Is Your Allyship Performative?

2020 has surely been filled with eventful happenings that no one could ever imagine. In the second quarter of the new year, we were met with the start of a pandemic, which has lead to a spike in unemployment. Now we are seeing protests breaking out across the world sparked by the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd giving the Black Lives Matter movement new momentum. The cycle of these events is nothing new, a Black person unrightfully murdered, outrage, protest, the dust settles and it happens again; but this time feels different, it is different. Now, I’m noticing major brands who usually keep it cute and mute speaking out, white influencers coming out as “allies” and posting cute little Canva graphics on how not to be racist. It’s cute but a question comes to mind, has “anti-racist” activism become the new black. It seems rather trendy, doesn't it? I mean, have you seen the content? Although I'm 100 percent here for whites and non-black POCs doing the work themselves, some things seem performative especially when these new allies are just now after years of murders finding a voice to speak or the courage to pick up a book! Like, welcome to the party y’all but we are 50 plus years deep into the revolution. What grinds my gears is the fact that these very same people/corps are now being called out for micro/macro-aggressions toward black people in the workplace as well as speaking out against the BLM movement; which leads me to question the motive. YES people do change, but can you change without first acknowledging the part you've played in systematic racism i.e. making it uncomfortable for your black coworkers to speak out about racism in the workplace)? Instagram makes everything look so cute even activism so I get it, you girls felt left out the narrative and decided to join the cause. Before joining us and creating posts that are getting tons of shares and impressions, check your past mistakes and admit to your part in covert racism. That's all I ask. Don't join this movement because it's the hot topic right now, join because you are serious about creating change and that change needs to start with you!