EMBRACING CONFLICT

• Published in: Journal of feminist studies in religion Vol. 38; no. 1; pp. 23 - 25
• Main Author: West, Traci C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Atlanta Indiana University Press 01.04.2022
• Subjects: Conflict; Feminism; Plaskow, Judith; Religion; Religious studies; Tense; White supremacy
• ISSN: 8755-4178; 1553-3913
• DOI: 10.2979/jfemistudreH.38.1.05

West argues that to address the proliferation of white supremacist habits in the "white space" of Feminist Studies in Religion (FSR) through a genuinely transformative process, we need more conflict. We ought to intensify conflicts that also bring discomfort to the familiar patterns of white entitlement and supremacist logics embedded in our existing academic practices. We need conflicts that fuel more disruption of our tolerance for the continual reiteration of those familiar, lived patterns. A feminist and womanist gender justice approach to antiracism in religious studies intentionally promotes rupturing conflict with traditions of repression and our communal investments in them. Therefore, it ought not be surprising that deeply uncomfortable conflict arises if we, racially, ethnically, nationally, and religiously diverse gender justice scholars of religion, choose to seriously engage issues of white supremacy. Proceeding with this engagement should be understood as a deliberate commitment to immerse ourselves in tense, high-stakes struggle with one another. But many are unprepared for it or do not share this assumption. Perhaps this is partly because we disagree on the extent to which the presence of racially and ethnically diverse perspectives constitutes a primary goal of antiracism.