Introduction
White allyship specifically refers to the active engagement and support of white individuals in using their privilege, power, and resources to dismantle systems of white supremacy and racial oppression. Foster et al. (2021) define allyship as “a dynamic, proactive, and sustained process of personal and organizational change that involves working in solidarity with marginalized individuals and communities to address systemic injustice and inequality” (p. 66). Allyship involves more than just being a passive observer or offering empty gestures of support; it requires active engagement, listening, and learning, as well as taking actions that challenge systemic oppression.
Misconceptions
However, there have been past issues with white allyship, particularly with performative allyship, where individuals appear to support a cause without actually taking any tangible action to effect change. Foster et al. (2021) note that “white allyship has been criticized as reinforcing white saviorism or failing to dismantle systems of oppression.” These actions thus become performative or fall into a “savior complex” mindset, as they do not lead to effective change and rather, disregards the work of BIPOC communities and decenters their voices.
Conclusion
In order to be an effective ally, it is important to acknowledge our role in perpetuating systemic racism, listen to and amplify the voices of BIPOC individuals, support and uplift leaders and advocates from marginalized communities, and actively work to dismantle systems of oppression. This includes identifying and addressing personal biases, educating oneself on the history and impacts of systemic racism, and using one’s privilege to advocate for systematic changes to address anti-Black and systemic racism.
While these responsibilities can seem large, daunting, or hard to start off with, we urge allies to take smaller, everyday action items to integrate this mindset into your life. More specific actions allies and White allies can take include mentoring and sponsoring colleagues of color, promoting diversity and inclusion in decision-making processes, and using structured tools to consistently apply an anti-racist equity lens to decision-making. Additionally, allies should seek out opportunities to support BIPOC communities with tangible resources, such as time, money, and expertise, and shoulder the responsibility of educating themselves and others about the roots of systemic racism. Overall, through continuous support and work, we can acknowledge and dismantle our own biases and privilege, as well as advocate for marginalized communities and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
References
Abad, M. N. (2021). “‘I’m Picking a Side’: Thick Solidarity, Antiblackness and the Grammar of the Model Minority.” Race, ethnicity and education, 24(3), 303–318.
Choi, Adriel, and Cheryl L. Dickter. “Allyship behaviors among people of color.” Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology 27, no. 3 (2021): 411-424.
Foster, Krys E, Christina N Johnson, Diana N Carvajal, Cleveland Piggott, Kristin Reavis, Jennifer Y. C Edgoose, Tricia C Elliott, Marji Gold, José E Rodríguez, and Judy C Washington. “Dear White People.” Annals of family medicine 19, no. 1 (2021): 66–69.
Glasford, D. E., & Calcagno, J. (2012). The Conflict of Harmony: Intergroup Contact, Commonality and Political Solidarity Between Minority Groups. Journal of experimental social psychology, 48(1), 323–328.
“The BIPOC Project.” The BIPOC Project, www.thebipocproject.org/.