Solidarity is often defined as a sense of unity and commonality between people who share similar experiences, beliefs, or goals.
This concept can be challenging to achieve when individuals' identities are shaped by multiple factors such as race, class, gender, ability, and more. In fact, privileged groups may have an easier time forming collective bonds because they do not face systemic oppression that creates divisions among themselves. Conversely, marginalized communities are forced to navigate intersecting forms of discrimination that make it difficult to find solidarity within their own community. This essay will explore how social hierarchies create fragmentation and discuss strategies for building bridges across difference.
We must understand the role of privilege in creating barriers to solidarity. Privilege refers to unearned advantages that some individuals have based on characteristics like race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical abilities, socioeconomic status, and many others.
White men benefit from structural racism, sexism, ableism, heteronormativity, and other forms of discrimination that grant them access to resources and opportunities not available to minority groups. As a result, white men often hold positions of power and influence in society, while non-white men, women, queer people, and other marginalized individuals face significant obstacles. When white men form alliances with one another, they reinforce their dominance over non-white men, women, and LGBTQ+ people, which further fragments these communities.
In addition to privilege, oppression also plays a major role in dividing marginalized groups. Oppression is the systematic subjugation or persecution of certain groups by institutions or individuals with more power. Examples include racial profiling, police brutality, hate crimes, microaggressions, and many more. These acts cause trauma and fear among members of the targeted group, leading to distrust and animosity towards those who share similar identities but may not have experienced oppression firsthand. It can be challenging to find common ground between people who have different lived experiences, especially when those experiences involve painful memories or current struggles.
To overcome fragmentation caused by privilege and oppression, we must recognize our shared humanity and work towards collective liberation. This means acknowledging that all people deserve dignity, respect, and fair treatment regardless of race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, class, religion, or any other identity marker. We should strive for intersectional solidarity whereby individuals across different identities come together to fight against systems of oppression and support each other's self-determination. One way to achieve this goal is through coalition building between marginalized communities.
Feminist activists could collaborate with Black Lives Matter protestors to advocate for reproductive justice and police accountability simultaneously.
Coalitions require trust and vulnerability from both sides. Marginalized groups often face mistrust due to historical betrayals and exploitation by dominant groups. Dominant groups may be uncomfortable sharing resources or power with historically disenfranchised groups out of fear of losing their privilege. To bridge these divides, we need to build relationships based on mutual understanding, empathy, and communication. White men can listen to women of color discuss their experiences with racism and sexism, for instance, while white women learn about the ways they benefit from patriarchy and racial bias. By listening to one another's stories, we can develop a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives and find common ground in our shared struggles for liberation.
Creating meaningful solidarity among fragmented communities requires recognizing our interconnectedness as humans and working towards collective liberation. While it won't be easy, we must commit ourselves to challenging systemic barriers that divide us and work towards creating a more equitable world.
Can solidarity exist when identities are fragmented by privilege and oppression?
Solidarity is defined as the unity of people who share similar beliefs, interests, and opinions. When identities are fragmented by privilege and oppression, it becomes difficult for individuals to have common grounds for solidarity. Privileged groups tend to have advantages that they do not necessarily appreciate while disadvantaged groups suffer from discrimination and injustices.