BEING AN ALLY
Article By: Arshiya Dua
Date Last Updated: August 18 2020
All About Being an Ally, Overcoming our Own Biases, Debate about All Lives Matter vs. Black Lives Matter, Keeping Abreast with Current Issues, And Noticing Subtle Signs of Discrimination in Diverse Schools
Introduction: Debate about All Lives Matter vs. Black Lives Matter
There is a ferocious debate raging all over Social Media, on whether people should fight for the cause of “Black Lives Matter” or it should be all inclusive – “All Lives Matter” . What is the difference between both terms, and why is that different people support one movement over the other? Below is a famous analogy created using a comic strip by Kris Straub to better understand these terms and their difference in meaning.
The true essence of this analogy is that, just the way all houses matter, so do all lives. However, the house on fire needs more attention as it is facing a bigger and more pressing issue at the moment for a simple reason - it is on fire and needs to be fixed first and foremost so as to prevent further damages! Likewise, at this point of time, “Black Lives Matter” takes precedence in order to prevent further discriminatory issues taking place in the near future. The term “Black Lives Matter” does not devalue other lives or bring down the importance of them, it simply implies that Black Lives Matter as well. That they matter too.
Another possible way to look at it is that when we see a global disaster take place, such as the bush fires in Australia, no one mentioned the burning forests in Indonesia for land clearing. That is because, at that point in time, the Australian fires were causing the most damage to our planet and wildlife. But of course, all wildlife and forests matter, not only the ones in Australia.
Here is another article with more analogical examples.
How Colorism and Racism Mould Our Personal Prejudices - Working with them and Making the World an Equal Place for All
Colourism is differential treatment based on skin colour, especially referring to favouritism towards those with fairer skin tones, and mistreatment or exclusion of those with deeper skin tones. It can be committed against people within or outside of the same ethnicity group. However, racism is committed against people who are not part of the same ethnic group as the discriminators.
Take your home country for example, or the country you currently reside in. Try to think about the different times you have spotted Colourism in action. Remember, even though Colourism may be minimal in some places, it's impossible for Colourism to not take place at all, no matter where that may be, as in the end, people can be unknowingly biased too. Some common examples of Colorism occurring would be in Hollywood. For instance, black women don't tend to usually play lead roles in movies, there is only a small selection of these women who get amazing roles! Another example is that “on average, black women in [some countries] are paid 39% less than white men and 21% less than white women.” This piece of data alone suggests many broken systems in our societies today that we as people have imposed on ourselves.
Take a moment to think about if and when you have been discriminated against due to your skin colour. Perhaps, have a talk with your family about it.
To what extent do you find that colourism is at work in your own prejudicial thoughts? It is extremely crucial to understand how we sometimes complicit ourselves before we stand up for what is right.
How can we grapple with our own racist behaviours and beliefs that are rooted in us since a very young age? We need to recognise these and try to do better, as sometimes we don't even realise they exist till they surface.
We need to realise that many people don’t always take the responsibility to try to gain information on the things that take place around the world, as though living in their own small bubbles. The best we can do to eliminate our personal biases is educate ourselves on global phenomena and take tiny steps that will one day, eventually lead to a bigger change. We need to utilise what we have. We need to make sure that the least we are doing is gaining more in-depth knowledge of what is happening around the world through credible and reliable sources to form views and stances that are well informed, well thought out and educated.
Here is one of the many amazing TEDTalks that can be found to learn more about overcoming our own biases and here is one basic step that can be taken in order to start doing so TODAY. That is, “STOP” denying that our own prejudices exist. Step out of denial mode. One does not need to be a nice person all the time. Realise that everyone has internal biases, that have been there due to internal and external influences of childhood and life. It does not make one a bad person as long as one does not let these biases grow but rather chooses to act on them in order to eradicate them. That's a positive and sustainable way to better oneself as a human being.
Being An Ally
What exactly is an ally?
“An ally is a person of a social identity group who stands up in support of another group; typically a member of a dominant group who supports those who are discriminated against or treated unjustly.” (From “The Internets”, Youtube)
What Does It Mean To Be An Ally?
When it comes to discrimination and supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement in specific, it is extremely crucial to not only understand the term, but also learn the importance of being an “ally” to actually be one. So what does it mean to be an ally? You can be an ally to anything, not simply for people who come from different cultural backgrounds and get discriminated against. For instance, you can be an ally to different types of minority groups etc. One example would be of men being an ally for women’s rights - - as women’s rights can be exploited severely.
Something to keep in mind is that being an ally is not about showing or giving sympathy to someone and empathising with someone who has experienced discrimination. “Being an ally” means being willing to act with and for others in pursuit of ending oppression and creating equality.” (OPSEU SEFPO) It is not necessarily about one’s intent, but rather about the impact that one creates. It is not enough to show compassion, the compassion needs to be further projected through actions. It is important to know that allyship is an active process. It is a verb. However, it is true that it is easier said than done. Although, one must not forget, it is our responsibility to treat every human as a human deserves to be treated and to do everything in our power to make sure that happens. It is all in our hands. It's as simple as that.
Now, you may be asking, how do we become an ally? Here are a couple of steps that one needs to follow and take.
1. Understand your Privilege
When we hear the word “privilege”, we think about the amount of money we have; how rich we are, or we think about how some people have everything handed to them on a platter, not having to break a sweat to achieve anything. In reality, in this instance, “privilege” means that many times in life, one won't have to go through and experience some things just because of their identity. Simply because of who they are. In basic terms, before standing up for equality for any type of a person, we can and need to understand what rights we have as individuals because of our “privileges” that other people may only hope for.
2. Listen - Gain Knowledge on What You Want to Support
Researching and listening to others sharing their own personal experiences seems to be something that many people naturally do, however, there are a lot of people out there who form uneducated opinions and worst of all, are ignorant and live in oblivion. If you are interested in supporting a cause towards the betterment of society, use the power of the internet. Listen to the people who share their stories through social media, blogs, the news, other articles such as this etc. Understanding multiple viewpoints of a situation as well as the entirety of why the issue exists, is so much more important than conveying your own biases. Keep educated.
3. Uplift Marginalised Voices
The power of social media has increased the power of individual voices all across the world drastically, and is a very essential tool in combating current issues. For instance, as teenagers, listen to what people online are saying about sensitive topics online...and then retweet stories on twitter perhaps, or maybe, talk to your friends about these stories etc. Make marginalised groups feel empowered to express their concerns.
4. Speak up
When you see something that you know is not morally right, stand up for what you think is right. Tell them what is right. This won't be as uncomfortable as it is for people who have to live with racist stereotyping and other prejudices everyday. Remaining neutral does not make one an ally. Use your privilege to speak where others can’t. Being “Anti - Racist,” or a supporter of a marginalised group is not enough. Show, not tell. For example, when you witness racism, Call it Out!
As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
5. Use Other Methods to Take Action Now!
Marching in the streets to protest is not made for everyone, especially if it is illegal in some countries. For that exact reason, find other ways through which you can do good and show support. Perhaps donate money to the causes, fundraise or sign a petition. Maybe, work and volunteer for an NGO that supports the cause you believe in. If you don't have a single dollar to spare, there are many songs and youtube videos that act as fundraisers for the Black Lives Movement. Check out some here.
Spotting Subtle Discrimination in “Everday Atmospheres/Surroundings”
As the young people of this generation, it is important that we take the responsibility so that the future generations don't grow up with biases rooted in them without realising where they come from. If you are in a school that emphasizes diversity and equality amongst all, challenge whether what is being preached is actually being followed in actions, but make sure to do, whatever you do, in an educated manner with intentions to make a constructive difference. It is paramount to spot signs of discrimination, whether they be intentional or not in your everyday lives. This is a great first step towards being an ally as well! Be self aware!
Here are some steps you can follow in order to achieve being self aware!
Observe how many teachers and students of different ethnicity, colour or race there truly are. Observe whether they are representatives of different nations and cultures.
Observe what you are being taught. Have a look at the curriculum. Previously, many IB Schools, for the Subject of English had books written by men, and those too who were from a single race and colour.
Think about whether your class teachers spare lesson time to talk about global issues in the world that relate to discrimination? When the Black Lives Matter Movement Protests were at their highest, was it addressed by your school immediately?
Think about: In how many different courses that you study in school (no matter what they be) were you asked to explore more about such issues.
Lastly, Here is an article to read to feel encouraged and empowered about talking to teachers and friends about this topic.
Conclusion
Become an ally. The core of the issue is that the idea “Black lives Matter” does not pose a threat to the value and importance of any and all other lives. It promotes inclusivity rather than further discrimination. To stand up for anything you truly believe in, the first step is to eradicate one’s own biases. Next, in order to take action, one must be an ally. Once you are educated, educate others. It is important to understand that being an Ally requires one to be more than just a person of mere words, but a person of courage and action. Finally, it is important to make a difference in your own environment, whether it is your school, your job, or at home.
Make sure to challenge the “Status Quo”. Become an ally, show your support, make a meaningful difference.
Works Cited
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