What is an ally?
An ally is a person who uses their privilege to advocate on behalf of and chooses to stand for/with marginalized communities* by taking action to dismantle systems of oppression.
*Marginalized communities are those who are targeted by oppression. Including but not limited to: POC (people of color), the LGBTQ community, women, immigrants, refugees, etc.
1. Listen
Listening is the first step in becoming a better ally. In order to best understand how to help marginalized communities, listen to what they are telling you. This can be through a variety of platforms, whether it’s in person face-to-face, through social media, podcasts, articles, etc. At the end of the day, it is not about you and your opinions, but it is about hearing theirs.
2. Educate Yourself
One of the most important steps that you can take is to unlearn racial biases and educate yourself on what it really means to be antiracist. Especially at a predominantly white institution like Bucknell, there is a lack of knowledge about racism and discrimination. However, do not turn to your BIPOC friends to ask them to explain these concepts to you because it is not their job. You should actively do your own research to learn what has been done before, what has worked, and what still needs to change moving forward. Reading books/articles, watching films, as well as listening to podcasts about the history and current issues facing marginalized communities that also discuss race and racism through analysis are some great ways to get educated.
Below is a list of some great sources that you can read/watch:
- Rachel Elizabeth Cargle, "Why You Need to Stop Saying "All Lives Matter"
- Nova Reid, "An Introductory Anti-Racism Guide"
- Bryan Stevenson, "We Need to Talk About an Injustice"
3. Welcome Discomfort
In order to work towards becoming a better ally, you may need to face uncomfortable conversations. When these conversations are encountered, try not to dismiss them, as your comfort comes at the expense of others. Dismissing these conversations allows you to directly benefit from social structures that harm marginalized communities, so it is best to rather engage in them because it can also be an opportunity to grow and learn more. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
4. Speak up and Intervene
Being a person of privilege allows you to have access to social circles that members of marginalized communities do not. For example, if you hear racist or hateful language by friends or family, call them out on it. This allows you to speak up against ignorant comments for those who aren’t there, which also prevents silence, a harmful tactic that will allow the oppression to continue.
5. Be Aware of Performative Allyship/Activism
Performative allyship/activism is when someone with privilege from a non marginalized group shows support in a way that isn’t helpful to the marginalized group. This usually involves the person receiving a “reward.” So for example, on a social media platform, such as Instagram, an individual posting a black square with a hashtag in support of the Black Lives Matter movement will give them that virtual pat on the back for having “done their part because everyone else is doing it.” The problem with this is that it excuses those with privilege from making personal sacrifices to actually take real action. So posting a black square with a simple hashtag should not be something to check off your to-do-list that you have publicly declared your stance against racism. Although it can be difficult to not fall into the trap of thinking that your activism can begin and end with a hashtag, at the end of the day, systemic racism does not care about one simple post or hashtag. It should be noted that this does not mean posting on social media to stand in support and solidarity should be discouraged, but more so, the next time you post or repost to show your allyship, ask yourself: are you posting this because it’s with the intention of sharing resources and being a true ally, or just because everyone else is doing it so it will make you look good?
6. Learn From Your Mistakes
It is normal to make mistakes or say and do the wrong thing at certain times, since being an ally is an ongoing learning process. When someone calls you out, try not to get defensive, and instead listen, apologize, and change your behavior moving forward. Although I am a member of a marginalized community myself, I have definitely made my fair share of mistakes in being an ally for other marginalized groups. I admit that it can be difficult at times, but it is necessary to put in the effort to become a better ally.
7. Act With Your Wallet
Donating is one of the best things that you can do to support marginalized groups. Supporting BIPOC-owned businesses is a great start, and if you’re frustrated by the exploitation of marginalized groups, mainly people of color, in some of the poorest countries in the world, try not to buy from fashion companies that shamelessly exploit adults and children in their labor practices. Committing to financially contribute to a local organization doing social justice work in your community on a continuous basis is another way to show your support as an ally.
8. Show Up and Amplify the Voices of Marginalized Communities
Make sure your actions match your words. Show up for marginalized communities in ways that help and matter. Educate your community, friends, and family about how systems of oppression affect marginalized groups. Hold them accountable for their words and actions, as well as the roles they may play in those systems. Take responsibility for your actions, attend protests, sign petitions, and donate, if you can. When someone from a marginalized community invites you to an event, attend to listen, learn, and show your support. It is important to remember that your voice is most effective within your own group since you are in the best position to confront its stereotypes and misunderstandings, some of which you may have already been able to overcome yourself. You have a special access to them as an audience that other people from marginalized communities do not, so take advantage of it and show up!
Becoming a better ally is an ongoing journey, and my list of 8 things that you can do is just a starting point. Refer to the references below which helped to inform and create my list, and please continue to practice more ways that you can be an ally.
References:
- Jamie Utt, “So You Call Yourself an Ally: 10 Things All ‘Allies’ Need to Know”
- Isobel Debrujah, “So You Want to Wear a Safety Pin”
*Note: on https://linktr.ee/bucknellpanhel there are a list of more resources under the Anti-Racism Resource Guide*