Course syllabus: We are all one race, the human race!: Lessons in Allyship
Description: If you are a liberal White woman, you may have spent the last four years working hard to become an ally. You have posted about your outrage on social media, you proudly supported Biden and Harris, you showed up at protests against the supreme court appointment of Brett Kavanaugh and in support of Black Lives Matter. Then, in the 2020 presidential election, 55% of White women voted for Trump. Not you, but lots of other White women. You’ve explained this many times to anyone who would listen. Still, you suffer. This course will help you navigate the increasingly complex waters of power, privilege, and difference without actually having to change anything about your behavior or challenging your already perfect sense of self.
Prerequisites: Students must be used to being the “norm” but not acknowledging that fact. They must have attended at least one recent rally or protest that included Black Lives Matter signs. Students must have chanted at least one name that they promised they would look up later.
Topics
· Deflecting mentions of your White privilege by pointing out oppression faced because you are a woman — Many White women have experienced oppression. Point of fact, the recent Op-Ed disparaging Jill Biden’s doctorate. That would have never happened to a man. Yes, you recognize that you have unearned privileges because of your skin color. But, then again, you have experienced hardships. Your White privilege is not the same as other White privilege — certainly not the same as a man’s White privilege. Worse yet, what about all of the good White women who are actually named Karen? They are really suffering right now.
· Playing “devil’s advocate” — Listening is one of the most important skills of a true ally. But sometimes, after listening to a person of color it is a good idea to turn their idea on it’s head and ask them to consider another point of view. For instance, they may feel that they are unfairly watched while shopping. However, have they considered that the store has been under pressure due to Covid and the store is not in the best neighborhood?
· Setting up Pinterest boards for BLM sign design ideas — Many of us have found ourselves at a protest either without a sign or next to someone who has a much better sign. It is really so embarrassing to see a clever turn of phrase and wish you would have thought of it. In this module we will brainstorm fonts, phrases, and fearless images to make YOUR sign the winning sign. A protest isn’t a protest if it doesn’t result in a stellar Instagram selfie!
· How to be the center of attention at every protest you organize — Many protests are organized by local White allies. Those allies are often front and center, leading chants and getting interviewed. Learn how to center yourself so you can be the star of the day. You are an amazing ally, now let’s learn how to get full credit for your work.
· Balancing strength and tears — As women, we want to project our strength. We want our voices heard. That said, sometimes our views are misunderstood or taken out of context. In those moments when the conversation becomes uncomfortable, when we may have offended or said something wrong, there are strategies we can employ to recenter the conversation to meet our needs. Get ready to learn! Bring tissues.