Twitter is a social media platform that has brought voices from all walks of life to the forefront of public discussion. It has broken down barriers and created communities that were otherwise suppressed.

However, despite the platform’s intentions to improve diversity and representation, there remains a paradox. The very same space that has been liberating for some, has also resulted in the sisterhood divide.

What is the Sisterhood Divide?

The sisterhood divide is the division that exists among women in regards to issues of race, class, and experience.

It is a paradox because, despite women being historically oppressed and marginalized, the power dynamics within the gender have created an environment that can further marginalize and divide.

On Twitter, the sisterhood divide can be seen in the way that certain voices hold more weight and authority than others.

Women who are white, cisgender, and straight often hold more visibility and importance on the platform, while women who are of color, LGBTQ+, and/or disabled may have a harder time breaking into the conversation.

The White Feminism Problem

One of the biggest issues that perpetuates the sisterhood divide on Twitter is white feminism.

White feminism is a term used to describe a brand of feminism that prioritizes the concerns of white, middle-to-upper-class, cisgender women over those of women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and/or women with disabilities. This type of feminism perpetuates racism, transphobia, and ableism, and actively works to silence and marginalize the voices of those who do not fit into the white feminist ideal.

On Twitter, white feminism can take many forms. One common form is the use of exclusionary language and behavior, such as using ableist or transphobic slurs or talking over the voices of women of color.

Another form is the appropriation of the voices and experiences of marginalized women, such as using the struggles of women of color as a backdrop to promote their own brand or agenda.

Intersectionality

The key to breaking down the sisterhood divide on Twitter is intersectionality, or the recognition that individuals are made up of multiple identities and experiences, and that these identities are interconnected and impact one another.

Intersectional feminism recognizes that all women face oppression, but that the intersection of their identities adds additional layers of complexity and struggle.

Intersectionality means understanding that the struggles of women of color are different from the struggles of white women, and that the struggles of LGBTQ+ women are different from the struggles of straight women.

It means recognizing that women with disabilities face unique challenges, and that these challenges cannot be ignored or generalized.

Creating a More Inclusive Twitter

Creating a more inclusive Twitter community requires active work from all members. Here are some ways that individuals can work towards breaking down the sisterhood divide:.

1. Check Your Privilege

Recognize that your experiences and viewpoints are not universal. Listen to the voices of women who are different from you and work to understand the intersections of their identities.

2. Amplify Marginalized Voices

Use your platform to elevate the voices of those who are often overlooked. Retweet and share posts from women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities.

Do not speak over their experiences, but rather use your privilege to elevate and support them.

3. Educate Yourself

Do the work to educate yourself on issues facing marginalized women. Read articles written by women of color, follow social media accounts of individuals with disabilities, and seek out the voices of those who are different from you.

4. Engage in Dialogue

Engage in dialogue with individuals who have different experiences than you. Do not be defensive if your privilege is called into question, but rather strive to understand and empathize with those who have had different experiences.

The Paradox of Twitter: The Sisterhood Divide – Conclusion

The power of Twitter lies in its ability to bring voices to the forefront and create communities that were otherwise suppressed.

However, the sisterhood divide on the platform highlights the importance of intersectionality and the active work required to create a truly inclusive space. As individuals, we must check our privilege, amplify marginalized voices, educate ourselves, and engage in dialogue with those who have different experiences than us.

Only then can we begin to break down the barriers that perpetuate the sisterhood divide.