Become a race ally by confronting white privilege and fragility
You might see these words and feel defensive or nervous. That is okay. These terms are frequently used in social justice discussions today, and understanding them and your stance is a great place to start if you want to become an ally. We are going to break it down, explain the difference, explain why it’s important, and show you how to educate yourself to be a better ally.
This article will explore these terms in more detail, and allow white identifying folk to understand how they can be an ally by understanding their own privilege; staying educating and taking ownership of that education; and practicing allyship for people of colour.
What do these terms mean?
You might hear these words used in conversations but not know what they mean or how they differ. Let’s tackle that before moving forwards.
Allyship means listening and acting in solidarity with a group of individuals. In this case, we are talking about race. For example, you might identify as a white person and work with a lot of individuals who identify as people of colour.
White fragility is the anger, discomfort, or dismissiveness of white people when confronted by racial inequality or injustice. This usually happens when someone mentions that a white person has made a racist comment, and then the white person will automatically become angry and defensive about the statement.
White privilege is the inherent advantage that a white person has as a result of their race in a society marked by racial inequality and injustice. This happens all around us every day. White privilege is being able to walk home at night and not be scared, being paid your worth, being respected, getting medical help, the list goes on.
Why is it so important?
Being an ally and understanding your own identity makeup, but also your own privileges is an important part of being a member of the global community. If all people of colour came together as one they still wouldn’t have the power to infiltrate white minds because there is already an existing bias; one that has influenced many social structures today. Real change, and challenging the fragility of white folk has to come from within that community. It is not the role of people of colour to educate us about power, privilege; it is our responsibility.
This is hard work, but its necessary to ensure a more equitable society.
How to be a better ally: education on race allyship and white fragility
When it comes to education on allyship, the options are endless. It’s not about reading one book and then ‘achieving’ the status of an ally. This is ongoing work; it's uncomfortable and hard; but it must be practiced over time.
So, to help you on your journey; ere are some resources that we recommend.
Business in the Community (BITC) has a great “Let’s Talk About Race” toolkit to use in the workplace to encourage education and discussion.
The Victoria Women’s Trust (VWT) has compiled a list of resources focused on race in Australia.
Books or podcasts that I recommend
Why I am No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo Lodge
This book became a turning point for me in improving my racial literacy and understanding white privilege and fragility, while also providing important details about race in Britain
It's Not About the Burqa edited by Mariam Khan
This collection of essays really challenges ingrained assumptions and stereotypes. They provide a rich understanding of gender, faith, feminism, and race. An essential read.
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
This is an excellent read that examines how white people respond when their racial biases are questioned, and why those emotions make change so difficult.
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women White Feminists Forgot by Mikki Kendall
A fantastic explanation of what intersectional feminism is and why it is important. Educational, and easy to read Kindall tackles many issues surrounding feminism today.
As someone who is on this journey, I’m still learning. But if you have any questions, please get in touch.
References
Business in the Community - Lets talk about race toolkit
Merced College Library Guide Antiracism
Victorian Women’s Trust Anti-racism resources from Australia and beyond
