What does it really meant to be an ally? How can young people take action in their lives to be better allies? This informative, non-judgmental book by educator Tanya Boteju not only gives readers definitions and concepts to help their understanding, but also presents a variety of realistic and nuanced scenarios for them to explore. What happens when a prospective ally ends up talking over those he is trying to help, for example?
Many kinds of oppressions are covered here, including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism, along with topics like privilege and marginalization. Readers are given suggestions and tools to help them both in their own self-understanding and the understanding of others, and invited to think critically about how to really practice allyship rather than just perform it.
The practical, action-oriented focus of the book makes it stand out. I particularly appreciate that while it encourages action, it specifically says young people shouldn’t be expected to engage in full-blown debates with older people who hold biased views. “In situations like this, it might be best to stick to what you do know and share what is true for you,” e.g., by talking about how a particular issue impacts friends at school.
Thoughtful, nuanced, and kind, with a layout that includes quotes, definitions, and tips in colorful boxes that add interest and fun, this is bound to be a useful volume for both young people and their adults. Highly recommended.
