Theoretical Foundations of Allyhood.

What is an Ally?

The ally identity is conceptualized in a variety of ways, and in this context we are thinking about it in its fullest sense.   

Many think of an ally as one who acts in opposition to oppression.  There is controversy as to whether an ally is always one with social power (agent/dominant), or if an ally can be a member of the oppressed group (target/subordinate).  Language like 'co-ally' and 'advocate' is used sometimes to reflect those who are members of the oppressed group who act up against oppression.   

We believe that any can be an ally and interrupt acts of oppression or discrimination.  In addition, we want to include those who interrupt acts of unfairness or mistreatment, such as alcohol and drug abuse, violence, and eating disorders to our conceptualization of an 'ally'.   

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An ally to 'who'?!?

Although, the term 'ally' is most commonly used in reference to the LGBT community, one can be an ally to any oppressed group or target of mistreatment.  One can be an ally to people of color, Muslim people, etc.  It's also important to recognize that we all have multiple identities that intersect in unique ways.  When we think about 'allies', we might consider ourselves to be allies to groups where two or more identities intersect, such as allying with 'women who are not US citizens', 'lesbians of color', 'Jewish alcoholics', etc.

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Are there different areas of allyhood?

Since oppression and mistreatment exists in several different areas, allyhood does as well.  Allies exist in individual, institutional, and societal/cultural areas. 


Individual Area

  • Attitudes
  • Beliefs
  • Socialization
  • Individual Behaviors
  • Interpersonal Interactions

Institutional Area

  • Housing
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Legal System
  • Religion
  • Media
  • Government/Laws
  • Health Services (physical and emotional)

Societal /Cultural Area

  • Values, norms, needs
  • Language
  • Standards of beauty
  • Holidays
  • Gender Roles
  • Logic System
  • Societal Expectations
  • Definition of a family
  • Meritocracy
  • Definitions of good and evil
  • Definition of "normal"
 

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What if I'm not ready to be an ally?

Allyhood is a process, not an outcome.  One never reaches a space of optimal allyhood, but is rather constantly challenged by one's own beliefs, bias, internationalization of previous experiences, and general stereotypes and resistance.  As a developing ally, it is important to engage in self-reflection regarding the ways that we might perpetuate oppression and mistreatment, consciously or unconsciously.  (There are also a whole bunch of other ways we can work on developing further as an ally.  Check out the Getting Involved section of this website for a listing of opportunities.)  Here is a list of ways we might resist thinking critically about this:


Individual Area

  • Beliefs in agent supremacy
  • Lack of skill in intergroup communication
  • Ignorance of cultural differences
  • Defense of privilege
  • Fear of conflict
  • Fear of exposing ignorance and incompetence

Institutional Area

  • Defense of power and privilege
  • Commitment to traditions and symbols
  • Acceptance of status quo
  • Concern about colleague’s reactions
  • Concern about inefficiency /noise /conflict
  • Perceptions of low reward for innovation/change

Societal /Cultural Area

  • Engagement in culture of agent supremacy
  • Engagement in culture of individualism
  • Engagement in culture of blaming targets of oppression
  • Engagement in systemic privilege for agents
  • Acceptance of recorded history and traditions
  • Acceptance of imbalance in political power for agents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Four Basic Levels of Becoming an Ally

  • Awareness: Explore how you are different from and similar to others. Gain this awareness through talking with others by attending workshops, and through self-examination.
  • Knowledge/Education: Begin to understand policies, laws and practices and how they affect others. Educate yourself.
  • Skills: This is an area that is difficult for many people. You must learn to take your awareness and knowledge and communicate it to others. You can acquire these skills by attending workshops, role-playing with friends or peers, and developing support connections.
  • Action: This is the most important and frightening step. Despite the fear, action is the only way to cause change in society as a whole.

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