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I’ve been recently wrestling with the idea of what it means to be a true ally. The term ally refers to a person who does not belong to a marginalized group that utilizes their privilege within society to advocate for others who don’t hold that same privilege. When I have always thought about the word ally, it has action behind its meaning. One can’t claim to be an ally for a group but then fail to take action in support of that group. This semester in my philosophy class, we talked about the ethical problems involved in allyship and how we are now often seeing allies performing detrimental behavior to the people they claim to support. Sometimes many people fall back on their self-proclaimed identity as an ally to exempt them from criticism.
Has allyship become a title we want to claim because of the popularization of “wokeness” or are we really taking the actions necessary to support those who are underrepresented?
I feel the main reason the term ally can be problematic, when self-proclaimed, is it is used as an identity. It shouldn’t be simply viewed as a single identity because it is a daily pursuit that requires action. By using it solely as an identity, it implies that this title has been earned and there is a finite amount of work to be done in order to gain this title. In actuality, being an ally is something one has to choose to live out each day. Systems of oppression don’t take days off; so, neither should the work of those who want to dismantle these systems. In all honesty, it is a negative testament to our society when we need a badge of honor or a title to do the work that we should already be doing.
Becoming content prematurely can derail allyship. This is where we become comfortable with the way things are. Each day is a struggle for change. We should not get to decide where our allyship ends. Each moment is an opportunity to evaluate within ourselves and those around us how we can do better for those who are marginalized. Being an ally should force us to look on the inside and take steps on the outside. This is a process that never stops.
Standing as an “ally” with marginalized groups, while failing to be an agent for change, is taking up space, which those in positions of privilege already do every day. We should never wish for mediocrity in our pursuit for justice. Maybe it is time to do away with the titles and façade. Titles foster complacency and contentment. Action breeds change.
Are you a true ally or are you hiding behind your own self-proclaimed version of allyship?
Paighton Brooks is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2024. She is studying political science at the University of Louisville.