person of color I feel oppression, but as a heterosexual I feel privilege. By fully embracing the intersectionality of my identities I am able to create a better image of myself both personally and have a better understanding of the complexity of social systems. I am able to recognize within myself and call the attention of others to the ways in which “multiple identities – including race, gender, and class – limit the rights and status that individuals receive” (Steinbugler). In this way people are forced to see how differences interact with each other and how they can contribute to creating a more inclusive society. Everyone's ultimate goal is, or at least should be, greater equality, and recognizing intersections furthers this process. As a society we often view things as black or white, male or female, homosexual or heterosexual; however, “by examining identity as fields of intersection we can imagine possibilities other than binary ones” (Sengupta). While binarisms may seem easier to address, they often give way to identity politics where individuals must choose what matters most and then, once again, the result is erasure. When operating in binary terms it is very easy for “one analysis to deny the validity of another,” meaning that in a white woman's fight for equality with white men, she inadvertently excludes women of color who they are also struggling to overthrow patriarchy (Sengupta ). Lorde hypothesized that by embracing differences and learning from them opposing sides could be brought closer together. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now..