How to Be a Good Ally - Identity, Privilege, Resistance | Ahsante Bean | Ahsante the Artist

Summary

In this video, Ahsante discusses the concept of allyship, emphasizing that it is an active, ongoing process rather than a passive stance. Key actions for being a good ally include listening and educating oneself, uplifting marginalized voices, speaking up against injustice, respecting safe spaces, and using one's strengths to support marginalized communities. The video encourages viewers to reflect on their experiences with allyship and consider how they can actively contribute to creating a more equitable world.

Takeaways

• 🛡 Allyship is an active process, not passive or neutral.
• 👂 Listening and educating oneself is the first step to becoming a better ally.
• 📚 It's important to seek out and utilize resources to learn about different experiences.
• 🗣️ Uplifting marginalized voices by retweeting, mentioning, featuring, and hiring them is crucial.
• 💼 Hiring marginalized individuals into positions of authority empowers them to voice their concerns.
• 🗣️ Speaking up against injustice and bigotry is a key action of an ally.
• 👥 Including diverse people in conversations and decision-making processes is important.
• 🏡 Respecting safe spaces for marginalized groups allows them to gather without judgment.
• 💪 Using one's strengths, access, and resources to help the cause is an ally's responsibility.
• 🔄 Being an ally involves continuous unlearning of prejudices and working towards equity.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is allyship, emphasizing that it is an active process and not passive.

What does the speaker mean by 'allyship isn’t passive'?

The speaker means that being an ally involves taking active steps to support marginalized groups, rather than just expressing sympathy or support without action.

What is the first action the speaker suggests to be a better ally?

The first action suggested is to listen and educate oneself by believing marginalized people's experiences and seeking out resources to learn more about their struggles.

Why does the speaker recommend using Google before asking questions about social issues?

The speaker recommends using Google to find answers to questions about social issues to reduce the burden on marginalized individuals who are not obligated to educate others on these topics.

How does the speaker define the diversity of experiences among marginalized groups?

The speaker defines the diversity of experiences among marginalized groups by stating that there are many different ways of living and being perceived at the intersection of various identities and abilities.

What is the second action the speaker suggests to be a good ally?

The second action is to uplift marginalized voices by retweeting, mentioning, featuring, spotlighting, hiring, and including them in conversations and positions of authority.

Why is it important for allies to speak up when they witness injustice?

It is important for allies to speak up because they can take the burden off those who are directly affected by injustice, and their privilege often provides them with more safety and influence to challenge problematic behavior.

What does the speaker mean by 'speaking up about injustice isn’t the same as speaking for a marginalized group'?

The speaker means that allies should call out problematic behavior and injustices they witness, but they should not try to represent the experiences or speak on behalf of marginalized groups, which is not their place.

Why is it the ally's role to address problematic behavior within their own communities?

It is the ally's role to address problematic behavior within their own communities because they are more likely to be listened to by those who share their privilege and are in a position to influence change.

What does the speaker suggest about respecting safe spaces?

The speaker suggests that allies should respect safe spaces for marginalized groups, understanding that these spaces are important for emotional support and empowerment without judgment.

What is the fifth action the speaker recommends for allies to take?

The fifth action is for allies to get to work by using their strengths, access, and resources to help marginalized communities, which can include calling government officials, financially supporting programs, or volunteering.

How does the speaker view the process of being an ally?

The speaker views the process of being an ally as an active, ongoing commitment to unlearning prejudices, valuing different experiences, and working towards a more equitable world.

What does the speaker suggest for those who want to take quick action steps?

The speaker suggests checking out a previous video on the channel about resisting and challenging for quick action steps on how to be a better ally.

What is the speaker's opinion on Ringling College of Art and Design?

The speaker has a high opinion of Ringling College of Art and Design, praising the quality of student work and recommending it for those interested in animation.