Unmasking Bias: Intersectionality's Role in Challenging it and Building Empathy

Have you ever paused to wonder how your perceptions influence your understanding of the world? More importantly, how often do you challenge the biases that shape those perceptions? As we discussed on the latest episode of White Women Wake Up, bias isn’t just a whisper in the background; it’s a guiding force that shapes our narratives, our decisions, and even our capacity for empathy.

In Episode 9, Karen and I dove deep into the concept of bias, using the infamous Menendez brothers’ case as a lens to examine shifting public perceptions. This high-profile story from the 1980s and ’90s offered a striking example of how societal biases both favor and marginalize groups—and how those biases evolve over time. Let’s unpack this further, exploring how our ingrained biases influence the way we see ourselves, others, and the world.

The Invisible Strings of Bias

Bias is everywhere—woven into the fabric of our upbringing, our media, and even our casual conversations. It’s the reason why, in the Menendez case, two young men who murdered their parents were initially shielded by societal perceptions of wealth and privilege. Their status as “white” and affluent painted them as upstanding citizens, delaying scrutiny of their horrific crimes. As Karen noted during the episode, “Bias for them, not against them.”

Fast forward to today: our collective understanding of sexual abuse has evolved, granting more empathy to their narrative of suffering severe abuse. Yet, progress remains inconsistent. Why are we, as white women, more willing to address issues like sexual abuse while shying away from discussions about racial bias, gender identity, or white privilege?

Part of the answer lies in proximity. Many white women can see themselves, their friends, or their families in stories of abuse, making those conversations feel personal and urgent. In contrast, discussions about race or gender bias often force us to confront our own complicity or privilege—a far less comfortable experience.

Comfort in Victimhood

One of the more thought-provoking moments in our conversation was when we reflected on why white women, as a collective, often resist conversations about privilege. I proposed that it might be because victimhood is familiar and, dare I say, comforting. When we frame ourselves as victims, we avoid the discomfort of accountability. Acknowledging privilege flips the script: it forces us to reckon with the ways we may perpetuate inequities, even unintentionally.

Karen challenged this idea, reminding me that not all white women shy away from these discussions—but the collective patterns are hard to ignore. Whether it’s resistance to DEI initiatives or discomfort with the phrase “white supremacy,” many of us avoid these topics because they don’t align with the narratives we’ve been taught about ourselves. If we see ourselves as “good people,” how can we also be complicit in harm?

Shifting Perspectives Through Intersectionality: A Framework for Change

During the episode, Karen introduced the concept of intersectionality—the idea that various forms of oppression overlap, creating unique experiences of marginalization. Coined by scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality highlights how individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups often face compounded discrimination. For example, a Black woman may experience both racism and sexism in ways that are interconnected and inseparable, creating unique challenges that neither Black men nor white women encounter.

Understanding intersectionality is crucial because it broadens the lens through which we view systemic inequalities. It helps us see that oppression is not experienced in isolation and that addressing one form of bias without considering others risks leaving vulnerable groups behind. This framework also clarifies why some issues gain traction while others stall: systemic racism, sexism, and other biases influence whose stories are heard and whose needs are prioritized.

Take the recent rollback of DEI efforts. These initiatives, designed to address systemic inequalities, are now being painted as divisive or unnecessary. This narrative—fueled by bias—ignores the lived realities of marginalized groups while centering the discomfort of those in power. Without an intersectional approach, such initiatives risk addressing only surface-level inequalities, missing the deeper, interwoven challenges that many people face. It’s a stark reminder that progress is not linear and that our work is far from done.

The Role of Personal Reflection

If bias shapes perception, then reflection can reshape it. One of the action steps we suggested in the episode was to examine your own biases. Here’s a starting point: think about a time when your perception of an issue or person shifted. What prompted that change? Was it a personal experience, a story you heard, or a relationship that challenged your assumptions?

For me, understanding bias began with unpacking my own privilege. Growing up as a white woman, I was taught a certain narrative about the world—one that often ignored systemic inequalities. It wasn’t until I started listening to the stories of my BIPOC peers and reading about intersectionality that I began to see how narrow my perspective had been. This wasn’t an easy process. Confronting bias feels like peeling back layers of an onion; it stings, and you might shed a few tears, but the clarity is worth it.

News and Nuance

Current events offer endless examples of how bias shapes narratives. Consider the disproportionate media coverage of crimes committed by people of color versus those by white individuals. Headlines often center the humanity of white perpetrators (“a troubled young man”) while dehumanizing others (“a thug”). These disparities aren’t accidental; they’re rooted in deeply ingrained societal biases.

This pattern extends beyond crime reporting. Stories about protests, for example, often frame predominantly white gatherings as “rallies” or “marches” while labeling those led by marginalized communities as “riots.” Similarly, economic hardships faced by white families are frequently attributed to systemic failures, whereas struggles in communities of color are framed as personal shortcomings or cultural issues. Media outlets may not overtly intend to perpetuate these biases, but the cumulative effect reinforces stereotypes and shapes public opinion in harmful ways.

Challenging media bias starts with being critical consumers of news. Seek out diverse perspectives, question the language used in headlines, and compare coverage across different sources. By doing so, we can uncover the deeper narratives at play and hold media accountable for the stories they choose to tell.

A Call to Action

Bias doesn’t have to define us. As Karen wisely said during the episode, “Bias often creates a perception that isn’t real, but it has very real consequences.” The good news? Perception is malleable. By educating ourselves, engaging in uncomfortable conversations, and actively challenging our biases, we can begin to shift both our individual perspectives and the broader societal narratives.

Reflect on your own biases. Take a moment to examine your perceptions of societal issues. Are they rooted in fact, or are they influenced by assumptions?

Engage in conversations. Push yourself to discuss uncomfortable topics with an open mind. Whether it’s about privilege, race, or gender identity, these dialogues are essential for growth.

Take action. Whether it’s advocating for DEI initiatives, supporting marginalized communities, or simply wearing a sweatshirt that sparks conversation (yes, our Wake Up merch does just that!), small actions can create ripples of change.

Keep Waking Up

Bias is like a lens through which we view the world. It’s not inherently good or bad, but it’s up to us to ensure it doesn’t cloud our vision. By staying curious, open, and committed to growth, we can begin to see the world—and each other—more clearly.

Until next time, stay curious, be open, and keep waking up.

-Jonelle