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White Ally Myth
There’s a discussion among BIPOC about whether there is and can be such as thing as a “white ally”. Of course, many white people who march and sign petitions and rant on Twitter and Facebook do believe they are an ally to non-whites. But, like the definition of racism, white people do not get to decide that. And, even when one BIPOC tells a white person that they’re an ally, another may stress that they‘re not.
More people of color are adamant that there can never be a white “ally”. But why? Where is it that white people are failing BIPOC? In order to do better, they need to understand where they have fallen short or failed. So here’s a couple of reasons that the “white ally” may not exist.
No Justice No Ally
“To refuse to listen to someone’s cries for justice and equality until the request comes in a language you feel comfortable with is a way of asserting your dominance over them in the situation.” — Ijeoma Oluo.
This is tone policing, the “both sides” in all its incarnations. From the white person who stresses they agree with you but, could you “just say it nicer” or “not be so angry”. This not only shifts the focus from the brutalization and marginalization of…
