I think that one of the main problems with feminism today is that women no longer seem to have a common cause. Instead of having one main focus like feminists of the first and second waves, third wave feminists are divided. There are so many barriers feminists have to overcome and one comes from within the movement itself. In a culture that celebrates individuality and promotes multiculturalism it is difficult to find common ground.

The question of whether or not multiculturalism is beneficial to feminism is a difficult one. Certainly we should respect differences and work to make sure all voices are heard. However, I do not think that differences in culture should be respected if those differences promote practices that are harmful to women. In giving special rights to some groups we are sending the message that women who are not from our culture are not as important. By these practices within the United States, aimed at protecting groups' rights, we are allowing women to be harmed. Susan Okin writes, “Group rights should not trump the individual rights of its members.” I think that this is true of feminism. We should not protect group rights if they violate the individual rights of the women involved.

Women do have at least one common bond, that of being victimized simply because they are women. Oppression does not discriminate. As Dangarembga writes in Nervous Conditions, oppression “doesn’t depend on poverty, on lack of education or on tradition…men took it everywhere with them.” I think that women should focus on our common oppression while respecting differences. In this way we can work for a common goal and make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

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