Guide issued on how to be a ‘white ally’
The University of Bath has issued a guide on how to be anti-racist and a white ally.
The guide explains what actions people can take when they are confronted by racism but don’t know how to respond in the moment, and offers educational resources for white people who want to become a better ally.
It includes advice specifically about dealing with ‘micro-aggressions,’ inappropriate jokes, structural discriminators and verbal abuse among other things.
The university has written the guide in response to the killing of George Floyd in America which in turn sparked the Black Lives Matter movement across the globe.
It has already publicly given its support to the movement in a statement published in June saying it would take action against racism.
It said: “As a university, we must acknowledge that racism exists across our society and country, including here at Bath.”
The guide, collated by the equality, diversity and inclusion team at the university, says that while many will feel “disgust” at racism, we might not have the lived experience of prejudice, which in turn can make knowing how to respond correctly hard.
In the section on ‘Being an ally’ the guide explains how to actively listen, avoid rationalising bad behaviour through not making excuses for someone’s bad behaviour, how to educate yourself, believe others who tell you stories of racism, and speak up for those you are trying to support rather than overshadowing them.
It goes on to say that understanding privilege, recognising mistakes and being respectful are also a key part in being an ally.
The four Ds
The guide uses the concept of the four Ds when responding to inappropriate comments and behaviours.
It says inappropriate comments and behaviours, micro-aggressions and structural discriminators are often “invisible to the majority and entrenched in our culture and society”. It continues: “They sneak up on us, both as victims and in our own minds and mouths without us being aware.”
The four Ds are:
■ Direct Action - which is when you would ask someone to stop their behaviour and immediately call them out.
■ Distraction - indirectly intervene, for example by de-escalating by interrupting or changing the subject or focus. Which can be useful when the direct approach may be harmful to the target or bystander.
■ Delay - wait for the situation to pass and check in with the individual. Take action at a later stage when you have had time to consider.
■ Delegation - inform a more senior member of staff, someone with social power or authority.
The guide goes on to offer six different ways to respond in a situation before giving personal tips for going forward.
It also gives an extensive list of further sources for people to go to educate themselves, including articles, books, videos and Instagram accounts to follow, websites, podcasts, blogs, movies and documentaries.
To read the guide go to: www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-be-an-anti-racist-and-white-ally.
A Black Lives Matter protest was held in Bath on Saturday, June 6, and around 1,200 people attended.
The organisers said “it was emotional” to see Bath come together to support the movement.