One black square, a couple of story reposts and a few signed petitions later, you’re taking a step back from activism.
This feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted from the emotions involved in the work of being an ally is popularly called ‘Ally Fatigue’. The term originated from the disabled community, and now is widely used to justify withdrawal of participation in minority struggles.
Have you thought about how your freedom to walk away from conversations about race is a privilege in itself? If you, a self-declared ally, are tired of the feelings of guilt and sadness at the racism black people face for existing after doing the bare minimum to be anti-racist then maybe you need to some reflecting. The way you felt in the two weeks of active ally ship is how black people live their entire lives. You’re allyship doesn’t replicate the same struggles black people face. You are not discriminated against because of your allyship.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t take care of your mental health, just that your fatigue shouldn’t be used as an excuse to give up fighting, because being anti-racist is a lifelong commitment, where you are always learning.
Written by Aimy Paul
Artwork by Isabel Johns
留言