In class we learned that intersectionality is an idea that different social forces combine to form an effect on an individual(s).  This helps to explain how certain people in a society experience different social factors.  A black woman for example, may have a different mindset when it comes to feminism or racism, since feminism can so often be applied only to white women, and the male privileges that exist (even in colored men) would not be in effect for black women.  Intersectionality is how we can understand individuals in these positions, since an umbrella-term like racism or feminism does not convey the same image for this type of person.  In Jacob’s narrative, we see a close and personal account of slavery as a woman, and the particular things that went with this, such as rape.  Jacob’s narrative differs from documents such as the “Seneca Falls Convention” or “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro” in terms of its accessibility and rhetoric; the other documents are written for broader audiences and in a strict, formal structure, whereas Jacob’s narrative is written in the informal personal tone, and depicts an experience that the other two cannot convey-  that of an African American woman.

The Seneca Falls Convention and the principle document announcing equal rights for women holds one crucial flaw – it does not necessarily advocate for those same rights for women of color.  There is a notable distinction between the two, even in the way that Jacobs was treated by her white owners, “My mistress had been accusing me of an offence, of which I assured her I was perfectly innocent; but I saw, by the contemptuous curl of her lip, that she believed I was telling a lie” (19).  This incident is indicative of the racist and oppressive attitudes inflicted on blacks during slavery, but it also suggests that this treatment holds its origin in the perception of blacks; how could white women understand the situations of black women across the country if they could never be in their position, or if they were owners of slaves before the Civil War?  Where the Seneca Falls Convention issues forth a declarative statement on the rights of women, it is also flawed in the same manner of the Declaration of Independence; it was not written with women of color in mind, “He has withheld from her rights which are given to the most ignorant and degraded men—both natives and foreigners.” This passage demonstrates a clear disregard for foreigners, “the most ignorant and degraded men” and this contempt could trace its origins to a belief that one race is superior to the other.

As for Douglas’ work, Jacob’s narrative again differs because it is highly involved with the intimate experience she held; furthermore, Douglas is speaking to a specific audience – black and white men.  Douglas makes his sentiments known through declarative language and addresses people who are in a position to understand and read his ideas.  His words may have been controversial during his time, but it would have caught the attention of white men.  It is, in other words, a document solely meant for men, and not inclusive of women.