We are living in a world ripe with changes. No, we are not the generation that is offended by everything-- we are the generation that is speaking up against the statements and actions that have always been offensive. You don't have to be part of the oppressed to be speaking out against injustices, though. Speak out no matter what group you are a member of. Here are some ways you can be a better ally.
1. Educate yourself.
There are more than enough resources on the internet to educate yourself on the issues plaguing society today. Watch documentaries, read the news, find blogs that center around the issues you want to help resolve. Go to meetings, rallies, protests and any events you can find. Enter this education with an open mind. Be ready to learn.
2. Don't dominate the conversation.
If you are white, you will never be able to fully understand what it feels like to hear the phrase "you only got into this school because of affirmative action." If you able- bodied, you will never be able to fully understand the difficulties of realizing that a building is not handicapped accessible. For that reason, don't dominate the conversation. Let those who know firsthand what these situations feel like speak first.
3. Accept your privilege.
Don't try to tell someone that you aren't privileged because you have faced struggles in life. Of course, you have faced struggles in life; we all have. Accepting your privilege is understanding that there are systematic barriers in society that affect minority groups. The privilege I have as a white, cis-gendered, heterosexual, non-disabled person extends further than I will ever realize. Don't be offended when someone says you are privileged.
4. Use your privilege.
Don't stand idly by. Understand that recognizing racism exists and taking action against racism are two very different things. Take action.
5. Don't minimize other's feelings.
If someone tells you that what you just said is sexist, don't tell them that it wasn't. You may not have intended to say something sexist, but if what you said made some feel uncomfortable, there is a simple solution: apologize. It doesn't matter that you didn't mean it. What matters is that it upset someone. You don't know what experiences someone has had in the past.
6. Understand the difference between equity and equality.
Equality ensures that everyone gets the same things in life to be successful. Equity ensures that people get what they need in life to be successful. We cannot fight for equality when there are groups that have been oppressed generation after generation. We need to fight for equity. Equality will only come when everyone begins on a level playing field.
7. Understand what a micro-aggression is.
Psychology Today defines a micro-aggression as "the everyday verbal, nonverbal and environmental slights, snubs or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership." Racism isn't always a KKK rally. Sexism isn't always unequal pay. Ableism isn't always going into a building with only stairs. Pay attention to these micro-aggressions. Call people out when they say "can I touch your hair?" or "well, she was drunk."
8. Don't say you don't see differences.
Telling a person of color that you "don't see race" is absolutely the wrong thing to say. By saying you don't see race, you are minimizing and denying the issues that individuals face on a daily basis. You may not see color because you are white, but just because you don't see color doesn't mean racism doesn't exist.
There are times where the burden of fighting systematic oppression becomes too tiresome to bear alone. Be an ally and ensure that no one has to fight alone.
