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Terms: Performative Allyship, Privilege
Performative Allyship
Definition:
“An ally is someone from a non-marginalized group who uses their privilege to advocate for a marginalized group. Being an ally is a good thing.
Performative allyship, on the other hand—also sometimes referred to as ally theater—is when an individual from a majority or privileged group (white/straight/cis/abled) professes their support of and/or solidarity with a marginalized group (identifies themselves as an ally) in a way that either isn’t helpful to that group, draws attention away from that group, or actively harms that group.
A person rants passionately on social media about various injustices but doesn’t actually do anything about those injustices.
Examples:
A real ally:
Doesn’t just call themself an ally, they do the work.
Calls out people who make racist remarks.
Educates themself. Marginalized folks don’t have the time or the energy to educate you.
Examines their motives. Are they involved in advocacy work because it feels good or because there are injustices that need addressing?” Kristen Mae
Sources:
Here’s The Problem With Performative Allyship 2018
Resources:
Here’s The Problem With Performative Allyship
Performative Allyship Is Deadly (And What to Do Instead) | Forge
Privilege
Definition:
“Access to power enjoyed by a dominant group, giving them economic, political, social and cultural advantages at the expense of members of a marginalized group. It reduces the likelihood and/or provides more tools for someone from said dominant group from facing or to better cope with various forms of exclusion, marginalization and violence that would otherwise be guaranteed.” Anti-Oppression Network
Examples:
“White privilege: An example of white privilege is being able to walk down the street without being seen as suspicious by police. (see more under White Privilege)
Patriarchy influences society include the wage gap (where men generally earn more than women), the glass ceiling (where women struggle to get promotions)
Wealth privilege: Wealthy iindividuals may be able to access better education and healthcare. In addition, wealth can give people the freedom to pursue their own interests and ambitions.
Geographical privilege means wealthy nations have a long history of providing opportunities for people to rise up out of poverty and achieve success.
Religious privilege: we need only to look at WASPs (white anglo saxon protestants) to see how protestantism in the United States has been a privilege for many. Their religion is not questioned when they run for political office and is even seen favorably by the large numbers of protestant voters.
Clean water privilege: Over 780 million people in the world don’t have this basic privilege!” 15 Privilege Examples