I think we need to better define the ways that we present ourselves as allies or comrades to populations undergoing struggle or trauma. There should be a clear difference between deep care for a community and adopting the dysregulated state that many in those communities are in when their people are enduring horror. It is self-serving posturing and detrimental to a movement for allies (especially those who live in privilege) to descend into publicly replicating the behaviors and actions of those who are experiencing trauma. Folks rely on allies to help translate their pain, to take action. It is an extremely important role that we must take seriously. We cannot let the insecurity we have of living in privilege to translate into behaving in dysregulated ways and playact suffering, rather than doing what is necessary and prudent to alleviate their pain.
Pam Yang
2mo
it's almost as if we continued our conversation. 💛 thank you for putting this into such thoughtful words. i hope those who do this can recognize themselves in this.
Aicila Lewis
2mo
"Folks rely on allies to help translate their pain, to take action. It is an extremely important role that we must take seriously." Really appreciate this point- I've not thought of it from that perspective -- thank you.
Phew yes
Equitable Park Asset Architect | Racial Equity Champion | Change Agent | Good Troublemaker | Bridge Builder | Agitator
2mo“We cannot let the insecurity we have of living in privilege to translate into behaving in dysregulated ways and playact suffering, rather than doing what is necessary and prudent to alleviate their pain.” Whew… As a public servant who sees this happening often if not daily on so many levels, this. Thank you for this post. 🖤