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We Have All Been Venus Williams: How White Feminism invalidates Black Women
Venus’s face said it all.
It’s a face a lot of Black Women have made when the accomplishments we have made, often in spite of all of the obstacles we’ve faced are dashed by White Women while simultaneously illuminating their own accomplishments.
So much for “sisterhood”.
Jane Campion, while accepting her award during the recent Critics Choice Awards, managed to take time to diminish the abundant and history shattering achievements the Williams Sisters have accomplished. In the short precious moment those who are privileged enough to win such honors have before their peers and the would, Campion proves everything wrong with White Feminism.
Campion’s speech started off well enough. She expressed how grateful she was to be in the presence of “so many incredible women,” praising Halle Berry’s #SeeHer Award acceptance speech followed by addressing Venus and Serena, expressing what “an honor” it was to be in the same room as them. Immediately, Campion’s speech took a turn.
“I’d also just like to give my love out to my fellow — the guys — the nominees,” Campion said, highlighting that she was the sole female nominee in the entire Best Director category, a subject worth noting.