Steer Clear of Performative Allyship, and Other Actions for?Allies
Each week, Karen Catlin shares five simple actions to create a more inclusive workplace and be a better?ally.
1. Steer clear of performative allyship
Have you heard of this new trend where white women wear blue friendship bracelets to signal they voted for Harris? As reported by USA Today, they’re “seeking ways to differentiate themselves from what appears to be a majority of white women who voted for Trump, who they view as a harmful choice for women.” They want to signal that they’re safe for and supportive of Black women.
Yet, as a Threads user posted, “Making blue bracelets will lull us into complacency. It will feel like a box ticked off, a thing we’ve done. ‘We’ve completed the assignment!’ But we haven’t.”
I agree.
To show support for Black women, let’s be sure to do the work. Are you looking for some ideas? Check out my article on five ways to be a better sponsor for coworkers from underrepresented groups. I cover speaking their name when they aren’t around, endorsing them publicly, inviting them to high-profile meetings when they’re left out, sharing their career goals with decision-makers, and recommending them for growth assignments.
I’ve also seen some suggestions on social media about wearing face masks instead of donning blue bracelets. As a newsletter subscriber who is disabled by long COVID told me, wearing a face mask in a crowded indoor space can signal that you want to be an ally and is a step towards making those spaces safer for everyone.
2. Shut down abusive?comments
Now for another trend, a deeply disturbing one.
WIRED reported on the many violent, bigoted, and misogynistic social media posts celebrating Trump’s win, calling for “rape squads,” talking about “rounding up all the gays into camps,” claiming “your body, my choice,” and more. NPR reported on racist text messages many young African Americans received that read “You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. Be ready at 1pm SHARP with your belongings.”
I appreciate this guidance from my friend, Brad Johnson PhD PhD, a professor at Johns Hopkins and co-author of Good Guys:
“Sexist and abusive posts directed at women have surged across social media since the election. At this point, I don’t care who you voted for, if you identify as a man, now is the time for you to step up.”
He added,?
“Confrontation of other men for misogynistic, harassing, and sexist behavior may be the hardest part of allyship. Going against your gender’s long-standing bro code to promote an equitable and inclusive workplace is where the cost of allyship quickly gets real. David Smith and I call this putting some skin in the game when it comes to showing up as an ally.”
And then provided these suggestions for responding to any abusive, harassing comments:
3. Double-down on?allyship
In an interview with Time magazine about what the U.S. election means for workplaces, David Glasgow , who is the executive director at NYU’s Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, explained:
“When faced with such a frontal assault on DEI, many people will be tempted to retreat in fear. But there is a lot of lawful DEI work that is beyond the reach of a hostile presidency, such as work that removes bias from internal policies, or work that benefits everyone, including programs grounded in concepts like allyship, psychological safety, authenticity, inclusive leadership, or cross-cultural competency.”
I’d love to see more people doubling down on their allyship activities.
Join an employee resource group for allies. Share my newsletter with a colleague. Read one of my books or ally-themed publications from other authors. Host a book discussion with your team.
Together, we can help create workplaces where everyone can do their best work and thrive.
4. Review “best of” lists for diversity
On LinkedIn, Osman Lee posted, “The fastest growing B2B [business to business] brands have founders creating content regularly.”
The post included photos of nine men.
Lee also asked, “Who did I miss?”
I appreciated this response from Cindy Gallop : “Osman Lee asks, ‘Who did I miss?’ Only 50% of the population?—?the important 50%: the primary purchasers and primary influencers of purchase of everything.”
Lee subsequently apologized and posted an image of 9 women founders who are regular content creators. (I’m hoping he’ll do another post that features more racial diversity next.)
If you’re planning a “best of” list or other kind of award, pause and consider the group’s diversity. If it’s homogenous, ask yourself if that’s the message you want to send. That only a certain kind of person is worth honoring? If not, you’ve got some work to do to identify additional candidates.
5. Community Spotlight: Avoid phrases that diminish or disparage Indigenous culture
This week’s spotlight on an action from the Better Allies community is especially relevant given that November is National Native American Heritage Month. Newsletter subscriber Laura Nobrega wrote,
“I can’t tell you how many times I hear “bury the hatchet” or “powwow” in the media after it came to my attention how it minimizes its original meaning. I even find myself saying “powwow,” realizing it, and correcting myself.”
Like Laura, I’ve also used the word “powwow.” Not too long ago, I used it to describe a group discussion I was about to facilitate. As the word came out of my mouth, I realized I should have chosen a different one. One that would be more inclusive and respectful of Native Americans and their heritage. One that wouldn’t appropriate their culture.
Unfortunately, many sayings diminish or disparage the culture of Indigenous peoples. Examples include “going off the reservation,” “lowest person on the totem pole,” “too many chiefs, not enough Indians,” and “Indian giver.” Read more in Use These Culturally Offensive Phrases & Questions at Your Own Risk from Indigenous Corporate Training, Inc.
If you’ve taken a step towards being a better ally, please reply to this email and tell me about it. And mention if I can quote you by name or credit you anonymously in an upcoming newsletter.
That’s all for this week. I wish you strength and safety as we all move forward.
— Karen Catlin (she/her), author of the Better Allies? book series
Copyright ? 2024 Karen Catlin. All rights reserved.
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