Anti-racist efforts should not be abandoned due to feelings of exhaustion or burnout, often referred to as "allyship fatigue."
In recent times, the conversation surrounding allyship, justice, and mental health has gained significant attention. One tragic event that has sparked this discussion is the murder of Oluwatoyin Salau, a 19-year-old activist, who was sexually assaulted before her life was cruelly taken by a stranger who promised to drive her to church.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for action, particularly in understanding and bridging the gap between our individual definitions of justice and those held by movements like Black Lives Matter. The Venn diagram trick, as proposed by some, involves focusing on actions that lie in the overlap of these definitions. To do this, it may require brushing up on anti-racist reading of historical calibre.
Another pressing issue is the rise of incidents where Black men have died by hanging in public places. Since the death of Robert Fuller, four more cases have been reported. Fuller's death was initially ruled a suicide, but many Black people pointed out that he was found hanging from a tree next to city hall, a form of lynching that has deep historical and emotional resonance in the Black community.
The term "allyship fatigue" has been circulating in discussions about these issues. Originating from the disabled community, it refers to a feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted from doing the work of being an ally. However, it's important to note that the phrase is often used as an excuse to justify non-participation.
Supporting Black friends, coworkers, and writers requires more than just good intentions. It requires taking extra steps to rectify harm caused, even if done by mistake. This can be challenging, especially when feelings of guilt, sadness, or tiredness threaten to overwhelm. Allyship fatigue describes this desire to move away from these feelings by removing oneself from the work that makes allyship.
In times of fatigue, it's crucial to remember the importance of self-care. Elly Belle, a writer for Greatist, emphasised this point, tweeting about the importance of being anti-racist during times of fatigue. Celebrating Black joy is also essential for mental health, offering a much-needed respite from the heavy burden of constant activism.
The digital space, too, plays a role in our understanding and participation in these issues. One headline click, even if innocuous, can inform Google that one is more interested in certain topics, making one complicit in the system. If one's timeline is all about "go back to normal," it may imply that one is not following the right people.
The fight for justice is far from over. Breonna Taylor's killers are still not held accountable despite the passing of Breonna's Law. This lack of accountability is a stark reminder of the systemic issues that need to be addressed.
In the pursuit of a more just world, it's essential to question the work behind the scenes. If one's sense of justice is not in the right place, it indicates that one is not questioning the work behind the scenes. The author is working on expanding her understanding of what being anti-racist looks like, with the hope that her Venn diagram eventually becomes a circle, where wellness is achieved in mutual interest for ourselves and each other.
In the realm of wellness and beauty, Christal Yuen, a senior editor at Greatist, and Jenny Zhang, a staff writer at Eater, are using their platforms to shed light on workplace oppression and the importance of a spotlight on black experience becoming a more general conversation about pay disparity.
The journey towards anti-racism is a lifelong one, but it's a journey worth taking. Let's continue to learn, grow, and advocate for change, both for ourselves and for each other.
