Being an ally in 2020: a how-to-guide by an unqualified white person
/You read the news. You know about George Floyd’s murder, and about Regis Korchinski-Paquet’s. You are not BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour), but you want to show that you support the Black Lives Matter Movement. So, you posted a black square on your Instagram for #blackouttuesday. Maybe you even took five minutes to sign the “Justice for George Floyd” petition on change.org. While none of that is bad,although the jury is still out on that black square, that is not enough. As a white individual you have a unique advantage to use your inherent societal privilege to fight for equity without facing nearly as much of the consequences. Further, as individuals who benefit from a white-oriented system we have a responsibility to help dismantle it. So, let’s talk about being an ally.
What does it mean to be an ally? More so, how does one be a “good ally”?
It is important to first recognize that “ally” might not be the correct term. According to activists like Feminista Jones, the term “ally” has been associated with performance, often for personal gratification. Allies dip their toes in and “support,” but do not dive in to see the cause through. Further, the term “ally” suggests that one doesn’t have a stake in the outcome. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. We all benefit from a more equitable society. Rather than an ally, be a co-conspirator. Being a “co-conspirator” involves actively taking on racism and oppression as your own issue, even if you will never understand or experience the damage it causes.
“But I’m not racist.”
We live in a society that inherently benefits white individuals. It doesn’t matter that you had no control over the Transatlantic Slave Trade, or the residential school system. It doesn’t matter that you have never in your life said the n-word while rapping to Drake. Not actively harming BIPOC individuals does not absolve you from trying to dismantle a system that abuses them. Rather than “not being racist,” be “anti-racist.” Being anti-racist is a conscious effort to make daily choices to call-out racism when you see it, educating yourself, and understanding that we can always do better.
It’s not about you.
It is accurate to say that it can be alarming and a struggle to educate yourself on racism and oppression. History and the present day are not pretty. Despite that, if you are shocked by the headlines, imagine how a BIPOC individual must feel right now. You probably can’t. So, when on social media, or when talking to your black and Indigenous friends, don’t monopolise the conversation. Listen more than you speak. Moreover, recognize that it not the job of your BIPOC friends to hold your hand, educate you, or make you feel comfortable in this conversation. Being uncomfortable is good, it means you are probablyquestioning flawed internalized values and beliefs.
Read a book.
There are so many excellent writers that discuss this issue in depth. This includes but is not limited to:
• The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole
• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
• White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carole Anderson
• White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
• Fatal Invention: How Science, Politics, and Big Business Re-create Race in the Twenty-first Century by Dorothy Roberts
• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Think locally.
Racism and oppression exist everywhere, not just in the United States. Make and active effort to buy from BIPOC-owned businesses. Pay attention to local issues and local leaders. How much does your city or town spend on policing? For example, the town of Antigonish recently approved it’s 2020-2021 budget, allotting for an almost 1.6 million contract with the RCMP.
Go to a protest.
Wear a mask. Don’t loot and remember that you are a guest. If violence does occur, remember you are less likely to be harmed by police than a BIPOC individual, act accordingly. Don’t record and share images and videos of protesters unless you have their permission. They could be recognized and targeted.
Understand the tactics of police and government regarding police brutality.
Be critical of politicians kneeling and police officers hugging protesters. This is primarily performative. These individuals have the power and the resources to alter the system. Ask yourself, have they? If the Black Lives Matter movement was not significantly popular, would they still kneel?
Donate.
If you can afford to, put your money where your mouth is. However, it is important to research who you donate to, and what they will do with your money. Some good places include but are not limited to:
