ALLYSHIP & ACTIVISIM RESOURCE GUIDE #01
WHAT IS AN ALLY?
“ An active, consistent, and ar-
duous practice of unlearning and re-evaluating, in which a person of privilege seeks to operate in solidarity with a marginalized group of people.
First and foremost, being an ally is an active process. To be an ally, one must be actively involved and participate in movements geared at obtaining justice or achieving liberation. It is not enough to proclaim one’s self as being antioppressive. It must be demonstrated frequently through their actions. Further, it is not up to an individual to decide if they are an ally to a specific group. To self-identify as an ally is to tokenize a struggle and to use it for one’s own personal gain.
CONCERNS
“ If you have come here to help
me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together. — Lilla Watson
It is important to note that as far as critical sociological theory goes, there are issues with the concept of allyship. The first major critique stems from concerns over the material outcome of allyship. The concept of allyship is an extension of privilege politics, wherein individual experiences are prioritized over addressing the systemic nature of oppression. It has the effect of being reductive and divisive, as well as failing to attack the power structures that create violence. People are more comfortable dealing in simplistic measures
of privilege and oppression—a false dichotomy—rather than questioning their own compliance with this structure. When reading this document and participating in activism, it is imperative that these criticisms are kept in mind.
The Dos and Do-Nots of Allyship Do be open to listening. Do be aware of your implicit biases. Do your research to learn more about the history of the struggle in which you are participating. Do the work of figuring out a way to acknowledge how you participate in oppressive systems. Do the work of figuring out how to change the oppressive systems. Do amplify (online and when physically present) the voices of those without your privilege. Do not centre yourself. Do not expect to be taught or shown. Take it upon yourself to use the tools around you to learn and answer your questions. Do not attempt to liken your experience with one marginalized identity to another. The manifestations of oppression and an individual’s experiences with them are highly variable. Do not behave as though you have all the answers. Do not take credit for the labour of those who are marginalized and did the work before you stepped into the picture. Do not assume that every member of a marginalized group feels the same way with regards to oppression.
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