Below are excerpts from the article:
The ally industrial complex: Capitalists advancing their careers off the struggles they ostensibly support. Where struggle is commodity, allyship is currency
Accomplice not Ally
ac·com·plice
noun: accomplice; plural noun: accomplices
a person who helps another commit a crime.
“When we fight back or forward, together, becoming complicit in a struggle towards liberation, we are accomplices.”; Direct action is really the best and may be the only way to learn what it is to be an accomplice. We’re in a fight, so be ready for confrontation and consequence.
Types of Problematic Allyship
“Salvation aka Missionary Work & Self Therapy” – “Allies all too often carry romantic notions of oppressed folks they wish to “help.” These are the ally “saviors” who see victims and tokens instead of people.”
“Exploitation & Co-optation” – “Those who co-opt are only there to advance self interests.” These entities almost always propose trainings, workshops, action camps, and offer other specialized expertise in acts of patronization.
“Self proclaiming/confessional Allies” – “All too often folks show up with an, “I am here to support you!” attitude that they wear like a badge. Ultimately making struggles out to feel like an extracurricular activity that they are getting “ally points” for. ” Meaningful alliances aren’t imposed, they are consented upon.
“Parachuters” – Parachuters rush to the front lines seemingly from out-of-nowhere. They literally move from one hot or sexy spot to the next. Parachuters are usually missionaries with more funding.
“Academics, & Intellectuals” – Intellectuals are most often fixated on un-learning oppression. These lot generally don’t have their feet on the ground, but are quick to be critical of those who do.
“Gatekeepers” – Gatekeepers seek power over, not with, others. They are known for the tactics of controlling and/or withholding information, resources, connections, support, etc.
“Navigators & Floaters” – The “navigating” ally is someone who is familiar or skilled in jargon and maneuvers through spaces or struggles yet doesn’t have meaningful dialogue (by avoiding debates or remaining silent) or take meaningful action beyond their personal comfort zones (this exists with entire organizations too). They uphold their power and, by extension, the dominant power structures by not directly attacking them.; Floaters are “allies” that hop from group to group and issue to issue, never being committed enough but always wanting their presence felt and their voices heard. They tend to disappear when it comes down to being held accountable or taking responsibility for fucked up behavior.
“Acts of Resignation” – In the worst cases, “allies” themselves act paralyzed believing it’s their duty as a “good ally.” There is a difference between acting for others, with others, and for one’s own interests.
Suggestions for some ways forward for anti-colonial accomplices:
- articulate your relationship to Indigenous Peoples whose lands you are occupying.
- Accomplices listen with respect for the range of cultural practices and dynamics that exists within various Indigenous communities.
- Accomplices aren’t motivated by personal guilt or shame, they may have their own agenda but they are explicit.
- Accomplices are realized through mutual consent and build trust. They don’t just have our backs, they are at our side, or in their own spaces confronting and unsettling colonialism. As accomplices we are compelled to become accountable and responsible to each other, that is the nature of trust.