What being an ally means to me...

This ideology that white-cis-het-masculine-men are the top of the social food chain has been around and upheld for centuries. There have literally been wars to uphold this ideal. This is the very idea that this country is built on and has landed us where we are today, a country of hate and bigotry.

America today is full of rallies with hate speech, neo-nazis, and white nationalism. In the current political climate, these events have been on the rise. With these occurrences on the rise, efforts to combat that hate are also ascending. Calling politicians, social media activism, and counter-protests/marches are just some ways many stand up for their own lives and the lives of others. Allies are needed now, maybe more than ever, but being an ally and calling yourself an ally are two completely different things. Here are some of the ways I make myself a better ally.

1. Only the oppressor can end the oppression.

Understanding that oppression is due to the fact that oppressors keep these systems in place by either actively participating in injustice or being silent when they see injustice. Effectively creating change in identity communities that you, yourself, belong to is a great way to show allyship. But being silent because those problems don't necessarily affect you, and saying you support others in their efforts is bull shit. Your silence only shows complacency to the oppression.

2. Your safety argument is irrelevant...

Your privilege does not allow you to see that these people whose lives are being protested against are not safe and have not been safe for a long time. Why should we place our safety over those, who for so long have been seen as disposable? Choosing not to participate in counter-protests because you're inconvenienced by them or feel unsafe is ridiculous. People are literally in danger everyday simply for just existing. Your safety means nothing if others are not also a priority.

What is allyship if it ends at a certain point? Allyship is not something trendy that can be casually thrown around or something you can claim whenever you want (though many do), it is serious. People's lives are threatened and being present for a community is vital. Ask yourself, what are you doing for that community? Are you positively contributing? Are you raising their voices or silencing them?

That brings me to my next point...

3. Actively LISTEN

For the love of all things good, LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE YOU INTEND TO SUPPORT. You might think you're helping while in reality you may just be hurting the situation. Ask people how you can best support them, and then, when they answer truly listen to what they are saying. People literally are telling you how you can help, they are telling you what they feel, what their experiences are. They are the expert in their own lives, DO NOT try to improve on their answer, they know what they are talking about. 

...and finally...

4. Do not be an ally for a cause you truly don't care about

This is not some trend for you to experiment with, these are people's lives. Do not erase the hard work that has taken generations, centuries, to achieve because you are trying to further your own personal agenda. Not everyone is an activist and that's okay, but do not try to find places for yourself in every movement just to do it and say that you care. One, that's just morally wrong, but also you're doing more harm than good in the long run. Don't force passion out of yourself. It leaves you burnt out and others hurt.

I guess what I am trying to say, know what comes along with the term "ally" before you start claiming it for yourself.