Being a good Ally, Intersectionality: Tying it all together
Teaching at the Intersections
Honor and teach about your students’ multiple identities, Monita K. Bell
I do subscribe to the concept of Intersectionality, getting to know the whole child by examining the various components of individuality. It is not enough to make assumptions or judgement calls about a student's performance demonstrated in the school setting without having an understanding the child's religious background, family life, socioeconomic situation, home life, etc. As a school nurse I feel that I am in a unique situation to find out more about a child's private "out of school" life. The child must be viewed as a whole person. As a school nurse, I see myself as a partner to the teachers in the school and would hope to be a resource. I would welcome input and concerns from teachers so that if there seems to be a problem in the classroom, I might be able to garner greater understanding by learning about what issues and challenges the child faces when not in school. In other words, I might meet with the child and or family to peel back the layers of the child's identity to reveal important characteristics that explain or contribute to his or her academic success.
For some children, these multiple layers of identity are assets which serve to strengthen, but for others, these multiple layers may be forces that oppress, such as a one might expect to see with a black, female who is also lesbian. In this case, the child is in marginalized groups according to race, gender and sexual orientation. If this child were also being brought up in a single parent home with younger siblings, or is homeless, the obstacles could seem insurmountable and certainly contribute to performance in the classroom. Teachers have an obligation to know each of their students through the lens of intersectionality. The other tips all made sense to me and it seems like being an ally is an important way to support marginalized people, but I also think, at the risk of seeming insecure, that it takes courage, especially because an ally must walk a fine line (or staying in the lane as Franchesca explained so as not to talk over others) and the ally is likely to make mistakes and be called out for those mistakes. In other words, the ally must be very confident and not be afraid to make a mistake for which there will be repercussions. I would want to be an ally, but would want to be treated nicely by those I am being an ally for and I'm not sure that I have the confidence to do that just yet. This is another goal I will work on...to take the risks necessary and always speak up for those who need the support.
I viewed this video with an open mind and open heart. After taking my notes and contemplating the information about being an ally, I decided to take a look at the comments that were posted and was shocked to see just how many were mean spirited and hateful. I felt Frenchesca's message was informative and friendly, her message was a good one, but so many respondents received the message very differently, or maybe just have hate in their hearts.
While reading the assigned article on intersectionality, I stumbled upon another article on the Teaching Tolerance web site, Anatomy of an Ally, by Carrie Gaffney. She explained that in order to be a good ally, one must first examine one's own identity, a process which takes some time. She also reiterated that being an ally can create some uncomfortable feelings which are necessary to the process and similarly to Franchesca's tips, also states that allys will not always know what and how to say things. Gaffney listed the following things to keep in mind:
Am I Doing It Right?
Even experienced allies aren’t always sure what to say or do. These reminders can keep you on the path to being a source of support and empowerment.
- Do listen and ask how you can help.
- Don’t expect another person to educate you about their identity.
- Do accept criticism thoughtfully. Don’t broadcast your qualifications for being an ally.
- Do speak up when you hear biased language.
- Don’t apologize for the actions of your identity group.
- Do seek support from experienced allies within your identity group.
- Don’t expect credit for being an ally.
- Do acknowledge intersectionality.
- Don’t selectively support one group over another.
I thought these suggestions were helpful so thought I'd share them here.
In response to your question, a cis woman simply means that her gender identity matches her biological sex assigned at birth. I am only aware of this term because of my teach out final project. I too have heard different terms spoken by my children, but never really thought to question them. I agree that the child must be viewed as a whole person, but this was a principle ingrained from nursing. Never was it viewed as "intersectionality". It could be because the term was coined in the late 80's, at which time I was out of school for a few years already. The added reminders you listed are great tips to incorporate into our practice since we are our patient's advocates.
ReplyDeleteI love how privilege was defined in the video, of what it means and does not mean. From taking this class, seeing the video, and thoughtfully reflecting, I realize what my privilege is and how I can use it to be an ally.
ReplyDeleteI love how you see yourself as a nurse as an extension of the teacher! I totally agree that nurse's often see a side of students that classroom teachers don't (especially in terms of honesty and vulnerability) and it makes such a difference when school nurse's want to be connected to their school community!
ReplyDeleteSuch great connection between seeing your holistic whole body work as a nurse as so similar to the call for "intersectionality." And the Gaffney piece is also a great addition to the conversation. This is not easy work, as you name so reflectively as you ponder how you will be treated by others for whom you might stand up. Thanks for taking the risks of thinking it all through and acting on it!
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