Pledging support for a marginalized group is as easy as changing a filter on a profile picture or reposting a banner with the latest social justice campaign. However, these efforts are only helpful when accompanied by impactful actions, self-accountability, and a commitment to continuous learning about our own socialization through lenses of equity and inclusion. Performative allyship is not simply a neutral force, it’s actually harmful to any progress toward inclusion and belonging. It stifles action-oriented efforts, which are often seen as disruptive compared to more “positive” branding initiatives, and silences the voices of those who experience microaggressions and discrimination by providing a false sense of an accepting climate.
So, what can we do instead? People who have an authentic desire to dismantle systems of oppression and create an equitable society can propel change as accomplices or co-conspirators. Accomplices and co-conspirators make an ongoing commitment to courageous action that disrupts inequity and systems of oppression. Not sure where to start? Here are some individual and collective avenues for co-conspiring:
Education/research- continuously learn about the socio-political contexts that have created our current reality as well as the personal work of uncovering unconscious biases and prejudices.
Financial support- give to marginalized people via mutual-aid initiatives or reputable organizations.
Listen and amplify the voices of people with marginalized identities- do not speak for anyone whose identities you do not share. Listen without judgment and amplify authentic messages without inserting your own, possibly limited or biased views. This includes intuitively moving out of the way when there is a need to make room for others.
Intentionally disrupt the bystander effect- speak up when others are standing by injustice or sharing a code of silence.
Practice inclusion- the phrase “nothing without us is for us” summarizes the problem with people from dominant groups, as well-intentioned as they may seem, sitting around making decisions on behalf of marginalized groups. Committees and boards that don’t have representation - as decision-makers - of the identities discussed need to prioritize remedying that issue.
Adopt a liberation/abolitionist mindset- what would systems that were designed rather than retrofitted to be equitable look like? This question should apply to all existing and newly created initiatives.
Examine and affect policy changes within your sphere of influence and beyond.
Are you ready to be an accomplice or co-conspirator? If so, rock those stickers, banners, digital frames, t-shirts, or any other representation of your commitment to action!
In Radical Love,
Dr. Violet Jiménez Sims
Co-owner and Lead Consultant
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