UNCAGED VOICES: MAYA ANGELOU'S EXPLORATION OF INTERSECTIONALITY IN I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS

Abstract

Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a powerful exploration of the interrelatedness of race, gender, and socioeconomic status in shaping individual experiences. Through the protagonist, Marguerite Johnson, Angelou offers a clear perspective on how systems of oppression intersect to create unique forms of marginalization. By adopting Kimberle Crenshaw’s Intersectionality theory, this paper examines how Angelou's work challenges the traditional narratives of race and gender because her (Angelou) memoir provides a critical analysis of the complexities of identity and social justice. The work highlights the importance of considering multiple axes of identity simultaneously to fully understand the experiences of marginalized individuals. By centering the experiences of a Black woman, Angelou offers a compelling narrative that challenges rigid conceptions of identity and oppression, eventually contributing to a more refined understanding of social justice.