How Allyship Became the New Slacktivism

The Rise of Performative Activism

In the age of social media, it's easier than ever to show your support for a cause. With a few clicks, you can share a post, retweet an article, or donate to a charity. But is this enough to make a real difference? Some critics argue that this new form of activism is nothing more than slacktivism—a way to feel good about yourself without actually doing anything. They point out that signing an online petition or changing your profile picture does nothing to address the underlying problems that cause social injustice.

The Problem with Performative Activism

There are several problems with performative activism. First, it can lead to a false sense of accomplishment. When you see your friends and followers sharing the same posts and articles as you, it's easy to feel like you're part of a movement. But this feeling can be deceptive. Just because you're talking about a problem doesn't mean you're actually doing anything to solve it. Second, performative activism can be harmful. When people focus more on appearing woke than making a real difference, it can actually set back the cause they claim to support. For example, when celebrities use their platforms to speak out against racism or sexism, it can lead to backlash from those who feel like they're not being genuine. This can make it harder for real activists to get their voices heard.

How to Be a True Ally

If you want to be a true ally, it's important to go beyond performative activism. Here are a few tips: 1. Educate yourself. The first step to being an ally is to educate yourself about the issues that your friends and neighbors are facing. Read books, articles, and news stories. Talk to people from different backgrounds and perspectives. This will help you understand the challenges that they face and how you can help. 2. Listen to your friends. One of the best ways to be an ally is to simply listen to your friends. Let them share their experiences and perspectives without interrupting or trying to change their minds. This will help you build empathy and understanding. 3. Speak up. When you see or hear something that is racist, sexist, homophobic, or transphobic, don't be afraid to speak up. This doesn't mean you have to be confrontational, but you can say something like, "I don't think that's appropriate" or "That's not okay." 4. Support organizations that are working to make a difference. One of the most effective ways to be an ally is to support organizations that are working to make a difference. There are many great organizations out there that are fighting for social justice, and you can help them by donating your time or money.

Conclusion

Being an ally is not always easy, but it's important. By educating yourself, listening to your friends, speaking up, and supporting organizations that are working to make a difference, you can help create a more just and equitable world.