One topic: Ally?
The news of racism, rioting and conflict in our country has led a number of people I follow on social media to say that they are embarrassed to be British.
Our British values are: democracy, the rule of law, respect and tolerance and individual liberty. If you're involved in looting, setting fire to hotels and bins, attacking others due to your assumptions about their race and engaging in violence, threats or causing fear, you may claim not to be far right, but you’re certainly far from our British values. You may claim to protect Britishness, but Britishness isn’t yours. You are, at the moment, far from British. We shouldn't be embarrassed about you because you are not currently acting as one of us. Instead, we should stand up against your actions and live collectively by the values we say we have.
This week's topic is being an ally. Ally-ship is the active support for the rights of a minority or marginalized group without being a member of it. I don't think I've historically been as effective an ally as I might. Hopefully, in the future I can be a better one. In this spirit, before the rest of the newsletter, here are three documents which I've been asked to share:
Two Top Tips For Allies
Do: Look, listen and learn: Take the time to learn about the experiences and challenges faced by different people in your community. This could include reading books or articles about other people's experiences as well as asking questions and finding out more from the people you know.
Don't: Stay silent. Use your voice, your pen or your keyboard to challenge discriminatory or prejudicial behaviours and support those affected. You might also advocate for inclusive policies and practices in your workplace.
Three things I've found out from, of all places, Twitter:
I keep a pretty tight rein on my Twitter feed - I refuse to call it by its other name. So my "Following" time line is still mostly a pretty positive place. On the two occasions I clicked onto the "For You" timeline, it was very clearly not for me as it was so toxic.
Nevertheless, on Tuesday morning, a thread popped up from Bilal Mahmood with five tweets offering advice for allies. All five are in the image. However, if (like me) your vision isn't what it used to be, here are three in a slightly bigger font:
Check in with Muslim colleagues. They're not fine. They may not have fully processed there are mobs on the street.
Amplify Muslim and anti-racist voices. Find someone you resonate with. Share their stories and connect.
The silver lining has been seeing neighbours and friends get in front of these mobs or helping clean up.
Four Further Reads:
How to Be an Ally by Melinda Briana Epler
Drawing from her experience as a strategic advisor for tech companies, startups, tech hubs, and governments around the world, Melinda Briana Epler provides valuable insights on how business leaders can create a more equitable workplace by leading the change.
Natives: Roots and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala
In Natives, Akala covers everything from the police, education and identity to politics, sexual objectification and the far right, Natives focuses directly on British denial and squeamishness when it comes to confronting issues of race and class which are central to the history of Britain's racialised empire.
My Name is Why by Lemn Sissay
In this autobiographical account, Sissay reflects on his childhood, self-expression and Britishness. In doing so, he explores the institutional care system, race, family and the meaning of home. As one of the nation's best-loved poets Sissay crafts a moving memoir trying to find answers to a life of questions. This is a celebration of the redemptive power of creativity.
My Name Is Leon by Kit de Waal
It's 1981, a year of riots and royal weddings. The Dukes of Hazzard is on TV. Curly Wurlys are in the shops. And trying to find a place in it all is nine-year-old Leon. He and his little brother Jake have gone to live with Maureen. They've lost one home, but have they found another? Maureen feeds and looks after them. She has wild red hair and mutters swearwords under her breath when she thinks they can't hear. She claims everything will be okay. But will they ever see their mother again?
Friday Five Tunes Linked To Being an Ally:
What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
Great Things
Echobelly
I'll Rise
Ben Harper
Asian Dub Foundation
Comin' Over Here
Open Arms
Elbow
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