Comment être un.e bon.ne allié.e.x? copie

What is an ally?

An ally is a person who does not suffer from systemic oppression, but who supports those concerned.

How can I be a good ally?

What is systemic oppression?

An oppression is a systematic discrimination of a social group because of their sex, expression of their gender, sexuality, race, class and others ... An oppression is systemic when it applies to all the representatives of a group via social and political constructions. A person in the dominant group enjoys privileges whether they realize it or not, and whether they want to or not. Privileges are material and symbolic benefits that one part of society derives from the oppression of the other.

Introduction & definition

What do we do now?

This document provides guideline for not strengthening systemic oppressions and providing support to oppressed people . Being a good ally is not easy. You may not be able to apply all of the following tips all the time, but as you do, it will get easier and easier. Do your best and don't feel guilty if you aren't the perfect ally, our mistakes help us move forward.

Let the oppressed people speak for themselves

Accept the anger of others, and legitimize it

Take a position

Our privileges are bounded to a legitimation of our word: most of the time, men's words are more listened than women, whites more than people of color, etc. In general, the most privileged will therefore have acquired the habit of monopolizing conservation in public spaces. Let us become aware and let the oppressed speak out, especially when the discussion is about their oppression(s), but not only. Eventually, if they are not listened to, we can support the speaking out of an oppressed people by repeating what they said (mentioning them of course) and give opportunity to develop.

It is never pleasant to play the spoilsport to denounce an oppressive remark, gesture, joke. It is, however, important to be opposed to it and to try to educate their authors, to share with the oppressed the educational burden and the discomfort of opposing the dominant model.

The oppressed have good reasons to be angry. When they express it, that anger is often used to discredit their words. If this anger is directed at you, try to recognize its legitimacy and accept it. If it is not addressed to you, support the person speaking by preventing that legitimate feeling from being turned against them.

How can I be a good ally?

Check your privileges, and fight them

Accept that you will fail

Act in public and against systemic oppressions

To not be part of an oppressed minority is to be part of the privileged majority. Although we often did not choose to enjoy these privileges, they are still granted to us. We must recognize and accept this situation (without feeling guilty), check our privileges, and think about how to share them with the oppressed. We must also avoid wasting time in trying to justify ourselves or clear ourselves (# NotAll for example ...), that is not the purpose.

The ally posture is not obvious, and it is sometimes more comfortable not to act. Unfortunately, there are only 2 sides: those who act to abolish oppression, and the others. So, with respect for minorities (and yourself, of course), prefer an action even if it means failing, rather than remaining in the silent majority.

Learn by yourself, and share with those around you

It is important to learn by yourself about the oppressions that you do not experience, so as not to place the burden of education on the oppressed people. In addition, we have privileged access to our social circles: let's use it to educate them on these subjects.

Do not try to help if it is not wanted

Sources & recommandations (in French)

How can I be a good ally?

On an individual basis, supporting a person dealing with sexist, racist, validist, homophobic, transphobic attack must always be done in agreement with the person and their own pace. For example, supporting a rape victim if they want to file a complaint but not pushing them to do so if they are not ready.

Article être un.e bon.ne allié.e.x en 11 points : http://www.lallab.org/11-conseils-pour-etre-un-e-bon-ne-allie-e/ Podcasts Kiff ta race sur le sujet (avec Lallab) : https://www.binge.audio/podcast/kiffetarace/comment-etre-un%25c2%25b7e-bon%25c2%25b7ne-allie%25c2%25b7e Un autre article sur être un.e bon.ne allié.e.x : https://feminazgulencolere.wordpress.com/2016/08/15/comment-devenir-un-e-bon-ne-allie-e/ Article comment être un.e bon.ne allié.e.x contre le racisme : https://www.refinery29.com/fr-fr/2020/06/9851765/comment-devenir-un-bon-allie-ahmaud-arbery-george-floyd Site de conseils aux hommes pour éduquer les garçons dans une perspective féministe : http://www.cacommenceavectoi.ca/ Conseils d’une autochtone canadienne sur les bon.nes allié.e.x.s : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfK9zed8wac Play like an ally de Stephen Davidson sur la question des allié.e.x.s des luttes trans*

Ask how to be a good ally at the right time

With an oppressed person, there are times (but not all) that are conducive to a discussion of the right ways to be an ally for that person, allowing their behavior to be adjusted. Depending on the situation and the people, the good allies are not always the same people, so don't hesitate to ask questions about how to be a better ally.

Support individually

Accept that you might not understand

As a non-minority, it is not always easy to understand the experiences of minorities. Let us accept the stories and feelings of these people, even without understanding them, without constantly asking for additional explanations.

How can I be a good ally?

At ISG, we think about how to represent the allies in our shows. The ally makes sense particularly in improvisation, with the related values ​​of support and acceptance, and also with the archetypal character of the ally in the narrative structures of the long form, supporting the ally in his quest.

What about improv?

And for you, what is the ally's place in improvisation?

Lived experiences, improv exercises, memories of scenes ...