She Strengthens

The Exhausting Reality of Allyship Fatigue

Are you tired of the constant media frenzy surrounding social justice issues? I know I am. With each new headline, I feel a sense of temporary vindication, only to be left wondering why I’m not doing more to support the Black community.

The Weight of Distraction

As I reflect on my own actions, I realize that I’ve been guilty of pivoting away from Black experiences. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of watching toxic leaders fall, but what about the work that needs to be done behind the scenes? My attention span is a valuable resource, and I need to make sure I’m using it to amplify the right voices.

The Dangers of Allyship Fatigue

Allyship fatigue is a real phenomenon, but it’s not an excuse to opt out of the hard work of being an ally. It’s a feeling of emotional exhaustion that can lead to burnout and complacency. But we can’t afford to be complacent. Black people are still dying, and justice is still elusive.

Reckoning with My Own Complicity

I’ve had to confront my own role in perpetuating the system. When I prioritize clicks over substance, I’m complicit in the erasure of Black experiences. When I rush to celebrate small victories without questioning the underlying structures, I’m not doing the work of true allyship.

Finding Accountability

So, how do I hold myself accountable? For starters, I’ve developed a Venn diagram trick to ensure that my actions align with the goals of the Black Lives Matter movement. By focusing on the overlap between my definition of justice and the movement’s definition of justice, I can prioritize actions that truly make a difference.

Practicing Mutual Interest

It’s not about grand gestures or performative activism. It’s about taking small, incremental steps towards creating a culture that believes Black people first. It’s about building a culture where we don’t need to wait for the next tragedy to take action.

Growth and Progress

My overlap may be small now, but it’s growing. With each new learning experience, I’m able to expand my circle of action. And it’s not just about me – it’s about creating space for others to heal, forgive, and grow.

The Power of Black Joy

Celebrating Black joy is just as important as acknowledging Black pain. By including Black joy in my overlap, I’m reminded that action shouldn’t only be motivated by fear and pain. It’s about creating a world where wellness is achieved in mutual interest for ourselves and each other.

A Call to Action

So, what’s next? It’s time to reframe our understanding of allyship and take concrete steps towards creating a more just society. Let’s focus on building a culture that believes Black people first, and let’s hold ourselves accountable for the work that needs to be done.