Allyship Part 2: Using Your Voice
Allyship is action. It is creating spaces for and amplifying marginalized voices. It is using privilege to achieve justice, equity, and inclusion. It is speaking out even when it feels uncomfortable. As we learn and unlearn, it is essential to understand the platforms we have and how they can be leveraged for change. Platforms can be public, like social media, and private, like personal conversations. As allies, how do we use our voice?
Social Media
In a generation raised on social media, we have experienced firsthand its double-edged ability to expose truth, spread lies, promote change, and create echo chambers. As a platform that gives everyone a voice, social media is a dynamic tool for young people to influence culture and society.
Allies can capitalize on this opportunity by spreading constructive information and amplifying marginalized voices. Never has it been easier to share links to petitions, resources on where to donate, and encouragements to vote (check out Allyship Part Three for a resource guide!). Social media means that one click can share information to support BIPOC businesses and activists. Even in sharing facts about history, we hold our education systems accountable by exposing the biased and racist way things were taught. Social media holds power in the way it can change perspectives, shift collective consciousness, and motivate action.
When sharing on social media, it is important to be aware of echo chambers. Oftentimes the same information and resources are circulated within one community, and might not reach people who could benefit from learning about an issue they were unaware of. Political polarization if often born from echo chambers - from people who only consider one narrative, one set of facts, one belief system. It is important as an ally to amplify BIPOC voices and share information with people who might not have your point of view. One examples of this is hashtagging posts with topic names so that they appear in general searches for all kinds of people to see, not just your immediate following. Utilizing all of social media's capabilities maximizes its effectiveness in allyship.
Hard Conversations
Personal conversations about social issues and politics can be extremely uncomfortable for some people, and many avoid them all together. It's difficult to talk with a friend or family member about a sensitive topic that you have differing views on. As an ally, these hard conversations present a unique opportunity to take a stand for marginalized groups with someone you already have established trust with. People often ignore information they don't agree with (a phenomenon called confirmation bias), especially when it comes from impersonal news sources or public social media posts. As a friend or family member, you have the ability to reach past these barriers by leveraging personal connection and understanding of the person you're talking with. From there, here are some tools for effective allyship in conversation:
Education. To have productive conversations and be an effective ally, it is essential that we are educated on issues (again, look out for our resource guide this Saturday!). It is not the job of BIPOC to educate allies. It is our responsibility to research and learn so that we are equipped with information when hard conversations come up.
Poise. People get flustered when discussing hot button topics. Social issues are especially tough, as they can bring up emotions. To approach hard conversations and articulate points well, it is essential to maintain composure. Poise demonstrates understanding of what you're talking about, and sets up the environment as one that can be productive. Poise often comes with practice, so in taking a step outside your comfort zone, you're taking a step towards becoming a more effective ally.
Humility. No one wants to listen to a know-it-all. Although you might intensely disagree with someone, you're not going to get very far if you come across as superior, disrespectful, or dismissive. Set aside your emotions so you can focus on the goal at hand: constructive conversation and effective allyship.
Understanding. On some level, you know the person you're talking with. Individual dynamics and past experiences influence how people view issues. If you know of specific examples that will resonate with them, use those to make a point.
Selflessness. This is not about you. You have the privilege to use your voice as an ally and make a difference with someone you know. Maybe they don't know what the prison industrial complex is. Maybe they're unaware of the biased ways schools teach about Christopher Columbus. Maybe they have turned a blind eye to systemic racism in the justice system. Etc. Etc. As an ally, use the position and power you have to shift their perspective, inspire care and concern, and motivate them to be part of the solution.
Moving Forward Together
As allies, we have the ability to take a stand. We can leverage privilege and positions of influence, publicly and privately. Moving forward, reflect on the areas in your life where you can be a better ally. Can you share (and sign!) a petition for justice on social media? Can you make someone aware of an issue they didn't know about? Can you be an effective communicator in a tough conversation?
Allyship is selfless. Allyship is knowledgeable. Allyship is action. Allyship is using your voice.
