How to be an Ally
White People’s Guide to Being Helpful
When somebody points the finger at a white person for being racist the natural response is something like, “Who me? Oh no, I’m not racist”, and this is understandable. However, lack of awareness is not a defense, and those who refuse to accept their ignorance are, in fact, racist. If you are white and have ever found yourself in this predicament but want to change, here are some simple tips for being an ally.
First of all you need to know that an ally is someone who is not a person of color but fully supports and simultaneously advocates for the equality of minorities.
One thing that must be done is acknowledging your privilege, which is shown to be very difficult in the the MTV feature White People by Pulitzer Prize winner Jose Antonio Vargas. As a white person in America, or in any European-colonized country, you have special freedoms simply because of the color of your skin. Instead of denying these, embrace them and use them to help those who do not have the same advantage. This is especially important in areas of civil rights. Educate your peers on why they need to be inclusive, accepting, or simply just respectful of minorities.
Another thing that needs to be addressed is the hushing of minority voices. Sometimes people that don’t understand the things that minorities put up with try to invalidate their experience. The issue here is that if you do not listen you cannot learn. Understanding a minority’s experience essential if things are to change. If you do not take the time to listen to a minority’s point of view you don’t fix the problem, you instead become part of it.
Whenever you are in a situation where someone is being discriminated against because of their skin, do not let it go simply because it is not directed at you.
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor” –Desmond Tutu. (credits to brainyquote.com)
Acknowledging racism and calling out racists is just part of being an ally.
Furthermore, do not contribute to the problem. This should be an obvious one however it can be surprisingly difficult. Telling jokes, making inappropriate comments, or being intolerant of another person are all ways people contribute to racism without even realizing it. Always think twice before opening your mouth and saying something that could be even slightly offensive.
Being racist is not as simple as hurting someone’s feelings or being “mean.” Racism happens over a long period of time and doesn’t go away with a few laws and apologies. Segregation and discrimination may have been outlawed but the ideas that fueled those policies are still very much alive. If you are white and want to be a part of the solution, the previous steps will help you out.
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