Op/Ed: How To Be a Good Ally

By Aidan Rodriguez

“Actions speak louder than words.” Everyone’s heard that phrase, and for some people that is true. As of late, many people of color have been speaking up about their experiences with micro-aggressions and blatant racism. Many who have personally been affected have taken actions to stand up for the cause, but there are others who simply wish to support their peers.  However, not everyone is sure how to do this. Support can vary in its appearance; you can show your support for others through your actions, words or simply your presence.

Image from Millersville University

If actions are the easiest way for you to express yourself, here are some ideas. While they have slowed down, protests regarding equality are still a great way to show support for the cause. Smaller ways to show support, though, are volunteering with a school or a local youth center and doing research on your own about obstacles people of color face. Taking the responsibility of educating yourself and not relying on people of color to educate you helps move the cause forward.

Now, if words are more your style, there are still things you can do. The biggest thing you can do is spread awareness and verbalize your support for the cause. Your words don’t have to be something controversial or loud. Words of support can range from standing up for a classmate to just being aware of your own vernacular. Many microaggressions aren’t intentional as they stem from prejudice, and something as simple as self-reflection to recognize your own prejudice helps. Many people are quick to try and hold others responsible for their actions, but sometimes people struggle to hold themselves accountable. You have to not only be able to be the beginning of the change but also be willing to change. 

Image from Poster Store

Finally, one of the most important things you can do to support people of color is to practice active listening. Active listening sounds like a daunting phrase, but in reality, it is rather simple. The phrase is a guide on how to be a good listener. This includes showing the speaker that you are listening, going into the conversation with an open mind and acknowledging the message they are trying to relay. Let people tell you their story and don’t discredit their story.  

In the wake of this year and everything that has happened, we need one thing more now than ever: support. Thankfully, that is exactly what our school is giving us. Owasso High School hosted a student-led conversation about diversity on May 13. This meeting was created to support our fellow students and pair with the administration to make Owasso a place where everyone feels welcome.